5 February 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane – words by Tarynne Ambrosi – pictures by Bec Harbour
The Flaming Lips have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the early ’80s, and it’s fair to say that their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Emerging from the alternative rock scene of Oklahoma City, the band’s sound and philosophy have always been defined by a sense of irreverence, experimentation, and a refusal to be pinned down by any single genre. Their albums, from Transmissions from the Satellite Heart to The Soft Bulletin, are a testament to their genre-defying approach, blending elements of alt-rock, psychedelia, electronic music, and avant-garde. But perhaps more importantly, it is their ability to fuse the bizarre with the profound—trippy visuals, outlandish stage antics, and profound, often existential lyrical themes—that has cemented their place in music history.
For fans in Australia, the Flaming Lips have long been a band that feels like home. Australia has embraced the band since their first visit in the early 2000’s, and over the years, the relationship between the band and their Aussie fans has only grown stronger. Whether playing to intimate crowds in Melbourne or packing out festival stages in Sydney, the Flaming Lips’ shows in Australia have always been events, each performance a collision of sonic beauty and surrealist spectacle. Their latest show at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall in 2025 marked yet another chapter in this enduring relationship.
Flaming Lips – FMH – photos by Bec Harbour
The Flaming Lips are as much about the experience of their live performances as they are about the music itself. From the beginning, their concerts have been renowned for their visual extravagance. Wayne Coyne’s iconic bubble walk—where he is encased in a giant inflatable ball and rolled over the crowd—has become a symbol of the band’s desire to break down the walls between performer and audience. At any Flaming Lips show, expect confetti, laser lights, giant balloons, and, more often than not, a bit of the absurd. Yet, for all of this, there is a deeply emotional undercurrent to their work. Beneath the surrealism, the neon lights, and the psychedelic noise, there lies a warmth, a human connection that has made their music resonate deeply with fans across the world.
It’s fitting, then, that the Flaming Lips’ connection with Brisbane—and Australia at large—is one of mutual admiration. In fact, Australia has been a key stop on the band’s touring circuit for years. Whether they’re playing at festivals like the Big Day Out or headlining their own shows at venues like the iconic Enmore Theatre in Sydney, their performances in Australia are often seen as more than just concerts; they are experiences to be savored. It is no surprise that when the Flaming Lips returned to Brisbane for a gig at the Fortitude Music Hall, the energy in the air was palpable. For a city that has long had a vibrant music scene, the Flaming Lips are a band that commands respect—and their live show does not disappoint.
Flaming Lips – FMH – photos by Bec Harbour
As the band took to the stage in Brisbane, the sense of anticipation was overwhelming. The Fortitude Music Hall, a venue known for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere, was packed with fans who had been waiting for months to witness the Flaming Lips’ signature brand of musical mayhem. When the band finally stepped on stage, it was immediately clear that the years had not dulled their sense of spectacle or their musical brilliance.
From the opening notes of ‘one more robot’, the crowd was transported into the psychedelic universe the Flaming Lips are so adept at creating. The song, which has become a signature anthem for the band, begins with a slow build that crescendos into an epic swirl of orchestral arrangements and soaring guitars. The live version in Brisbane was no different: a heady mix of infectious rhythm, cascading synths, and Wayne Coyne’s unmistakable vocals. The energy in the room quickly reached fever pitch, as the crowd became immersed in the swirling melodies and bold arrangements.
As is often the case with Flaming Lips shows, it wasn’t just the music that demanded attention—it was the experience. The stage was bathed in technicolor lights, each song accompanied by trippy visual projections that matched the whimsical and sometimes surreal nature of the band’s work. Massive balloons bobbed through the air, giant inflatable pink robots appeared front and central, and the audience was showered with confetti during key moments, adding to the sense of joyous abandon that always seems to accompany a Flaming Lips performance.
Flaming Lips – FMH – photos by Bec Harbour
Wayne Coyne, ever the showman, was at the forefront of this surreal spectacle. Known for his unorthodox stage presence and his ability to engage the audience on a deeply personal level, Coyne was in his element, effortlessly moving between performing on stage and interacting with the crowd. His sense of humor—dry, quirky, and often self-deprecating—was evident throughout the evening, as he cracked jokes, engaged in playful banter, and reveled in the crowd’s enthusiasm. It’s this combination of musical prowess and charismatic stage presence that has made the Flaming Lips one of the most beloved live acts in the world.
The Flaming Lips’ setlist for their Brisbane show was playing Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in its entirety. Never hearing the album before save for ‘Do You Realize??’ – I wasn’t sure of what to expect, but before long (maybe as early as yoshimi battles) I was smiling and watching the colourful spectacle. The music was beautiful and the crowd was so engaged and really their enjoyment was a part of the performance.
Perhaps the highlight of the set was the performance of ‘Do You Realize??’, one of the Flaming Lips’ most iconic songs. In the context of a live show, the song took on an even greater significance. The lyrics, “Do you realize that you have the ability to make yourself feel guilty?” hit harder than ever, resonating with an audience in their most vulnerable, reflective moments. The entire venue seemed to sway with the melody, a unified mass caught up in the song’s bittersweet beauty. It’s moments like this that define the Flaming Lips’ live shows: they are a perfect blend of spectacle and introspection, making the crowd feel both exhilarated and profoundly connected to the music.
Flaming Lips – FMH – photos by Bec Harbour
No discussion of a Flaming Lips show would be complete without acknowledging the central figure of the band: Wayne Coyne. The frontman, known for his distinct voice and larger-than-life persona, has always been the driving force behind the band’s evolution. But more than just a figurehead, Coyne is the conduit through which the band’s artistic vision flows. His relationship with the audience is both magnetic and genuine, as he constantly seeks to engage with them, whether it’s through his playful antics, philosophical musings, or occasional bursts of vulnerability.
During the Brisbane performance, Coyne’s connection with the crowd was palpable. He was quick to acknowledge the crowd’s warmth, often breaking from the music to exchange words with fans. Whether it was sharing a laugh about the peculiarities of touring or reflecting on the story about Kacey Musgraves taking acid and dancing bossa nova with a firefly, Coyne’s down-to-earth demeanor created an intimate bond that many larger acts fail to achieve.
The relationship between the Flaming Lips and their Australian fans runs deep, and it was evident in the way the crowd responded during the Brisbane show. Australia has always had a unique place in the band’s heart, and the Lips have consistently expressed their affection for their Aussie audiences. Over the years, the band has visited Australia numerous times, each tour further cementing their place in the hearts of fans. Whether it’s the close-knit community of music lovers in Melbourne or the rambunctious crowds in Sydney, the Flaming Lips have long been embraced by the Australian music scene.
Flaming Lips – FMH – photos by Bec Harbour
In Brisbane, the feeling was mutual. The Fortitude Music Hall was filled with a crowd that was just as diverse and eclectic as the band’s music. Fans young and old, from seasoned veterans who had seen the Flaming Lips multiple times to first-timers, all gathered to experience the sonic adventure that only the Flaming Lips could deliver. There was a palpable sense of unity in the room, as if everyone, regardless of their personal background or musical tastes, shared in a collective appreciation for the band’s artistry.
As the Flaming Lips wrapped up their show in Brisbane with a giant balloon spelling’Fuck Yeah Brisbane’ it was clear that this was more than just another stop on their global tour—it was a celebration of a band that continues to push the boundaries of what live music can be. Their performances are not just concerts; they are immersive experiences that fuse sound, vision, and emotion into something truly unique. For the lucky fans in Brisbane, the night was a testament to the enduring power of the Flaming Lips’ music and their extraordinary ability to connect with their audience on a deeply personal level.
Fuck Yeah!
