Fiddle While You Burn™: From the Archives: 03.31.06 The Flaming Lips @ Webster Hall

I first caught the Flaming Lips opening for the White Stripes at this New Years party in Chicago a while back. Going into it I had never seen or heard of them before but by the time the night was over I was completely blown away. It was a total psychedelic experience - confetti, bizarre projections, crazy lighting, fake blood, dancing costumed characters on the stage. The songs sounded like they came from another dimension or maybe the future. The next day I hit the stores and snatched up all of their music I could find. That night was so amazing that when I heard they were playing in NYC I was a little worried that there was no way they'd be able to top it. I was wrong.

When I walked into Webster Hall I glanced at the stage and there was Wayne Coyne walking around casually setting up his equipment and chatting with fans in the front row. After a bit, he disappeared back stage only to return a few minutes later with the rest of the band. Suddenly it began - huge balloons, confetti & streamers flying everywhere, huge projection movies, dancing Romans, Santas & aliens. I had the most fun just scanning the crowd and watching the expressions on people’s faces as they were swept up in the moment. Everyone was smiling dancing and singing along. The band played some of their best songs including "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots", "Yeah Yeah Yeah" "She Don't Use Jelly" and a cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody" that had the whole crowd doing their best Freddie Mercury impressions. The show just flew by & by the time the Lips capped things off with a cover of Black Sabbath's Wars Pigs I was laughing, smiling, covered with confetti & it all seemed over too soon.

I'm dedicating this set to everyone who couldn't get tix to this show (because they sold out in like 5 minutes). I hope by seeing these shots you can share a bit in an amazing experience... And next time don't sleep!

Watch & Listen:
the Flaming Lips - video: "Bohemian Rhapsody, Live @ Webster Hall"