8B: The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips are from Oklahoma City. They formed in 1983.

The band is influenced by a brand of music called psychedelic rock. (Question 1 — What kind of colors would you associate with the phrase “psychedelic rock”? (A) brown and gray; (B) black and white; (C) lots of bright colors.)

The lead singer’s name is Wayne Coyne. As a kid, he loved the movies “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “The Wizard of Oz.” He liked them because they were colorful, imaginative, creative, and weird. Wayne is weird — and proud of it. Here’s a clip from “Willy Wonka.”

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory movie clips: http://j.mp/2ihVyyo BUY THE MOVIE: http://bit.ly/2hAlh58 Don't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/...

In 2005, the Lips recorded the “Wizard of Oz” song “If I Only Had a Brain.” Here it is.

The Flaming Lips 'Greatest Hits : Vol. 1' Out Now! https://wbr.ec/fl-greatest-hits Tracklisting for Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (Vinyl edition) Side One: 1. Do You ...

Also in 2005, a movie was made about the Flaming Lips called “Fearless Freaks.” Here’s a commercial for it. Check out the weird art — Wayne does all that.

A documentary on the evolution of the Oklahoma band The Flaming Lips.

Everything with the Flaming Lips name on it — album covers, T-shirts, posters — has a distinctive look. Scroll through their artwork, below. (Discussion: How would you describe it? Can you paint something like this?)

The Flaming Lips are known for their outrageous concerts. There are confetti cannons, balloons, huge video walls, people in costumes, and a “space bubble” that Wayne climbs inside of. It’s one big party! Here’s a behind-the-scenes look.

Melena Ryzik reports from inside a giant plastic "space bubble" with Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips at a concert in Central Park. Related Link: http://nyti....

In 2006 the Flaming Lips played a show in their hometown of Oklahoma City. The show was called “U.F.O.’s at the Zoo.” People still talk about it. Here are a few things to look for in the next video: (1) the spaceship behind the stage; (2) people in Martian costumes and Santa outfits – they pick people from the audience to put on costumes and dance on the stage; (3) the lyrics: “You realize the sun doesn’t go down. It’s just an illusion caused by the world spinning around.” (Question 2 — What does that mean?)

Here’s the song “Do You Realize???” Skip ahead to 3:10, unless you’re game for some profanity.

Answers:

1 — Lots of bright colors! Just look at the Flaming Lips’ artwork.

2 — It could mean that you see things differently if you look at it from another view.