The Flaming Lips, Yo La Tengo & More Perform At Hi, How Are You Day? 2019

The Flaming Lips, Yo La Tengo and Built to Spill were among the musicians who participated in the 2019 Hi, How Are You Day? benefit concert Tuesday night in Austin, Texas. Named after Austin musician Daniel Johnston’s iconic mural Jeremiah The Innocent and its caption asking “Hi, How Are You?,” the concert and mental health awareness day was founded last year and takes place each January 22, which is Johnston’s birthday.

Tom Gimbel and Courtney Blanton founded the Hi, How Are You Project non-profit organization after the success of last year’s initial Hi, How Are You Day? in Austin, Texas. Their mission is “to remove the stigma and shame around mental health, so people will feel open to communicate.” Johnston’s coping with mental health issues throughout his life has been well documented. This year’s concert was held at ACL Live at the Moody Theater and featured many of Johnston’s songs performed throughout the night.

Yo La Tengo’s set began with their often played cover of Johnston’s “Speeding Motorcycle.” Built To Spill worked in a version of his “Bloody Rainbow” and closed their set with “Rocket Ship.” Others taking the stage in Austin included Bob Mould, The Moth and The Flame and Gavin DeGraw.

During a changeover between acts, a video message recorded by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy was shown. The short address was followed by footage of a 2017 show in Chicago of Tweedy and others supporting Johnston on “Walking The Cow.”

The Flaming Lips started their set with Wayne Coyne recalling the late Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse introducing them to Johnston’s “Go,” which they recorded together for a Johnston tribute album. Coyne then led a performance of “Go,” followed by a few Lips songs. Watch the entire concert below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkJkZCC8wkY