Conversation so far:
what was the band's composition in their early years?
he took a job in a record store and formed the idea of a new band to be called the Smashing Pumpkins.
While working there, he met guitarist James Iha.
who else worked in the band?
singer and guitarist Billy Corgan.
did the band have any other member?
Jazz drummer Jimmy Chamberlin was recommended by a friend of Corgan's.

Question: what was the major gain from these early years?
Self-contained rewrite: What was the major achievement from the Smashing Pumpkin's early years?