{"id":368540,"date":"2025-12-25T01:29:07","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T01:29:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/368540\/"},"modified":"2025-12-25T01:29:07","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T01:29:07","slug":"lead-singer-of-beloved-rock-band-says-ex-members-reason-for-leaving-group-is-a-lie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/368540\/","title":{"rendered":"Lead singer of beloved rock band says ex-member\u2019s reason for leaving group is a \u2018lie\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

You might remember that last week, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd said<\/a> he\u2019s no longer a member of the acclaimed band The Flaming Lips. <\/p>\n

In a since-deleted post on Threads, Drozd said in response to a fan\u2019s question about his status in the group that, \u201cThey\u2019re done with me \u2013 but we\u2019re not talking about it. So yes I\u2019m moving on. Just keep it to yourself for now. OK?\u201c<\/p>\n

Now, frontman Wayne Coyne has responded. <\/p>\n

In an Instagram post on Tuesday,<\/a> Coyne acknowledged that Drozd has left the band, but accused him of lying about the reason why. <\/p>\n

\u201cI can say that is absolutely not true,\u201d Coyne wrote. \u201cThe reason he left is sad , and infuriating … it is HIS responsibility to tell everyone what happened\u2026 what he told everyone was a lie \u2026.I was trying to give him ( Steven ) his own space and time to let everyone know what REALLY happened\u2026 I will post more in just a few days.”<\/p>\n

In addition, drummer Matthew Duckworth Kirksey defended Coyne over the weekend in a post on the band\u2019s official Instagram account. <\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of great friends and better people have come and gone along the way. I still love them, and miss them, and some of them are my family,\u201d he wrote. \u201cThis idea that Steven was THE musical genius, and Wayne is just some weirdo artist\u2026 Its just not true.\u201d<\/p>\n

For his part, Drozd clarified his initial statement in another Threads post,<\/a> writing, \u201cAt the end of 2024 I started to think it would be best for me and my family if I didn\u2019t tour anymore. So, I didn\u2019t tour in 2025 and it felt right. Then, it just kinda went from there. <\/p>\n

\u201cWayne and I have parted ways after 33-34 years,\u201d he continued. \u201cI\u2019m making some new music I\u2019m excited about and plan to have an LP out in spring or summer. I can\u2019t thank all the fans enough for support and concern, and I wish the Lips well.<\/p>\n

The Flaming Lips are an American psychedelic rock band. The band\u2019s best-known songs include \u201cShe Don\u2019t Use Jelly,\u201d \u201cDo You Realize,\u201d and \u201cThe Yeah Yeah Yeah Song.\u201d<\/p>\n