Steven Drozd Opens Up About His Departure from The Flaming Lips
In a candid conversation on FOX 23’s One More Thing, Steven Drozd shared insights about his recent exit from The Flaming Lips, captivating fans and followers alike.
This was the first time Drozd publicly elaborated on his departure, revealing that it stemmed from what he described as a "personal crisis" at the conclusion of the band’s tour in 2024. He expressed a desire to continue contributing to the group behind the scenes in the studio, rather than hitting the road for tours. However, he indicated that his vision did not align with that of his bandmate Wayne Coyne. As Drozd put it, "Wayne and I had different ideas about my future role, so we mutually decided that I would take a step back. That step back ultimately led to me not returning at all."
He further reflected, "I had hoped to find a way to remain part of the band without touring, similar to how some groups manage to do it. For instance, The Beach Boys have made that model work. But in our case, it felt like a mismatch. After 33 years together, it seemed appropriate to move on."
Drozd first revealed his departure in a somewhat unintended manner via an interaction with a fan on Threads in December, which he later regretted, calling it a "blundering mistake." He had thought that his message was sent privately, but it quickly became public when someone screenshotted it. "Before I knew it, it was out there for everyone to see. I wish I could have made a more formal announcement instead of this accidental reveal," he lamented.
Currently, he characterized his relationship with Coyne as being in a state of uncertainty, saying it is "on hold, I guess." He mentioned, "We’re just taking a break for now." Coyne, on the other hand, responded to Drozd's exit by calling the situation both "sad and infuriating," emphasizing that it was Drozd's responsibility to explain the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Looking ahead, when asked about the potential for a future reunion with Coyne, Drozd noted, "If that were to happen, it would be quite a long time away. Everyone seems to be moving forward. I'm currently working on a solo album that I hope to release by summer, and it will definitely have a different vibe from The Flaming Lips."
To hear more of Drozd’s thoughts, check out the full interview below.
