A New York State Of LOVE LOVE LOVE

Originally Published September 1, 2025

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The Observer (TO): When did you first discover The Flaming Lips?

DANNY: My freshman year roommate in college introduced me to a lot of alternative rock music. I had vaguely heard of The Flaming Lips and asked him his opinion on them, but he told me they were weird, like REALLY weird. So I didn’t really check them out yet, I was too much of a rule follower at the time. But that was my first real impression or memory of them.

A few years later, I had “She don’t use Jelly” on a playlist and got really intrigued by the sounds in that song compared to the other music I was listening to. It was just so different, so I went down the rabbit hole and got hooked on Yoshimi next. I probably wouldn’t consider myself a fan until about 2018, so I’m fairly new here!

All photographs submitted by Danny

TO: Do you have a favorite song, lyric or piece of music?

DANNY: There are so many songs and sounds and specific parts of their music that have meaning to me, but one lyric really resonates with me that just perfectly captures the essence of The Lips:

THE SOUND THEY MADE WAS LOVE…

LOVE…

TO: What has the music and the group meant to you?

DANNY: I love music. It’s my thing. I listen to music, I talk about music, I go to concerts, I play a few instruments and try to write songs, all that stuff. The Flaming Lips capture everything that I love about music. They have interesting, intriguing sounds, they have fun and deep lyrics, they have varied catalogue, they try new things, they put on amazing live shows, and there is always something new to discover. I’ve been to their concerts by myself, with friends, with partners, and every time I feel so much love and happiness. I love meeting people at the shows, too, the community just has the right vibe. I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing in this life or whatever this human experience is, but I know that this music brings me so much joy and I want to share that experience with everyone I can.

TO: What has been your best memory from seeing the band and why?

DANNY: My first time seeing them was cool, I didn’t know they put on THAT much of a show. I wasn’t a huge fan yet though, and I was way in the back so it wasn’t my most memorable. By my second show, though, I had explored their catalogue and had fallen in love with the music. I also went early and got on the rail, and it was the first time I did LSD at a concert. What an incredible experience. Nothing has felt more magical. The music, the sounds, the performance, the visuals, the balloons and confetti, the messages they’re sharing – its just the best combination of everything.

TO: Where is the farthest you’ve traveled to see the band? Where and when and why?

DANNY: I went to both shows in Dublin this year. I studied abroad in Dublin when I was in college and hadn’t been back to visit yet. Watching The Flaming Lips play two nights in a row, playing the Yoshimi album front to back (along with a second set each night), while rediscovering my old stomping grounds, was a very deep and warming experience. 3Olymipia Theatre was beautiful as well. I was lucky enough to get Wayne’s setlist after night 2!

3Olymipia Theatre Dublin Ireland

TO: Do you have a favorite album or period of the Lips’ history? If so, what and why?

DANNY: Yoshimi is my favorite album. I feel like it represents neo-psychedelia perfectly with the sounds and grooves and themes. Just a good balance and blend of the best types of music. I like all the old stuff as well, but being a newer fan, I probably have some more love than most for Oczy Mlody and American Head too.

TO: When you encounter people who may have never heard of the band, how do you describe the group to them?

DANNY: Psychedelic rock/psychedelic pop. Some punk rock and freak folk vibes. I like to mention the crazy number of artists they’ve collaborated with and their live show being unmatched by anyone. For pop people, I point them toward the Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Petz album. For old school psych rock people, I point them to the Dark Side of the Moon album cover. I’ve been sharing the War Pigs cover with a lot of people recently. I was lucky enough to see them play that cover twice this tour and it sounded SO GOOD. RIP Ozzy!

TO: Do you have a special routine or outfit you wear to see the band if so, why?

DANNY: My last few shows I’ve worn pink overalls with a wig and headband inspired by the percussion folks. I always try to get there before doors too so I can hang out on the rail. Its fun to look through the photos and videos from the band, the venue, and other fans and try to find myself having the time of my life. I love when people come up to me at shows to chat, its such a great way to connect with other fans and share the experience. I stood out enough that Matt gave me his sticks after the set in Philly this year!

TO: Is there anything else you would like to add?

DANNY: I’ve been to 8 shows over the last few years and so excited to see many more! I’m super curious about the new album that Wayne mentioned in an interview recently, and for the new Brainwasher album too! Thank you for running this group, its been wonderful to read along about the history of the band and to hear about other people’s wonderful experiences and memories. PEACE, LOVE, AND PUNK ROCK!!!

Also, as a huge fan of The Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, MGMT, and many of the bands that Dave Fridmann has worked with, I want to plug Magdalena Bay’s new album Imaginal Disk. I didn’t know of them until that album came out last year, and I only checked it out because Dave mixed it. It’s been out for a year, and I still cannot stop listening to it. It’s an instant neo-psych-pop classic, and in my opinion, the best album that’s been released since 2020.