Flaming Lips To Perform Free Concert At NXNE 2012

Toronto's NXNE festival might not be as large or have the prestige as SXSW, but it does have one bragging point over its southern counterpart: a free concert by the Flaming Lips. Norman, Okla.'s finest will headline Spinner Canada's all-day concert on Saturday, June 16 at Yonge-Dundas Square, Spinner enthusiastically reported today (April 17).

Although the other bands for the free concert have yet to be announced, the Flaming Lips are undoubtedly a step up from last year's show, which featured Devo and those world-famous 'Safety Dancers,' Men Without Hats.

Still, there will be plenty of music to be found, including punk veterans Bad Religion, indie rockers Of Montreal, Canadian alt-country band the Sadies and garage rockers Reigning Sound. In total, 650 bands will be performing all around downtown Toronto during the 18th annual festival, which will run from June 11-17.

NXNE, now in its 18th year, is considered to be Canada's foremost event for developing bands, as well as a showcase for music-themed movies. This year's film portion will feature the world premiere of the concert documentary, 'What Did You Expect? The Archers of Loaf Live at Cat's Cradle.' The film was directed by Gorman Bechard, who also made, 'Color Me Obsessed: A Film About the Replacements,' and is currently working on 'Every Everything,' a documentary about Husker Du drummer Grant Hart.