Long, long ago, when I was a mere lad, very many smoky hours were spent during Thursday nights, at the Doublet in Faifley, plotting on how my Bizarro chums and I could become one of the world’s biggest rock bands. Fanciful plans were lengthy and detailed, even covering stage apparel and demeanor.Of course, sadly and obviously,our plans never reached fruition, however I did finally get to see what that band may have been like, last night at The Barrowland.
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The Flaming Lips, wearing either pyjamas or white suits, were quite unlike anything I’ve experienced in over thirty five years of gigging. Giant coloured balloons were released into the hall, smoke machines set at maximum, confetti canons, three at least six foot high rotating mirror balls, eighteen assorted dancers in bizarre animal costumes (some similar to Dom Jolly’s dogs) all carrying torches, Santa Claus, two robots and a singing nun glove puppet! The main man Wayne even appeared to have an electric fire round his neck for one song.
The music, residing somewhere inside a triangle bound by Grandaddy, Mercury Rev and the Radar Bros, was of course sublime and a rousing mid-set Piper at the Gates of Dawn medley was the icing on the cake.
Any chance you get, go along to see them!
The only downside to all of this is that, sadly and so early, I think I’ve already seen the gig of the year.
Lighthouse Beacon Straight Ahead 