Monday, September 20, 2010

The eternal flame

The first time I can remember hearing The Flaming Lips was when I saw their video for She Don't Use Jelly on MuchMusic, back when it broadcast music videos with some regularity. "Boy," I thought "does this band ever stink." My opinion has changed over the years, starting with the purchase of their early work (my favourite), and continuing on to their later material, which I also quite enjoy. However, even if I still thought they were rotten I suspect I'd have enjoyed the no-holds-barred confetti riot they staged for Saturday night's main stage blowout.

A naked lady cavorts on the screen while the stage crew help whip up the crowd.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

And here they come!

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Stephen Drozd begins the drone.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

And of course, Wayne Coyne, who I guess travels everywhere by inflatable plastic ball.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

And now it's time to blow stuff up!

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

I sincerely hope the Lips keep a full-time sweeper on staff.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Anyone else here a fan of The Prisoner?

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

They also had a bunch of girls stage left and some boys stage left (more or less out of range of my camera angle).

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

It's just not a Flaming Lips show without a man in a bearsuit.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

... and whatever the heck that is. Catfish?

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Wayne and his streamers.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Stephen keys in; at left is Derek Brown of Crocodile, another Oklahoma City band.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Hearye, hearye.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Let us not forget bassist Michael Ivins.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

I think Wayne's guitar has undergone some modification.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

The guy on the left was busting some serious moves.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Oh, those wacky guitars. This one actually looks a bit impractical ...

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Giant hands equal laser attack!

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Like you even have to ask if these guys have a gong ...

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Kliph Scurlock chips in some cymbals.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

The band has been playing Taps at every show.

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

So that wasn't a standard-issue megaphone, then!

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

I think the girls were a bit suspicious of Michael ...

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

The whole lot!

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

There's always time for one more confetti blast!

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

Thank you and good night!

The Flaming Lips at Ottawa Bluesfest 2010

And that was that!
  • Show reminder: David Bazan of Pedro the Lion and Male Nurse perform at Mavericks; Soulfat plays The Rainbow.

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