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Flaming Lips' Guitarist Steven Drozd Announces Departure

12/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Steven Drozd, longtime guitarist and primary songwriter for The Flaming Lips, announced his departure in a since-deleted post on Threads.
He told a fan, "They’re done with me – but we’re not talking about it. So yes I’m moving on."
The Flaming Lips have not commented on Drozd's departure, and AJ Slaughter has covered his parts during recent concerts.

History

Historical Context

The Flaming Lips formed in 1983 in Oklahoma City, initially playing garage punk before evolving into psychedelic rock. Their breakthrough came with the 1999 album "The Soft Bulletin," followed by the critically acclaimed "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" in 2002. The recent departure of co-songwriter Steven Drozd marks a pivotal change, echoing the impact of iconic bands like The Beatles losing key members.

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Story summary

Steven Drozd, longtime guitarist and primary songwriter for The Flaming Lips, announced his departure in a since-deleted post on Threads.
He told a fan, "They’re done with me – but we’re not talking about it. So yes I’m moving on."
The Flaming Lips have not commented on Drozd's departure, and AJ Slaughter has covered his parts during recent concerts.

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