The Mars Volta Play Terminal Five For First NYC Show In A Decade

The Mars Volta Are back!!! Better Than Ever!!!

2022 has been quite a year for live music in particular for reunions of our favorite bands, some happening this year because of postponements due to the pandemic, others like The Mars Volta happening this year which feels like out of nowhere!

The proper last time we’ve seen or heard anything from The Mars Volta was over a decade ago, the reasoning according to vocalist Cedric Bixler Zavala and guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez was complete dysfunction and lack of communication as they discussed in detail with Zane Lowe on his Apple Music Podcast upon the band new self titled album release which came out nearly two weeks ago. 

Cedric credits the bands return to Omar’s mature nature of just letting the situation be and not speaking out publicly against one another. Cedric told Zane the defining moment was seeing Omar with his children as Cedric himself got quite emotional during the interview. 

With that said The Mars Volta is back and better than ever, the release of the new album not only marks new music for the band but also a new direction in sound which leans a little more to the Pop side of the genre but not at all cookie-cutter pop, pop in the sense of still sounding and feeling like The Mars Volta. Listening to the record it feels more mature, emotional and honest then anything the band has released previously and I salute the guy’s for not playing it safe with this return. 

The record was supported by the tracks “Blacklight Shine” which vocalist Cedric Bixler Zavala say’s when he first heard it “He jumped up crying, he told Omar he was dancing and crying at the same time”. The band also went on to release “Graveyard Love” and “Vigil” before releasing the full record on September 16th.

Now, The Mars Volta is on tour and we were lucky enough to get the opportunity to attend night 1 of 2 at the sold out Terminal 5 in New York City! Fans arrived early on Thursday evening and flooded the merch booth before taking their spots on the floor of Terminal 5 or any of the multiple balconies above. 

The Mars Volta which live comprises of Cedric Bixler Zavala, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, live drummer Linda-Philomene Tsoungui, Key master Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez and other key master Leo Geno took to the capacity New York City stage to a completely hyped crowd and kicked off the set with “Vicarious Atonement” before completely destroying the crowd with “Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)” from the incredible album Deloused In The Comatorium.

The Mars Volta sounds absolutely incredible live, something I don’t think I could have honestly said years ago as Cedric’s vocals were not where they needed to be for fans, a quick youtube search of the band in 2012 will help you understand. But fear not, this is not an issue because whatever Cedric has been doing over the last ten years, it has worked beautifully. 

I can’t rave enough about how every single member in this band was tight, fun to watch and made the performance gripping and special. This may have been one of the best performances I’ve ever seen from a band and I’ve seen some special shows and great bands this year alone. 

To fans surprise and with great approval the bands 14 song set heavily favors classic Mars Volta with Deloused In The Comatorium’s “Eriatarka”, “Televators”, “Cicatriz ESP” to name a few and Frances The Mute’s “L’Via L’Viaquez” and “The Widow”  leading most of the material and only “Blacklight Shine” and “Graveyard Love” from the new album. 

The nearly 2 hour long set ends with the fan favorite “Inertiatic Esp” and a long drawn ovation from the sold out New York City roaring their appreciation and enjoyment of the bands return. Most of these shows are sold out now but if you happen to be able to grab yourself a ticket I beg of you don’t hesitate it’s an absolutely fantastic and well rounded show!

See full gallery of the night here.

Check out the setlist and tour dates below!

Night 1 setlist:

Tour Dates:

October 1 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway – Boston, MA
October 3 – The Anthem – Washington, DC
October 5 – Massey Hall – Toronto, ON
October 6 – Royal Oak Music Theatre – Detroit, MI
October 8 – Aragon Ballroom – Chicago, IL
October 11 – The Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO
October 14 – Moore Theatre – Seattle, WA
October 18 – The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
October 21 – Hollywood Palladium – Los Angeles, CA
October 22– Hollywood Palladium – Los Angeles, CA
October 23 – Hollywood Palladium – Los Angeles, CA