Flaming Lips lead singer Wayne Coyne, left, carries the Flaming Lips Alley sign while Michael Ivins follows behind as they make their way through the crowd of fans during the official dedication of the Flaming Lips Alley at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007, in Oklahoma City. Photo by CHRIS LANDSBERGER
At www.okc talk.com, the latest news is that Wayne Coyne, lead singer of the Flaming Lips, was seen enjoying coffee with his equally talented artist wife Michelle at Coffee Slingers, the new “fundamentalist” coffee shop at NW 10 and Broadway along Automobile Alley. Gee, if this were US Magazine, we could boast “he’s just like us!” (Groan).
But seriously, it should be no surprise when one sees Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips out and about. He’s a proud OKC resident, and part of his appeal is that he’s stayed pretty down to earth despite his band’s worldwide success and fairly new celebrity status here in his hometown.
I was first introduced to their music a couple years ago by Chad Huntington, operator of the Bricktown Water Taxis. I’m still not sure I can describe their music - I’m not religious about it like some fans, but I like it. It’s fun, uplifting and the fans are part of the entertainment. And hey, what other city can boast an appearance by Santa Claus and Martians at a street naming dedication?
Yeah, I’ll name drop now… yep, I’ve met Wayne Coyne - got introduced by Chad when they were all at LIT during one of those ice storms in early 2007. I ineptly asked how OKC might attract more folks like Wayne to stay in Oklahoma City. I wanted to know what kept a clearly creative class person like him to stay in what has traditionally been a conservative city. After all, Wayne Coyne didn’t just stay in OKC - to this day he lives in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods just west of downtown - Classen 10 Penn - and is helping stablize the area from deteriorating any further.
So how do I summarize Wayne’s response? Things are as they are ….
Oddly, looking back now, that actually makes sense.
- Steve
April 21st, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I love Wayne Coyne a lot
And the band is okay too.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 am
And now, this soft bulletin…
Steve Lackmeyer of the Oklahoman, on meeting Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne: [I] got introduced by Chad [Livingston, of the Bricktown Water Taxis] when they were all at LiT during one of those ice storms in early 2007. I ineptly……
September 14th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
[…] Steve Lackmeyer of the Oklahoman, on meeting Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne: [I] got introduced by Chad [Livingston, of the Bricktown Water Taxis] when they were all at LiT during one of those ice storms in early 2007. I ineptly asked how OKC might attract more folks like Wayne to stay in Oklahoma City. I wanted to know what kept a clearly creative class person like him to stay in what has traditionally been a conservative city. After all, Wayne Coyne didn’t just stay in OKC — to this day he lives in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods just west of downtown — Classen Ten Penn — and is helping stabilize the area from deteriorating any further. […]