Gov. Henry to sign executive order declaring "Do You Realize?" state rock song

From staff and wire reports | Published: April 23, 2009 | Modified: April 23, 2009 at 9:02 pm

Update:

Gov. Brad Henry announced Thursday evening that he will sign an executive order on Tuesday naming the Flaming Lips song as the official rock song. Henry had planned to sign the resolution into law at a Tuesday ceremony that members of the band as well as national music and entertainment writers planned to attend.

Flaming Lips band members Wayne Coyne, Kliph Scurlock and Michael Ivins in March 2, 2009. Today the Oklahoma House rejected a resolution to name "Do You Realize??" as the state's official rock song because band member, Michael Ivins wore a T-shirt bearing a symbol associated with the Communist Party while at the state Capitol last month. BY STEVE GOOCH

Flaming Lips band members Wayne Coyne, Kliph Scurlock and Michael Ivins in March 2, 2009. Today the Oklahoma House rejected a resolution to name "Do You Realize??" as the state's official rock song because band member, Michael Ivins wore a T-shirt bearing a symbol associated with the Communist Party while at the state Capitol last month. BY STEVE GOOCH

Henry said that for more than 20 years the Flaming Lips have produced "creative, fun and provocative rock music."

"The music of the Flaming Lips has earned Grammys, glowing critical acclaim and fans all over the world," the governor said. "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 honor that vote."

Previous story:

The Oklahoma House rejected a resolution today to name a song by The Flaming Lips as the state's official rock song because one of the band members wore a T-shirt bearing a symbol associated with the Communist Party while at the state Capitol last month.

A resolution making The Flaming Lips' "Do You Realize??" the state's rock song failed to get the necessary votes for passage. Senate Joint Resolution 24 was the last item brought up today, and because it was the last day for the House to vote on measures coming out of the Senate that particular piece of legislation is dead this year.

Rep. Corey Holland, R-Marlow, debated against the resolution, saying he was bothered one of the band members wore a red T-shirt with a yellow sickle and hammer on it when The Flaming Lips came last month to the Capitol when results of an online voting contest showed their song to be the clear-cut winner.

Page 1 of 2

1 2 Next