Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse Rock Berkeley with Unforgettable Covers

The Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California, hosted a remarkable concert on September 7, 2025, featuring the iconic bands Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse. Both acts delivered impressive performances, but a standout moment occurred during the encore when the Flaming Lips performed a powerful rendition of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” This tribute not only paid homage to the legendary heavy metal band following the passing of Ozzy Osbourne in July but also showcased the Flaming Lips’ unique ability to blend genres.

As the concert wound down, frontman Wayne Coyne led the band through the classic anti-war anthem, captivating the audience with a spirited performance. Dressed in an American flag cape, Coyne’s stage presence was reminiscent of Osbourne’s theatricality, delivering the iconic lines with enthusiasm and a distinctive vocal flair. Accompanying him was drummer Matt Duckworth, whose execution of the original drum parts by Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward added an authentic rock essence to the cover.

Modest Mouse opened the evening, taking the stage at approximately 19:00 and immediately energizing the crowd with a compelling 75-minute set. Their performance included a mix of fan favorites and deep cuts, starting with “Gravity Rides Everything” from their acclaimed album, “Moon & Antarctica.” Highlights of their set featured the hit “Float On,” which elicited a singalong from the audience, and a memorable rendition of “Tiny Cities Made of Ashes.” The combination of Isaac Brock’s dynamic vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation set a high bar for the evening.

Following Modest Mouse, the Flaming Lips took charge with their own 75-minute set, characterized by their signature psychedelic flair. While their song selection may not have matched the breadth of Modest Mouse’s, the Flaming Lips compensated with an array of visual spectacles. The stage was adorned with giant inflatable robots, colorful streamers, and an inflatable sun creature that danced alongside Coyne. Their performance peaked during “Race for the Prize,” a song that concluded with Coyne entering a giant hamster ball, a trademark element of their shows.

The concert highlighted the strengths of both bands, with each providing a unique experience that appealed to their diverse fan bases. The evening was not just a celebration of alternative rock but also a testament to the lasting impact of heavy metal, as demonstrated by the powerful tribute to Black Sabbath that resonated with the audience.

Overall, the concert at the Greek Theatre was a resounding success, blending the eclectic styles of Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse while creating unforgettable moments. The tribute to Black Sabbath served as a fitting reminder of the enduring legacy of rock music, leaving attendees with a night to remember.

Setlists from the evening included:

Flaming Lips:
1. “Sleeping on the Roof”
2. “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1”
3. “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 2”
4. “Turn It On”
5. “Pompeii Am Götterdämmerung”
6. “Five Stop Mother Superior Rain”
7. “The Golden Path”
8. “Feeling Yourself Disintegrate”
9. “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (With All Your Power)”
10. “She Don’t Use Jelly”
11. “Do You Realize??”
Encore:
12. “War Pigs”
13. “Race for the Prize”

Modest Mouse:
1. “Gravity Rides Everything”
2. “Breakthrough”
3. “Float On”
4. “Never Ending Math Equation”
5. “Fire It Up”
6. “Dogbed”/”Sheetrock”
7. “King Rat”
8. “Fly Trapped in a Jar”
9. “Heart Cooks Brain”
10. “What People Are Made Of”
11. “Dashboard”
12. “Tiny Cities Made of Ashes”
13. “Third Side of the Moon”
14. “Dramamine”
15. “Night on the Sun”

This concert exemplified why both the Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse are celebrated figures in the alternative rock scene, demonstrating their ability to engage and entertain crowds while honoring the rich history of rock music.