While the realize their normally outrageous stage show — which, in the past, has included urinating, nudity, vomiting, band members kissing, cross-dressing, fireworks, a chicken, and flaming guitars — maybe wouldn't translate so well in certain overseas countries, namely one where public displays of affection can get you arrested.
I think, in the end, that neither side knew exactly what they were getting into. Black Lips put on a show, someone important got offended and complained to the promoters, the band was accused of indecent exposure by Indian police, and the misadventures (an attempted arrest, a cross-country chase, passport-stealing mystery men, a furtive flight to Berlin) began from there.
Check out this hilarious letter from the Black Lips to their fans posted on their MySpace page and offering details about their Indian drama. My favorite line: "This was a cultural clashing shit storm."
This article appears in Jan 21-27, 2009.