Flaming Lips helped a crowd realise that all we have is now and that is worth celebrating.
Flaming Lips finally were able to play their Glasgow performance two years after it was first planned for. Now that artists are able to perform again there are sets are being announced here, there and everywhere. Every event is facing tough competition to gather attendees in the current climate of fear and with the hard financial pinch that most are facing. Flaming Lips drew a large crowd to the iconic Barrowlands in Glasgow and people clearly expected to be wowed.
Flaming Lips are notorious for their live performances. Their quirky rock and even quirkier shows have built them a reputation of greatness. With new album American Head (2020) receiving strong reviews and praise for retaining the dramatic brutality of earlier work by the band, it was definitely time for the band to come out and display their light.
The support of the evening was the Heartless Bastards. Though their crowd was small, those who made the smart choice to come down early enough were treated to a soulful warmth from the eclectic indie band. The deep melodies snaked through the spread-out viewers making for a chilling and memorable set.
When it was time for the main event of the night the venue had certainly filled up immensely. Wayne Coyne looked fantastic, as always, with his signature electrified look and steampunk suit. In no rush, he brought out a robotic bird which he had hoped to fly across the crowd but after multiple attempts it was clear that it was not going to happen. Though it did not go to plan, this opening worked at building a light-hearted, carefree and fun vibe for the night.
The night had many surprises. Coyne was in and out of a giant orb like a pair of slippers and he would perform multiple tracks from inside this bubble. Opening with My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion and then launching into Do you Realize?? and a giant, rainbow was blown up and stretched across the stage. The song was filled with confetti and felt like a party had just exploded into the crowd. The fun Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt 1 resulted in a huge pink robot joining the stage as yet another round of confetti was blasted out. Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell is an incredible number and it’s slick, a laidback flare oozed out across the crowd. Even the beautiful but sombre Waitin’ for Superman could not stop the joy of the evening.
Canadian singer Nell Smith was welcomed on-stage to perform a cover of Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand. It was interesting choice and, though the performance was strong, there was certainly a need for the Flaming Lips to reclaim the stage after it. The newer songs played, Mother I’ve Taken LSD and Dinosaurs on the Mountain melded perfectly with more historic favourites. Powerhouse songs like Moth in an Incubator, Worm Mountain and All We Have is Now were the belt-it-out tracks that brought things back to the most beloved Flaming Lips tracks and the party canon Race for the Prize finished the set. Coyne brought out a large ‘F*** YEAH GLASGOW’ balloon and said a heartfelt thanks to the crowd. The theme of the night had been one of enjoying the now and with a set like that it would have been impossible not to.
The night was full of surprises and was a roaring success – unlike the robot bird – however there was a particular emphasises on the start of the set with these songs having the majority of the thrills. The later songs of the set were by no means plain but when compared with other performances by the band and even with the first half of the night they seemed to go for a simpler set up which was a bit of a disappointment.
Flamings Lips music blurs the line between the fantasy and reality. They delve into the gritty sides of life before jumping into profound optimism. Their show was a display colour, light, life and beauty. In a world that is facing constant tremors, Flaming Lips have shown they’re here to bring love and if, for whatever reason, this was to be their last live performance they have done themselves proud.
Words: Katrin Lamont
Pictures: Stevie Oi!