Fall Arts Preview: Pop, Rock & Jazz

New Noise Returns for Year Five, Flaming Lips Get Weird at the Bowl

By Aly Comingore
Thu Sep 19, 2013 | 12:00am

<b>PLAYING WITH FIRE:</b> The Flaming Lips bring their famously over-the-top stage show to the Santa Barbara Bowl just in time for Halloween weekend.

Whether he’s writing music, directing films, dabbling in experimental art, or floating above a sea of fans in a gigantic plastic ball, The Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne knows how to make a scene. At 52 years young, the playfully eccentric frontman has practically become a household name. And the musical outfit he calls home? Well, they just might be the biggest psych-rock act of their time. Since forming in 1983, the Lips have pioneered the experimental space-rock movement with their signature hodgepodge of weirdly romantic lyrics, beautifully baroque arrangements, and delightfully over-the-top stage sets. (See the aforementioned gigantic plastic ball.) More importantly, though, the Flaming Lips have paved the way for myriad modern psych lovers, like critical darlings MGMT, Animal Collective, and our current faves, Tame Impala, who will play opening act for the Lips this fall. To call this an epic double feature might just be the biggest understatement of the season. Friday, November 1, at 6 p.m. Call 962-7411 or visit sbbowl.com.