Flaming Lips Cause Political Turmoil

04/24/09 11:34am

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry is either a huge Flaming Lips fan or he realizes some members of the state government are idiots.

Henry announced on Thursday evening that he'd sign an executive order and override the Oklahoma House Of Representatives' decision to reject The Flaming Lips' "Do You Realize??" as Oklahoma's official rock song.

The track from 2002's Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots was chosen by more than a two-to-one margin in an online public vote earlier this year and was unanimously approved by the state senate last month. But it met opposition in the House because Lips member Michael Ivins wore a T-shirt with the Communist Party's hammer and sickle symbol on it at an event at the state Capitol last month.

"I was really offended by that," Republican representative Corey Holland said.

Another Republican representative, Mike Reynolds, was also against the resolution because he said the Lips have a reputation for using obscene language. He cited singer Wayne Coyne using the "F-word" during an Oklahoma City appearance when the group had an alley named after them.

"Their lips ought to be on fire," Reynolds said.

The resolution received 48 favourable votes as opposed to 39 against it, but a minimum of 51 votes was needed for "Do You Realize??" to become officially recognized as Oklahoma's state song.

But the governor stepped in and said he'll sign an executive order at a Tuesday ceremony attended by the Lips that will make "Do You Realize??" the state's official rock song. Henry praised the band for making "creative, fun and provocative rock music" for more than 20 years.

"The music of the Flaming Lips has earned Grammys, glowing critical acclaim and fans all over the world," the governor said in a NewsOK.com article. "A truly iconic rock 'n' roll band, they are proud ambassadors of their home state.

"They were clearly the people's choice, and I intend to honour that vote."

Flaming Lips manager Scott Booker issued this statement on behalf of the band:

"As many people around the world know, The Flaming Lips are proud to be from Oklahoma. We want everyone to understand that only a minority of the representatives voted against this law.

"Regardless of what the minority in the House of Representatives wish, The Flaming Lips remain proud ambassadors of the state."

Reynolds may want to avoid these Flaming Lips shows:

April 25 Scottsdale, AZ @ McDowell Mountain Music Festival
June 12 Dores, Scotland @ Clune Farm (Rockness Festival)
June 26 St. Gallen, Switzerland @ OpenAir St. Gallen
June 28 Helsinki, Finland @ Suvilahti (Pitka Kuuma Kela Festival)
July 19 Chicago, IL @ Union Park (Pitchfork Festival)
July 28 Sydney, Australia @ Hordern Pavilion
July 29 Melbourne, Australia @ Festival Hall
Sept. 13 Monticello, NY @ Kutscher's Country Club (All Tomorrow's Parties)