Wayne Coyne Addresses Steven Drozd's Departure: 'What He Told Everyone Was a Lie'
In a recent Instagram post, Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips addressed the departure of long-time band member Steven Drozd, clarifying that Drozd's public statement was false. Coyne revealed that Drozd's decision to leave the band was motivated by personal reasons, which he described as 'sad and infuriating.'
Coyne's statement comes after Drozd's confirmation of his departure in a now-deleted post on Threads, where he hinted at a falling out with the band. Drozd's absence from recent shows and the introduction of AJ Slaughter as his replacement had already sparked speculation. However, Coyne's statement provides a more detailed account of the situation.
Coyne expressed his intention to share more details in the coming days, emphasizing the importance of transparency. He also thanked fans for their support, describing their impact on the band's journey as 'the greatest life anyone could ever live.'
Meanwhile, Drozd shared his own message on December 21, revealing his decision to stop touring at the end of 2024 for personal and family reasons. He expressed excitement about new music projects, hinting at a potential solo album for the spring or summer. The Flaming Lips' drummer, Matthew Duckworth Kirksey, also addressed Drozd's departure, praising the current band lineup and hinting at new music in the works.
Despite the changes, The Flaming Lips continue to tour and are set to perform at the Latitude Festival next year, alongside renowned artists like Lewis Capaldi, Teddy Swims, and David Byrne. Additionally, the band recently paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with a cover of Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs' during their joint-headline tour in Atlanta.
