Steven Drozd, a long-standing multi-instrumentalist for The Flaming Lips, recently shed light on his exit from the band, confirming his departure after 33 years. His decision stemmed from a "personal crisis" that led him to step back from touring, a revelation he shared in a recent interview. While he initially harbored hopes of contributing to studio work, differences with bandmate Wayne Coyne eventually led to a complete separation, marking a significant change for the acclaimed musical group.
The musician's explanation emerged during an interview with a local Fox affiliate in Tulsa, providing the first detailed account since cryptic comments a month prior. Drozd's intention was to remain a vital part of the group's creative process, focusing on studio contributions rather than live performances. However, this vision diverged from that of Wayne Coyne, resulting in a mutual agreement for Drozd to disengage, which subsequently evolved into a permanent departure.
Drozd drew a parallel to Brian Wilson's role in the Beach Boys, where Wilson continued to contribute creatively without actively touring for extended periods. Yet, he acknowledged that The Flaming Lips' dynamic differed, concluding that the split felt appropriate after more than three decades. His last live appearance with the band was in October 2024, with A.J. Slaughter taking his place for performances starting in January 2025.
The band, and Coyne specifically, have refrained from commenting on Drozd's statements. Drozd himself had previously made a brief, now-deleted remark on Threads in December, hinting at his exit before his more extensive interview. He later humorously reflected on that initial public misstep, jokingly calling it a "Boomer mistake" by a Gen Xer.
During his extensive tenure with The Flaming Lips, which began in 1991, Drozd played various instruments and was instrumental in co-writing notable hits like "She Don't Use Jelly," as well as contributing to critically acclaimed albums such as The Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The band's most recent album, American Head, was released in 2020, and their future musical endeavors without Drozd in the lineup remain to be seen.
In essence, Steven Drozd's candid interview provides clarity on his recent exit from The Flaming Lips. Acknowledging a personal struggle, he sought to transition to a studio-only role, a proposal that ultimately did not align with the band's direction. This decision, following a 33-year collaboration that produced numerous iconic works, signifies a new chapter for both Drozd and The Flaming Lips, leaving fans to anticipate their respective future creative paths.