The Flaming Lips — Barton Hall — Cornell University
Ithaca, New York — Apr. 18, 2010
Giant hands shooting out laser beams. Jacuzzi-sized disco ball. Teardrops. Laughter.
Everyone's first live experience of The Flaming Lips can be visually different. Yet each performance conjures the same exact emotion and conclusion — happiness and the possibility of attaining self-realization (even when you weren't seeking it at the time).
Strolling the hilly landscape of the picturesque Cornell University campus, Ivy League silence and etiquette were shattered by the joyous shouts of a costumed brigade bumrushing Barton Hall — a venue sacred in Grateful Dead lore for the legendary May 8, 1977, show.
Dressed as Pippi Longstocking, favorite superheroes or even bacon, troves of Flaming freaks milled about in an effort to get as close to the stage (and lead singer Wayne Coyne) as possible.
As I entered, I was handed a laser pointer (the giver ran by with a psychotic grin, tossing the tiny electronic devices at whomever got in his way). I took refuge in the upper-level seats toward the back of the gymnasium (now used by the institution's ROTC program). I wanted to encompass the entire scene from above.
The houselights dimmed. An indescribable array of strobe lights, unidentified blinking objects and red dots (that Flaming freak sure got around) overtook the stage. But just as my eyes were adjusting to the initial shock, the backdrop illuminated a naked woman dancing. The screen starlet shook what her mama gave her.
One by one, members of the psychedelic rock entity emerged from the digital female tractor beam. Piercing screams and murderous shouts deafened the arena when Coyne rolled out into the crowd within his trademark "human gerbil ball." Tumbling around the audience as if he'd been tossed into a washing machine, Coyne toppled and fell, the smile never leaving his face.
"We don't want to say we're going to top the '77 show tonight," Coyne hollered, leaping out of the plastic ball. "But for damn sure we will be the second best show to ever play here."
Coyne takes you down his own version of the hypnotic river in "Charlie & The Chocolate Factory." He zigzags across the stage, jumping up and down, encouraging all to participate and immerse themselves in the moment — a dizzying sight that would even tire the relentless antics of Mick Jagger.
The group sprinkled a magical stardust of new ("Silver Trembling Hands"), old ("She Don't Use Jelly") and somewhere in-between ("The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song") throughout the production.
Signature confetti guns exploded into the rafters. Wearing giant rubber hands, Coyne shot green lasers into the disco ball-glittering chaos around the entire space. Footage of gyrating women streamed behind the quintet. Old film from television appearances and clips from the band's music videos introduced each subsequent melody.
The entire room became silent (and fingers held up in the peace sign) during "Taps" (a traditional military instrumental), when Coyne condemned conflicts abroad and hoped for a bright future amid mankind.
A campfire sing-along surfaced. Giving a taste of their recent endeavors ("Brain Damage," "Eclipse"), the band spewed a beautiful interpretation of Pink Floyd — an ode to those who light the fuse Coyne now keeps bright.
Tearing up, the singer spoke of personal loss and the beauty of those whom you come across along the journey of life. A poignant ending, "Do You Realize??," encouraged the release of any tension or remaining energy from both sides of the stage barrier, a never-ending showcase of innocence and emotion until any and all were completely drained, yet fulfilled spiritually.
And that, my friends, is the true essence of The Flaming Lips.
Garret K. Woodward, a native of Rouses Point, reviews music for several publications, including The Press-Republican, State of Mind Music Magazine, Roving Festival Writer and Fourth Coast Entertainment Magazine. Read his blog at: TheRFW.com/blog/Garret.
Latest Collection by Jason Wu Show Chinese Roots
ShowBiz Minute: Madonna, Beresford-Redman, Pawsc
Stars Show Support at AMFAR Charity Gala
BCBG Kicks Off NY Fashion Week
The Muppets Are Oscars Bound!
ShowBiz Minute: House, Perry/Brand, Grammys
Hearts Are Pumping for the Ladies in Red
Androgynous Model Walks Runway As Man and Woman
ShowBiz Minute: Super Bowl, Taylor, Adele
Dench: 'I'm Not Going to Retire.'
No 'Safe House' With Ryan Reynolds Around
Stars Come Out at the Oscars Luncheon
David Guetta, Avicii Talk Grammy Nominations
Rapper J. Cole Is Ready for the Grammys
Chris Brown, More R&B Performers Look to Rapping
ShowBiz Minute: Chris Brown, Jay-Z, Oscar Lunche
Love in the Air at 'The Vow' Premiere
Daniel Radcliffe Haunted by the 'Woman in Black'
ShowBiz Minute: M.I.A., Washington, Box Office
Video of M.I.A's Obscene Halftime Gesture
