The Flaming Lips are adding on the heat.
The Flaming Lips have been dazzling crowds for over 30 years with their sensational and eccentric live shows, scoring with hits like “Do You Realize” and “She Don’t Use Jelly.” The band features multi-layered, space-rock arrangements and have been associated with 1960’s and 70’s “psychedelic” subculture. The Lips aim to entertain the audience with elaborate productions, which have become a staple at music festivals.
Past shows have included animal costumes, large amounts of confetti, puppets, video projections and giant balloons. The band has won three Grammy Awards, two of which are for “Best Rock Instrumental Performance.” Epic, long-titled songs have appeared on previous albums, such as “Guy Who Got a Headache and Accidentally Saves the World” and “Talkin’ ‘Bout the Smiling Deathporn Immortality Blues (Everyone Wants to Live Forever).” The Lips were also named one of the “50 Bands to See Before You Die” by Q Magazine.
The Flaming Lips are promoting their newest album, “The Terror,” which was released in April 2013. The new album premiered at South by Southwest, the annual music, film, interactive conference and festival held in Austin, Texas. This new and haunting album takes a more melancholic approach than previous material. “The Terror” delivers a bleak, space-opera narrative with touches of heartbreak. Wayne Coyne, on lead vocals and creator of the band, recently separated from his wife, which is rumored to be the reason for the darkness of this new album.
Fans are encouraged to check out the video for their new song, “Sun Blows up Today,” released on YouTube. The song was also featured in a Super Bowl ad for Hyundai earlier this year.
The Flaming Lips continue to reinvent themselves without ever losing sight of their quirky essence. The band’s continuous process of emotional expression through their music has led them and their fans on a Wonderland-like journey, filled with incredible creatures and an array of colors and melodies.
The Flaming Lips’ tickets for the May 16 show can be purchased online at the Wellmont Theater website or at the theater’s box office for $49.99. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
Before stopping in New Jersey, the band will be part of the star-studded line up at the Bottle Rock Festival in Napa, Calif. on May 10. After N.J., the Lips will perform at The Great Googamooga Festival on May 17 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Concert-goers can check out Montclair’s excellent restaurants before and after the show. Located just a block away from the Wellmont Theather, Salute a Brick Oven Bistro offers a rustic atmosphere with a touch of a home cooked Italian meal. Another hidden gem is Fin Raw Bar & Kitchen, a seafood restaurant focused on sustainability and seasonal quality. For an unconventional meal, concert goers can visit Mesob, an Ethiopian restaurant with a warm décor and fresh produce which is sure entice the adventurous foodie.
Parking for the event can be found all throughout the side streets, if arriving early. A parking deck is also located between S. Fullerton Ave. and S. Park St. just a short walk from the theater. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for parking and a trip through town before experiencing this event that is sure to amaze.
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