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The Flaming Lips drummer addresses Steven Drozd's departure: "The show is better than ever"

The Flaming Lips' drummer Matthew Duckworth Kirksey has addressed Steven Drozd's departure, claiming the band's show is "better than ever".

, and ASMedia

2025 December 22 . 3:22 PM

1 min read

In this picture we can see live musical performance of the group on the stage, In front a woman... — In this picture we can see live musical performance of the group on the stage, In front a woman wearing black jacket standing and singing in the microphone. Behind a man wearing black strap on the head and sunglasses is sitting and playing the band. Behind we can see the poster on which la guns are written and on the top disco lights and hanging lights are seen.

The Flaming Lips drummer addresses Steven Drozd's departure: "The show is better than ever"

The Flaming Lips’ drummer, Matthew Duckworth Kirksey, has spoken openly about Steven Drozd’s exit from the band. In an Instagram post, he acknowledged the changes while praising the group’s current direction. The band is now preparing for new music and a headline slot at Latitude Festival in 2026.

Steven Drozd, a key member since 1991, left The Flaming Lips after a long absence from live performances. His departure was first announced in a now-deleted Threads post. In recent months, guitarist AJ Slaughter had filled in for him on stage.

Kirksey, who joined the band in 2014, addressed the situation on social media. He noted that many ‘great friends’ had passed through the group over the years. He also clarified that frontman Wayne Coyne—not Drozd—has always been the driving creative force behind the music. Looking ahead, Kirksey teased fresh material, calling it ‘the best thing we’ve done in ages.’ He also praised the band’s current live shows, saying both the music and performances are stronger than ever. The Flaming Lips will share the stage at Latitude Festival 2026 with acts like Lewis Capaldi and David Byrne. No replacement for Drozd’s role as musical director has been announced so far.

The Flaming Lips continue without Drozd, focusing on new releases and festival appearances. Kirksey’s comments suggest confidence in the band’s future, with Coyne remaining at the creative helm. Their upcoming performance at Latitude Festival marks the next step in this new chapter.