The Flaming LipsFollowing a few days of deleted posts and statements from other members, Stephen Drozd, the longtime muli-instrumentalist of Oklahoma City psych rockers The Flaming Lips, has confirmed his departure from the group in a public statement.
The saga of Drozd’s membership within the band began earlier this year when, during the band’s Australian tour, eagle-eyed fans noticed the musician’s absence, with AJ Slaughter playing his parts instead.
Drozd remained silent on the matter until last week, when a fan on Threads asked the musician if he was “officially done with the FLips.” In a since-deleted response, Drozd explained, “They’re done with me – but we’re not talking about it. So yes I’m moving on. Just keep it to yourself for now. OK?”
Drummer Matt Duckworth Kirksey then took to Instagram yesterday to address the matter himself, praising the current version of the band and defending the role of founder and bandleader Wayne Coyne in discussions surrounding Drozd’s exit.
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“I just want to say... If you haven't heard this newest iteration of the band, give us a shot,” Kirksey stated. “The music, and the show is better than ever.
“And remember... NONE of this ever happens without Wayne. This idea that Steven was THE musical genius, and Wayne is just some weirdo artist... Its just not true. Wayne pushes the creativity, the sound, and the show forward, like no artist l've ever been around.
“Being in The Lips is hard,” he continued. “I remember before I was in the band, I would see them rehearsing for hours and hours and think... man... thats brutal. But once you get to be a part of that vision... its fucking exhilarating. Its fucking FUN. Its Wayne's drive to be great that makes it all possible. Always has, always will.”
While Drozd responded to Kirskey’s post by noting he “only thought I was messaging with some kid on threads” and that this public post “feels not right to me,” he took the opportunity to address his departure in his own post on Threads.
“At the end of 2024 I started to think it would be best for me and my family if I didn’t tour anymore,” he explained. “So, I didn’t tour in 2025 and it felt right. Then, it just kinda went from there.
“Wayne and I have parted ways after 33-34 years. I’m making some new music I’m excited about and plan to have an LP out in spring or summer. I can’t thank all the fans enough for support and concern, and I wish the Lips well.”
Drozd joined The Flaming Lips and in 1991 and was a member of the band as they released some of their biggest commercial successes – including 1993's Transmissions From The Satellite Heart, 1999's The Soft Bulletin, and 2002's Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots.
His 33-year membership of the group makes him the third longest-tenured member of the band, beaten only by co-founder Michael Ivins (who departed in 2021), and Coyne, who has remained the only constant member of the group since their formation in 1983.
