Pink Robots, Confetti, and Cosmic Joy: The Flaming Lips Save Manchester (with a Little Help from Yoshimi)

O2 Apollo Manchester, 4th May 2025.

WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR

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The Flaming Lips

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The Flaming Lips in Manchester – A Night of Psych-Pop Wonder

The Flaming Lips brought their psych-pop brilliance to Manchester for one night only, playing the seminal album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in full.

Originally released in 2002, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is a concept album that tells the story of Yoshimi, a character who fights against pink robots in a fantastical world.

As I arrived at Manchester’s iconic O2 Apollo, a massive line was already snaking down the front of the venue and stretching along the street. Inside, the venue was nearly full—alive with bright colours and even brighter hair.

There was no support act; the band played two sets. As previously announced, the first was Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in its entirety, followed by a second set of greatest hits. As a Flaming Lips fan, you really couldn’t ask for more.

At 8:12 p.m., a countdown began over the in-house PA—three minutes to go. A voice from backstage addressed the primed crowd, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Wayne Coyne and his band of merry pranksters. The lights went black. The band walked onto the stage—and the Apollo erupted.

Frontman Wayne Coyne was notably orb-free. The orb, used during the pandemic, had become a signature feature of their live shows. Tonight, though, he was flanked by two giant inflatable pink robots, embodying the album’s mysterious overlords.

They delivered the album in order, opening with the twisted psychedelia of “Fight Test.” The song’s upbeat, video game-like electronic beat set the tone for the night, as Coyne’s lyrics explored the struggle to stay positive and keep fighting—a central theme of the album.

Next came “One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21,” a slower, more introspective and experimental track. Coyne’s dreamy delivery created a sense of unease and uncertainty, perfectly matching the song's mood.

The title track, “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1,” was a standout. Catchy lyrics, an infectious melody, and otherworldly electronic textures transported the crowd into Yoshimi’s surreal universe.

Other highlights from the first set included “In the Morning of the Magicians,” with its intricate instrumentation and surreal lyrics, and “Do You Realize??” which brought on the loudest singalong of the night. Even after 23 years, it still sounds fresh—and its message of appreciating the beauty around us remains timeless.

Although some of the album’s recorded nuances were lost in the live translation, the overall performance was still spectacular. The Flaming Lips delivered a brilliant set blending psychedelic rock, electronic, and experimental elements to create a uniquely immersive experience for thousands of fans.

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is a groundbreaking album that showcases The Flaming Lips’ creativity and musical prowess—and tonight, that was fully on display. The band crafted a cohesive and engaging performance that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.

After a short intermission, it was time for part two of the evening’s journey—a hit-filled celebration of Flaming Lips favourites.

“She Don’t Use Jelly” was as lyrically absurd and surreal as ever—but I still love it. “Race for the Prize” stood out emotionally and sonically, a beautiful moment in a set full of them.

Tonight, The Flaming Lips were electrifying, spectacular, and unforgettable. There were confetti cannons, giant bouncing balls, a singer with huge eyeballs and mouth, inflatables—and a big “F*** yeah, Manchester!” to close it all.

Wayne Coyne was engaging from start to finish. The band’s commitment to spectacle remains impressively undimmed. A Flaming Lips show is a glittering spectacle—an immersive, dazzling experience that leaves a lasting impression.

SET LIST

1/ FIGHT TEST

2/ ONE MORE ROBOT/SYMPATHY 3000-21

3/ YOSHIMI BATTLES THE PINK ROBOTS PT 1

4/ YOSHIMI BATTLES THE PINK ROBOTS PT 2

5/ IN THE MORNING OF THE MAGICIANS

6/ EGO TRIPPING AT THE GATES OF HELL

7/ ARE YOU A HYPNOTIST??

8/ SUMMERTIME

9/ DO YOU REALIZE??

10/ ALL WE HAVE IS NOW

11/ APPROACHING PAVONIS MONS BY BALLON (UTOPIA PLANITIA

SET 2

12/ SHE DONT USE JELLY

13/ FLOWERS OF NEPTUNE 6

14/ THE SPARK THAT BLED

15/ POMPE11 AM GOTTERDAMMERUNG

16/ WAITIN FOR SUPERMAN

17/ THE GOLDEN PATH (Chemical Brothers Cover)

18/ RIDIN TO WORK IN THE YEAR 2025

19/ THE YEAH YEAH YEAH SONG

ENCORE

20/ TRUE LOVE WILL FIND YOU IN THE END

21/ RACE FOR THE PRIZE

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