The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips formed in Oklahoma City in 1983 and has been composing psychedelic space rock ever since. Frontman Wayne Coyne is the band’s backbone as a songwriter, guitarist, and the lead singer. Bassist Michael Ivins joins Coyne as the only other original member still performing with the group.

Although the band has yet to achieve international commercial success (with the exception of the 1993 hit "She Don't Use Jelly"), it maintains respect from fellow artists and critics alike. Throughout the 80s and early 90s, The Flaming Lips recorded several EPs and finally broke into the mainstream music scene with The Soft Bulletin (1999), followed by the Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002). From the latter album, the band won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. 

After releasing multiple EPs and performing all over the world, The Flaming Lips released the guitar-heavy, less psychedelic At War with the Mystics (2007). Next came Heady Fwends (2012), which featured collaborations with Nick Cave, Erykah Badu, and more. This album was followed by The Terror (2013), with the hit single "Sun Blows Up Today."

The Flaming Lips' concerts tend to draw a huge crowd due to their over-the-top lighting effects, balloons, confetti, and other gimmicks that fool the audience into thinking they just walked into a Cirque du Soleil trip-fest.