Steven Drozd leaves The Flaming Lips after 34 years

Steven Drozd has revealed he is no longer a band member of The Flaming Lips.

The Oklahoma psych-rock band formed in 1983 and have gone on to release 16 studio albums, additionally winning three Grammy awards. Since the 90s, the band's lineup has changed frequently.

Drozd, a mult-instrumentalist , who joined the band in 1991 acting as a drummer, backing-vocalist and crucial songwriter; responded to a fans comment on Threads questioning if drummer was "officially done with The Flaming Lips" following an unacknowledged period of absence from the band's live performances.

"They’re done with me – but we’re not talking about it," wrote Drozd in a since deleted comment. "So yes I’m moving on. Just keep it to yourself for now. OK?”

During the most recent series of shows, AJ Slaughter has stepped in to play Drozd's parts.

Since joining the band, Drozd and frontman Wayne Coyne have formed several side projects with one another, such as their prog-rock group Electric Würms, and up until now remained the only two permanent members of The Flaming Lips for many years.

The Flaming Lips recently announced North American tour dates, along with a UK/European tour beginning in June. This includes a show at the Festival Big Top at Galway Arts Festival on July 16, 2026. Tickets are available here.

 

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