Live Review: The Flaming Lips @ The Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver – February 28th 2023

Last night, American rock band The Flaming Lips graced the stage at the Commodore Ballroom, kicking off their two-night stint with a show that was nothing short of magical. With no openers, the band had ample time to showcase their talent and put on a truly mesmerizing performance.

From the moment lead singer Wayne Coyne stepped out onto the stage, the crowd was captivated. He proved to be an outstanding frontman, engaging with the audience and commanding attention with his stage presence. One particularly emotional moment of the night was when Coyne read a letter about a fan named Greg, who had survived cancer treatment long enough to finally see the show after it had been postponed twice over two years. Throughout the show, many of the songs were dedicated to Greg, and the energy and emotion in the arena were palpable.

The band’s visual presentation was a highlight of the show. The abundance of confetti, streamers, complex lighting, and lasers was stunning and created an otherworldly atmosphere. Mr. Coyne also released a remote-controlled bird into the crowd, which flew around for a few seconds before getting stuck in the ceiling rafters, resulting in an eruption of cheers from the crowd.

The setlist for the night was a perfect mix of old and new songs, showcasing the band’s versatility and the range of their musical talent. They opened with “Sagittarius Silver Announcement” and continued with “Silver Trembling Hands” before launching into the crowd favorite “Do You Realize??” This song elicited a massive singalong from the audience, with everyone joining in to belt out the lyrics.

Another standout song of the night was “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1,” which featured stunning visuals and a powerful performance from the band. “Flowers of Neptune 6” was another beautiful song that highlighted the band’s ability to create dreamy soundscapes that transport the listener to another dimension.

The cover of Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand” was a particularly memorable moment of the night, with Coyne’s voice perfectly capturing the eerie, haunting quality of the song. “Waitin’ for a Superman” was another crowd favorite, with the audience singing along to every word.

Throughout the show, Wayne Coyne’s interactions with the crowd were a highlight. He encouraged the audience to sing and scream and dance along. His enthusiasm and energy was infectious, and it was clear that he was enjoying every moment of performing.

As the night drew to a close, the band ended with “Race for the Prize,” leaving the crowd feeling energized and inspired. Overall, The Flaming Lips’ performance was a truly unforgettable experience. The band’s stunning visuals, powerful performance, and emotional moments made for a concert that will be remembered. If you have the chance to see The Flaming Lips live, don’t hesitate – it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Find The Flaming Lips Tickets!

The Flaming Lips Setlist:

• Sagittarius Silver Announcement
• Silver Trembling Hands
• Do You Realize??
• Enthusiasm for Life Defeats Existential Fear
• A Spoonful Weighs a Ton
• Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1
• Flowers of Neptune 6
• Mother I’ve Taken LSD
• Assassins of Youth
• Always There, In Our Hearts
• Feeling Yourself Disintegrate
• Red Right Hand(Nick Cave cover)
• Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell
• Waitin’ for a Superman
• She Don’t Use Jelly
• Moth in the Incubator
• My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion
• All We Have Is Now
• Race for the Prize

The Flaming Lips Photo Gallery: