Steven Drozd Leaves Flaming Lips After 34 Years

Steven Drozd, the longtime multi-instrumentalist and co-primary songwriter for The Flaming Lips, announced on Wednesday that he is no longer a member of the influential American psychedelic rock band after more than three decades. The 56-year-old musician shared the news in a now-deleted reply on the social media platform Threads, responding to a fan's question about speculation surrounding his status with the group.

In his response, Drozd wrote, "They're done with me but we're not talking about it. So yes I'm moving on. Just keep it to yourself for now. OK?" The exchange, which was quickly captured by fans and shared online, confirmed months of rumors that had swirled among the band's dedicated followers. Drozd's reply also alluded to the 2021 departure of founding bassist Michael Ivins, when another user asked if he had been "Ivined," to which he responded, "Gotta keep movin."

Drozd joined The Flaming Lips in 1991, becoming a cornerstone of the band's evolving sound alongside frontman and co-founder Wayne Coyne. Over 34 years, he contributed as a guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, bassist, and backing vocalist, helping shape some of the group's most acclaimed work. His...