Flaming Lips Shake-Up: Steven Drozd Leaves After 35-Year Run; Band Teases New Music As Drummer Speaks Out
Breaking news from the Flaming Lips camp signals a major lineup shift as Steven Drozd appears to have exited the band after almost 35 years. A post in which Drozd indicated his departure has since been removed, and there has been no formal, public statement from the band about the change.
Simultaneously occurring, the Lips’ current drummer, Matthew duckworth Kirksey, offered remarks via an Instagram post created with the band’s official account.He thanked longtime collaborators and challenged the narrative that Drozd alone defined the group’s genius.
“A lot of great friends and better people have come and gone along the way. I still love them, and miss them, and some of them are my family,” Kirksey wrote. “If you haven’t heard this newest iteration of the band, give us a shot. The music, and the show is better than ever.And remember… NONE of this ever happens without Wayne.”
Kirksey described the long-running project as brutal yet incredibly rewarding, praising Wayne Coyne‘s relentless drive to push creativity forward. He also hinted that new music is on the horizon, calling it “the best thing we’ve done in ages.”
What fans should know
The information released so far confirms Drozd’s apparent departure after a lengthy tenure, with no band-wide formal statement issued yet. The drummer’s message underscores a continued commitment to the Lips’ creative mission and signals forthcoming material.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Departed member | Steven Drozd |
| Tenure | Nearly 35 years |
| Current drummer | Matthew Duckworth Kirksey |
| Public comment venue | Instagram post (with band’s account) |
| Next release | New music reportedly in progress |
Context: the Flaming Lips have long blended experimental work with a rotating roster of collaborators. Drozd’s exit aligns with a broader pattern of longevity and evolution for the band,with Wayne Coyne’s leadership continuing to shape the group’s distinctive sound and live performances.
Reader questions: How do lineup changes affect the dynamics of long-running bands like The Flaming Lips? What are your expectations for the band’s upcoming releases?
Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
For more context, see the Instagram post linked by the band’s account: Instagram post.
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