The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips, formed in 1983 in Oklahoma City, is an American psychedelic rock band known for their experimental sound, theatrical live performances, and artistic innovation. The core members include Wayne Coyne (vocals, guitar), Michael Ivins (bass), and Steven Drozd (multi-instrumentalist). The band's early years were marked by a more straightforward rock sound, but it wasn't until the early 1990s that they embraced a more avant-garde and experimental approach, becoming synonymous with the psychedelic and alternative music scenes.

The breakthrough for The Flaming Lips came with their ninth studio album, "The Soft Bulletin" (1999), which received critical acclaim for its lush orchestration, introspective lyrics, and unique sonic landscapes. This marked a shift in their musical direction towards a more intricate and layered sound. The band continued to push boundaries with albums like "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" (2002) and "At War with the Mystics" (2006), showcasing their ability to blend psychedelic rock with elements of electronic music. Known for their elaborate live performances featuring confetti, balloons, and Wayne Coyne's iconic giant hamster ball, The Flaming Lips have established themselves as pioneers of experimental rock, continually reinventing their sound and maintaining a devoted fan base throughout their decades-long career.