Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Trippy Rock At House Of Blues With The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips In Full Effect


by Julie Kasperson

I had not heard much of the Flaming Lips' music. I knew they had been around the music scene a long time (forming in 1983 in Oklahoma City, OK, in fact). I'm glad I had no expectations as I waited patiently for their show to begin at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. A friend invited me to the show, which was part of a Bud Light Music First 50-50-1 promotion. Fifty bands in fifty states, all playing on the same night.


HOTT MT opened the show. They were a quirky little band from Southern California with a lot of spunk and drive. I watched the roadies scurry around after the opening act, wondering what kind of show we were in for. Miles of translucent cable wound around the Lips' lead singer Wayne Coyne's mic, and snaked all over the front of the stage. Wayne came out for a sound check and was warmly greeted by the audience. His shiny blue outfit reminded me of a Beatles' St, Pepper uniform or a '70's disco band leader. His sparkly, sequined makeup reminded me of the '60's flower power, hippie generation.

Wayne Coyne Greets The Audience

The music was intoxicating, trance-like, and accompanied by a rear screen-projected set of visuals. During some songs confetti cannons shot loads of shredded paper into the audience, turning the room into a snowstorm of confetti. All the musicians were first-rate, especially Wayne the lead vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd, who alternated between keyboards and guitar. The lighting, the vocals,and instrumentals all made for a mesmerizing evening.

Confetti Swirls As The Music Plays

I talked to a fan after the performance, and he said the band created all the stage effects without a stage designer. Everything was designed and built by the band. He said sometimes, like during this performance, they go all-out and get very creative with the visuals. I'm glad they did. It was my favorite concert of the year, and one of the best events I have ever witnessed at the House of Blues Las Vegas.



All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

© 2013 Julie Kasperson - All rights reserved.



-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.



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