The Flaming Lips are facing a major moment of change after longtime member Steven Drozd revealed that he is no longer part of the band.
While the group has not released an official statement, current drummer Matthew Duckworth Kirksey stepped forward with a heartfelt message that addressed the situation directly, defended frontman Wayne Coyne, and reassured fans about what comes next.
Drozd, who spent more than three decades with the band, confirmed his exit in a now-deleted social media exchange. When asked if he was officially done with The Flaming Lips, he replied that the band was “done” with him and that he was moving on.
Since then, fans have waited for clarity from the group. That clarity has not come from an official press release, but Kirksey’s Instagram post, shared in collaboration with the band’s official account, has become the clearest response so far.
Wayne Coyne of Flaming Lips performs on stage at The Tabernacle on April 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.Photo by Paul R. Giunta/Getty Images
Matthew Duckworth Kirksey Addresses Steven Drozd Exit
In his message, Kirksey did not announce details about Drozd’s departure or explain how the decision was made. Instead, he focused on the emotional weight of being in a band that never slows down. He explained that nonstop touring and long rehearsals take a toll, even on people who deeply love the music.
Kirksey wrote that it was hard to read online comments about the band and its past members. He reminded fans that many friends have come and gone over the years and that those relationships still matter.
View this post on Instagram“I still love them, and miss them and some of them are my family,” he shared, making it clear that Drozd’s exit does not erase years of shared history.
The drummer also pushed back against the idea that Drozd was the only creative force in the band. He strongly defended Coyne, saying that none of what The Flaming Lips do would exist without him. Kirksey described Coyne as the person who drives the band’s sound, creativity, and live shows forward.
He also gave fans a look at what it’s like behind the scenes. Before joining the band in 2014, Kirksey watched The Flaming Lips rehearse for hours and thought the work looked “brutal.”
Once he became part of the group, he said that the same hard work became exciting and fun. For him, being part of Coyne’s vision is exhausting but rewarding.
What’s Next for The Flaming Lips Without Drozd
Kirksey made it clear that the current lineup is deeply invested in the band’s future. He pointed out that Derek Brown has been with The Flaming Lips for 16 years, while he himself has spent 12 years in the group.
According to Kirksey, the band’s present members have poured their “blood, sweat, and tears” into keeping the project alive because they truly believe in it.
He also shared hopeful news for fans who may be worried about what comes next. New music is on the way, and Kirksey said he believes it is the best material the band has created in a long time. While no release date was given, his excitement suggested that the group is moving forward with confidence.
Kirksey encouraged fans to see the band this summer if they get the chance, saying that the music and performances are better than ever. His message ended on a warm note, wishing fans a happy holiday season and thanking them for sticking with the band during a challenging time.
Drozd joined The Flaming Lips in 1991 and became a key multi-instrumentalist and songwriter alongside Coyne. His absence has been noticeable during recent tours, where guitarist A.J. Slaughter has stepped in to cover many of Drozd’s parts.
Still, neither Coyne nor the band’s representatives have publicly commented on Drozd’s exit.
For now, Kirksey’s words stand as the band’s most personal response. Rather than closing a chapter with bitterness, his statement framed the moment as part of a long, demanding journey, one that continues, even after a major change.
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