Politicians indeed make strange bedfellows — and, yes, we all know the immortal quote from Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards (and if you don't, Google "the only way I can lose this election is ...").

Similarly, rock bands can make strange tour-mates. Consider Saturday's double bill at the Grand Theater in Foxwoods. Marilyn Manson and Smashing Pumpkins co-headline a night of not-very-similar hard rock.

Head Pumpkin Billy Corgan — essentially a one-man band in the studio — is in the middle of recording an ongoing and thematic series of albums under the loose "Teargarden by Kaleidyscope" umbrella. Critics suggest he's making his most accessible music ever, whatever that means.

As for Manson, he claims his career was ruined by a media firestorm after the Columbine shootings and widespread (inaccurate) reports that Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris were inspired to perpetrate the tragedy by the goth-shock-rocker's music. However, Manson's late-breaking remarks on derailed career momentum have in fact rekindled interest in his work. Weird.

For all of these reasons, this should be an entertaining evening.

— Rick Koster

Smashing Pumpkins, Marilyn Manson, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Grand Theater, Foxwoods; $65 and $95; 1-800-200-2882.