We didn't have a room booked for that night, and had to keep checking in at the desk to see about cancellations. We were lucky and got a room around 5:00 pm. Just enough time to change, grab a beverage and go wait in line.
The crowd at a Lips show is always colorful and fun to watch. The age of the audience ranged from 10 months to late 60s. (Don't worry, the baby had ear protection!) It was a very diverse gathering.
The opening band was Stardeath and White Dwarfs (Wayne's nephew). They played a handful of songs. Like most Flaming Lips shows, Wayne came out, waved at the crowd, then stood on the sidelines to enjoy the music.
Built to Spill (from Boise) was the second band. Doug Martsch was in great form despite staying up too late playing DJ at a club in Portland. I've seen Built to Spill a few times, they are always great.
The only camera we had was Dave's iphone. I found an amazing photo stream from flickr. "McMenamins" will give you a feel for the chaotic happiness that went on for a few hours. Click the link to see!
They did all my favorite songs. We had a great sing-a-long with the song "Yoshimi battles the pink robots". On stage there was a dancing gorilla, a big butterfly, and a huge fish in a captain's cap. The dancers on each side of the stage where some sort of yeti/cat creatures. Whatever they were, they were having fun.
It was the second time I have seen them live. After this night, I know I will see them every chance I get.
The thing I love most about The Flaming Lips, is Wayne Coyne's unabashed love of life. I am sure he has his bad days, but he would never let a fan down by showing it. He is honest and funny. He shares his opinions and ideas like they are precious jewels. He's always interested and engaging.
He is real.
They finished with "Do you realize?" and by the time it was done, most of the audience, along with Wayne, had tears brimming their eyes. When the show ended, all throughout the venue, concert goers were beaming. Everyone had just shared a big hug from Wayne and the boys.
I have to thank Dave for this great video moment of "pure" Flaming Lips. Of all the videos I watched on youtube, nothing captured the experience quite like Dave's minute or so clip.
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