I wonder how many articles about bands or musicians have, in the last year, started off with the phrase, “With plenty of down time during the pandemic, ___________ decided to __________.”

In this case, for fill-in-the-blanks purposes, insert “Billy Corgan” and “write his latest rock opera.” Yep, Corgan, the mastermind behind the Smashing Pumpkins, who play Thursday in the Mohegan Sun Arena, used at least part of his COVID isolation to write a three-part, expanded concept album called “Atum.” Corgan says “Atum” is pronounced “Autumn” and, while I personally think he could have saved himself a lot of needless interview explanation by just calling the opera “Autumn,” well, he’s the alt-rock genius.

With original guitarist James Iha and original drummer Jimmy Chamberlain back in the fold, fully three-quarters of the iconic Pumpkins lineup will be onstage for this tour. The official release for “Atum” takes place over three separate discs, the first of which, “Part One,” hits the streets Nov. 15. Count on a nice sampler at the show.

Opening are Jane’s Addiction and Poppy.

The Smashing Pumpkins, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Mohegan Sun Arena; $79.50-$149.50; www.mohegansun.com.