THE FLAMING LIPS (London Brixton Academy, 26/04/25)

Say what you want about them (and yes, Wayne's ceaseless need for affirmation is still very irritating) but The Flaming Lips truly are second-to-none when it comes to elicting joy. I found the Hammersmith show last year disapponting, but this was exactly what I was hoping for - a passionate, diverse audience; a no-killer, no-filler setlist and moments of spontaneous silliness, like the collective effort to knock a giant glitter balloon up into the balcony seats. But what will stick with me is the dad with his teenage son who had tears streaming down his eyes during "Do You Realize?", and his son wiping them off with confetti. The magic of music, eh?