“I got my brain fried by Wayne” might be the most accurate phrase ever to describe a Flaming Lips concert. This one was on a sign complete with an image of Long John Silvers (where frontman Wayne Coyne once worked) and toasted raviolis, that iconic St. Louis food. And, not only did Coyne see the sign on Monday night’s stellar performance at The Pageant in St. Louis, he took it from the young fan to autograph and returned it later on.
The Flaming Lips have come a long way from performing at frat parties during the daytime*, garnering not one but three Grammys since they formed in 1983. Not too shabby for this Oklahoma City band. Even with all of their success, their style of psychedelic-rock that sways from dreamy to helter-skelter is not for everyone. But for those who it is, it’s everything. And from the looks of the crowd that spanned many decades, their music continues to attract new fans.
A hush drew over the boisterous, capacity crowd after Coyne entered holding a small mechanical bird. He told a story about looking for a mechanical bird to replace one he used to have but couldn’t find an exact replica. So he warned that this one might not fly. But it did. To the excitement of everyone. After its return, the band launched into “My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion” with Coyne nestled into his now well-known plastic bubble. Upon a giant screen lyrics from the song flashed as well as a myriad of kaleidoscopic lights. The concert quickly accelerated to off the charts for the rest of the two-hour performance rife with confetti, giant blow-up rainbows, robots, “F*ck Yeah St. Louis” balloons, wild lights and images, and more.
Amid the sensory overload, Coyne took time out to chat, telling fans The Pageant was one of his favorite places to perform. He also wanted people to feel safe and cared for saying, “Take care of each other … anyone you feel is more vulnerable … help them.”
“Will You Return / When You Come Down,” “Flowers of Neptune 6,” and “Dinosaurs on the Mountain” from their 2020 American Head album found their way into the set including fan favorites “Do You Realize??,” “She Don’t Use Jelly,” “All We Have is Now,” and “Race for the Prize.”
If you woke up feeling a little fuzzy and finding confetti, there’s a good chance you experienced The Flaming Lips in concert and not a whacky, wild dream.
Setlist: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-flaming-lips/2022/the-pageant-st-louis-mo-7bb6aedc.html
For 19-years, Ohio-based Heartless Bastards has created their own brand of spacey, ’70s-inspired blues-rock. The six piece band’s 40-minute opening set included the melodic title track to their 2021 album A Beautiful Life and the rocking “Photograph.”
The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips
More photos from the night: https://bit.ly/FLips22cz
More photos from the night: https://bit.ly/FLips22cz
Up next at The Pageant: https://www.thepageant.com/calendar/
*Were you at that performance at Mizzou in April of 1992 (or was it ’93)? Leave a comment if you remember.
In my work life, I help nonprofits and small businesses with media and public relations. In my what I love to do life, you can typically find me photographing either wild horses or concerts.
