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The Mars Volta

Average rating:

4.6

57 of 60(95%)customers would recommend this to a friend.

The Mars Volta Fan Reviews - Ticketmaster

Review 1 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

Beyond words.

Somerset House @

- London @

- Mon 13 Jul 2009 @

Posted 14/07/2009

by Narc

Location: Surrey

Featured Review

It's a disservice to even try and put into words how amazing this gig was. It almost feels like an insult to call it a gig, it's more of... a cosmic event. Everything was immaculate. The band came on stage and gripped the entire audience for the duration of the set. The soaring highs left my hands shaking and the beautiful low points had the entire audience staring, enraptured. The arena itself is beautiful and the lighting was subtle and atmospheric. The way the sun set as the band played just finished it all off. I was expecting greatness when I booked the tickets, but I wasn't expecting something quite so ridiculously good. I have been stunned ever since, this performance may have been the high point of my entire life. That's no exaggeration.

Somerset House @

- London @

- Mon 13 Jul 2009 @

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Review 2 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Posted 21/12/2009

by Anonymous

Fresh from playing at the ATP's Nightmare Before Christmas, TMV kicked off the show with a blistering performance of "Son et Lumiere" and "Inertiatic ESP" at which point every person in the audience knew that we were in for something very special.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

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Review 3 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

Amazing show!!

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Setlist: Inertiatic Esp, Cotopaxi, L'Via L'Viaquez, Goliath, Eriatarka, Since We've Been Wrong, Cicatriz Esp, Halo Of Nembutals, Miranda That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore: A Vade Mecum, Teflon, Viscera Eyes, The Widow, Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of). @

Opening act(s): No support required for The Mars Volta! @

Posted 16/12/2009

by nosirrah

Location: Middlesex

Top 250 Contributor

I'm totally in love with both the Forum as a venue and the amazing sound of The Mars Volta. The sound balance was totally correct. Was Cedrric suffering from the dreaded laryngitis? Either he appreciates a lot of hot beverages or he was inhaling steam to treat a problem, the vocal performance was superb nevertheless. For me this was a greatest hits set, I couldn't have picked better. Wow!! 2 hours on stage is right for this band, no encore necessary.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Opening act(s): No support required for The Mars Volta! @

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Review 4 for The Mars Volta

4 / 5

MARS VOLTA OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!???

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Posted 16/12/2009

by wellychic

Great show, loved all on the on stage dancing, great atmosphere!

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

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Review 5 for The Mars Volta

4 / 5

Good

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Posted 16/12/2009

by cassiotones

Location: London

Top 100 Contributor

Good concert. I saw them live for the first time and was really curious about how they would sound and perform. They are very intense live and play perfectly with no mistakes. The singer had some hard time reaching some high notes, but was very good most of the time. The background was really nice too, very psychedelic images changing from time to time. But I dont know why I think they are better to listen at home. I think the "slow" parts just work better at the confort of my place. But t was very good in general

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

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Review 6 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

Best live Band around these days

HMV Picture House @

- Edinburgh @

- Wed 9 Dec 2009 @

Posted 16/12/2009

by Bazzel666

Supperb night was great to here a greatest hits from a great blive band!!

HMV Picture House @

- Edinburgh @

- Wed 9 Dec 2009 @

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Review 7 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

The Mars Volta- one of the best bands on Earth:)

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Posted 16/12/2009

by kasienka9

Location: London

Such a great gig! Was my first time to see them live and it was amazing.
Cedric and Omar are on top of my list!

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

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Review 8 for The Mars Volta

4 / 5

No one else like them!

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Posted 15/12/2009

by Blackwater

Great musicians - strong set list - a tad self indulgent.

Sound quality great and nice venue with good pre-gig Indian and Free Parking.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

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Review 9 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

Epic night

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: The jam session of Roulette Dares @

Posted 15/12/2009

by allthewayfromQatar

Location: London

The show was amaazing, but they should have played a longer set. Some crucial songs were missing such as Drunkship of Lanterns. But overall the show was ecstatic!

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: The jam session of Roulette Dares @

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Review 10 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

Mars Volta

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: All of it @

Opening act(s): No one can possible supoport the Volta @

Posted 15/12/2009

by Supraman

Location: Essex

Another spectacular gig from the best rock band in the world at the moment.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: All of it @

Opening act(s): No one can possible supoport the Volta @

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Review 11 for The Mars Volta

4 / 5

3rd times a charm

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Roulette dares went off. :) @

Opening act(s): None. Volta never have support, nor do they need it! @

Posted 15/12/2009

by itburns

Location: Melbourne, Australia

I've seen Mars Volta twice before, both times in Australia. At both gigs the music was flawless. At the start of this gig, and some points throughout, Cedric was off the note and sounded like he was struggling. He warmed up though.. and when he's that sexy, who really cares? Music was great, though I missed Thomas. The choice and mix of songs was amazing. A really good range of their whole catalogue. Gig finished a bit early.. though that was because of the 'after show'. I got Omar's pick from the previous gig and fell in love with the Volta all over again. I will go to every show of theirs I possibly can. Every one should be forced to attend a Volta gig! Genius. Sexy genius..

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Roulette dares went off. :) @

Opening act(s): None. Volta never have support, nor do they need it! @

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Review 12 for The Mars Volta

3 / 5

Lacked the power of previous gigs.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Posted 15/12/2009

by AuronX220

Although they played older stuff, which I loved, it felt more like a cop out to me, with the lost of Thomas Pridgen. I only really felt disappointed all night. The show was shorter, the songs were dulled down, and there was no bass behind it all. It all felt a bit flat.

Despite this, the band are amazing, and I am only really disappointed that they weren't as good as the other two times I've seen them.

I think personally it was the sound engineering.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

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Review 13 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

Mars Volta was bloody cool!

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Posted 15/12/2009

by golajey

Location: sw161DD

Mars Volta was bloody cool, the sound was good, loud of course but good, have been to watch Brand new heavy in Sheperds Bush and was so disappointed about the sound... HMV in kentish is a nice place and the Mars Volta live was again just amazing...

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

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Review 14 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

Mars Volta

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Energy of the band. @

Posted 15/12/2009

by Anonymous

Location: London

I saw the Mars Volta earlier this year at Somerset House. There - although it was good it felt too open and a lot of the force and focus of the music was lost in the open air. Yesterday - at the HMV Forum - the event was absolutely stunning. The band were terrific and very energetic. I would say that if you don't 'get' the whole Mars Volta thing with the song lyrics drifting between English and Spanish and the long rumbling instrumentals then you're not going to enjoy the event. But if you're a fan - truly amazing live.

The venue was excellent as well, I don't think there are any bad seats in the house and lighting etc. was well out of the way so didn't obstruct the view. Benches as opposed to seats which helps again as it just makes the place a bit more informal and bit more fun. Oh - and the guy who checked our tickets on the door was courteous and welcoming - and Kentish Town is lovely. All in all - an excellent evening and great entertainment!

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Energy of the band. @

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Review 15 for The Mars Volta

1 / 5

Real Let down

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: The Widow @

Opening act(s): none @

Posted 15/12/2009

by UncleFunkle

Last night just didnt seem right. The sound was awful, the guitar was far too loud at times compared to the rest of the mix and the vocals were lost in most songs. Which is a real shame because they are a very very good band, and fantastic live. Especially the last time i saw them, they blew me away. Last night just seemed to not have the same effect, it didnt seem to hit me.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: The Widow @

Opening act(s): none @

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Review 16 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

VOLTA!!

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

Posted 15/12/2009

by Yass1985

Amazing show and band! The venue should have turned up the volume though.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Mon 14 Dec 2009 @

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Review 17 for The Mars Volta

3 / 5

Okay, but not memorable.

HMV Picture House @

- Edinburgh @

- Wed 9 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Omar's wonderful jamming. @

Setlist: IntroTheme from A Fistful Of Dollars Son et Lumiere Inertiatic ESP Cotopaxi L'Via L'Viaquez Goliath Eriatarka+ Jam Since We've Been Wrong Cicatriz ESP+ Jam Halo Of Nembutals Teflon Viscera Eyes The Widow introduced by Juan's Bass Solo Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of) @

Opening act(s): None. @

Posted 14/12/2009

by pallyerbreeksup

Location: Montrose

A pleasant night, 1hr and 45 mins. approx., of TMV, but not of a memorable level.
I'll get the negative comments out of the way first. The sound at the Picture House was very messy and undefined. Often the music was like a flood of noise. Cedric's vocals were often out of tune, especially during his attempts at higher regions. I can't judge whether Cedric is just an average singer as this was the only time I saw TMV live. He might have just not had his night as he looked tired and uninterested as well, but I can't help imagineing TMV with a more substantial vocalist. The overall interaction with the audience was very limited; Cedric mumbled something in his mic on two or three occassions and drummer Dave Elitch was quite willing to hand out some sticks.

Elitch brings us to the positive notes. He did well as the new band member or stand in (?). In my opinion he was an energetic presence. Elitch and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez were the most interesting guys on stage to watch and listen to. The passion they played with was visible and audible. Also Isaiah Ikey-Owens clearly enjoyed playing. De-Loused in the Comatorium and Octahedron appeared to be the focal albums of the setlist, which worked out well, in my opinion. Improvisation seems a strong point for these guys as a live band. Omar was the one standing out.

Overall I was glad to have seen the band, whose albums I admire so much. However, I wasn't blown away and I don't feel a strong desire to see them again. 3 Stars (average) seems a fair rating according to my experience of TMV live at the Picture House in Edinburgh on 9/12/09.

p.s. A few moans about the Picture House. I agree with other comments that £3.70 for a pint of average lager (Tuborg) is on the high side. To charge at all (£1.50) for the wardrobe is disappointing as well. Come on, Picture House. We buy your tickets and we buy your beer at a high price. The least thing you can do is to take the jackets from your guests as a hospitable service instead of desperately exploiting this opportunity to make some extra pennies. We ARE your guests.

HMV Picture House @

- Edinburgh @

- Wed 9 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Omar's wonderful jamming. @

Opening act(s): None. @

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Review 18 for The Mars Volta

5 / 5

Hendrix reborn

HMV Picture House @

- Edinburgh @

- Wed 9 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: All of it @

Posted 10/12/2009

by Broud

Location: Scotland

Simply the best guitarist around today. Brilliant vocals and a mad drummer.
Loads of energy from all concerned.

HMV Picture House @

- Edinburgh @

- Wed 9 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: All of it @

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Review 19 for The Mars Volta

4 / 5

Great gig

HMV Picture House @

- Edinburgh @

- Wed 9 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Roulette Dares, it's one of my favourite songs and a definate high point in the set. @

Setlist: 1.Son et Lumiere, 2.Inertiatic ESP, 4.Cotopaxi, 3.L'Via L'Viaquez, 4.Goliath, 5.Eriatarka, 6.Since We've Been Wrong, 7.Cicatriz ESP, 8.Halo Of Nembutals, 9.Miranda That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore, 10.Teflon, 11.Viscera Eyes, 12.The Widow, 13.Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of). @

Opening act(s): There was no opening act, which I believe was somewhat detrimental to the show. @

Posted 10/12/2009

by Textures

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

After having had my mind blown by the Mars Volta two years ago in Glasgow, I had very high expectations. In most repects my expectations were met and they certainly put on an great show, however, there were a few points which prevented the show from being truely amazing.
Firstly, the Mars Volta's new drummer is certainly capable but he isn't half as good as Theodore or Pridgen and I was dissapointed by his performance. I feel this impacted my impression of the show more than anything else as I am a drummer and I tend to watch the drummer more than any other member. I remember being blown away by Pridgen but I was not especially impressed by his replacement. The lack of a support act meant that the audience was less pumped up and was static for most of the set. I appreciate that the Mars Volta are the kind of band you watch in awe, but I felt I was the only one dancing during most of the set.
I also felt the transitions between the long instrumentals back into the songs were less powerful than they were in the past, probably due to them playing with a new drummer.
Possibly due to the mood on their most recent album the show was less energetic compared to what I have seen before, I personally enjoyed "Bedlam" much more than "Octahedron" so my opinion is of course biased, as their live shows during the "Bedlam" era were much more intense.

Despite this, the Mars Volta are still an absolutely mindblowing band and they put on a fantastic show. I didn't intend my review to be negative as the show was genuinely amazing, I simply think they weren't quite as good as they were last time I saw them . However, I would still recommend any serious music fan to see the Mars Volta live, you'll most likely have an amazing experience.

HMV Picture House @

- Edinburgh @

- Wed 9 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Roulette Dares, it's one of my favourite songs and a definate high point in the set. @

Opening act(s): There was no opening act, which I believe was somewhat detrimental to the show. @

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Review 20 for The Mars Volta

4 / 5

Gr8

Somerset House @

- London @

- Mon 13 Jul 2009 @

Posted 19/07/2009

by SalvatorM

Gr8 performance by the Mars Volta, gr8 venue outdoors at Somerset House, gr8 weather for it, gr8 no hoo haa crowd.

Somerset House @

- London @

- Mon 13 Jul 2009 @

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