The Mars Volta are set to embark on a highly anticipated reunion tour in 2022, with the prog rockers announcing a string of North American dates this fall. As one of the most influential and innovative bands of the 2000s, fans are eager to see The Mars Volta back in action after their breakup in 2013.
Opening Acts
While The Mars Volta headline each show themselves, they have tapped some exciting artists to open for them on this tour. Here’s a look at who will be getting the crowd warmed up before The Mars Volta take the stage each night:
Teri Gender Bender
Kicking off most shows will be Teri Gender Bender, singer of the acclaimed experimental rock band Le Butcherettes. Gender Bender is known for her intense and chaotic live performances, making her an ideal match for The Mars Volta’s rabid fanbase. Le Butcherettes have built a cult following of their own, so early arrivers will be in for a treat checking out Gender Bender’s raw and explosive energy.
TMV Side Projects
In addition to Le Butcherettes, members of The Mars Volta will be showcasing some of their side projects on the tour. Omar Rodríguez-López will perform an opening set with his experimental outfit Bosnian Rainbows, while Cedric Bixler-Zavala will do the same with his prog band Zavalaz. These side projects give hardcore Mars Volta fans a chance to hear the guys’ latest musical endeavors outside of their flagship group.
Local Openers
For many of the shows, The Mars Volta have allotted opening slots to local up-and-coming bands in each city they visit. Keep an eye out for who your local opener is, as this will be a huge opportunity for those bands to play for the sizable crowds that The Mars Volta will no doubt attract. The local opener slot allows talented regional bands some much-deserved exposure.
Set Times
Doors for these shows typically open between 6:00 and 7:00pm, with the first opening act scheduled to hit the stage around 7:30 or 8:00pm. Teri Gender Bender and the other supporting acts will each play 30-45 minute sets. The Mars Volta will take the stage around 9:30-10:00pm and play for 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Of course, set times may vary by venue, so be sure to check the official set times listed on your ticket or posted at the venue on show day. The Mars Volta are known for their epic and unpredictable shows, so fans would be wise to catch the openers and arrive early!
How Were the Openers Chosen?
When arranging their reunion tour, The Mars Volta likely hand-picked these support acts for a few key reasons:
- They have personal connections to the bands and side projects, since they’ve toured and collaborated together before.
- The openers represent a similar genre and aesthetic, which will set the mood for The Mars Volta’s headlining sets.
- Variety – having both national and local openers creates a diverse lineup.
- Boosting rising talent – taking lesser-known acts on tour expands their fanbases too.
The Mars Volta are passionate about experimental and progressive rock, so choosing like-minded yet fresh acts to share the stage makes for shows that will satisfy their dedicated fanbase.
How Long Will the Mars Volta Play For?
As mentioned earlier, The Mars Volta’s headlining sets are likely to run between 90 minutes and 2 hours each night. Their shows are known for being elaborate, with complex instrumentation, extended improvisation, and multimedia visuals. So fans can expect a lengthy performance when the guys take the stage.
Over the course of a multi-night residency in a single city, the setlists and show lengths may vary from night to night. Diehard fans planning to attend multiple shows could be treated to different songs and jams each performance. But regardless of the city, attendees can count on at least a solid 90 minute main set from The Mars Volta.
Will They Play the Hits?
Since this tour is commemorating the 10th anniversary of their album The Bedlam in Goliath, it’s expected that they will perform tracks from that record. Fan favorites like “Goliath,” “Wax Simulacra,” and “Aberinkula” seem very likely to make appearances.
They’ll also probably sample heavily from other hit albums like De-Loused in the Comatorium and Frances the Mute. Popular cuts like “The Widow,” “L’Via L’Viaquez,” and “Televators” are concert staples that fans would be disappointed not to hear.
Given Cedric and Omar’s penchant for improvisation though, they’ll definitely mix in some unexpected and obscure tunes too. But overall, attendees can bank on the band playing a career-spanning set packed with classics.
How Long Has It Been Since Their Last Tour?
The Mars Volta went on hiatus in 2012 following the touring cycle for their album Noctourniquet. They officially disbanded the following year, leaving fans clamoring for a reunion.
Omar and Cedric have stayed active with their side projects over the past decade. But this 2022 tour marks the first time The Mars Volta have hit the road again together in around 10 years. Needless to say, their return to the stage has been long awaited by their passionate fanbase.
The band has a reputation for their explosive live shows, so this tour will be a special treat for fans who’ve missed seeing The Mars Volta in action after their prolonged absence from touring.
How Long Will They Tour For?
The Mars Volta initially announced a string of North American tour dates taking place in the Fall of 2022. These include shows in the U.S. as well as festival performances in Mexico.
While no other dates have been revealed yet beyond the Fall leg, Cedric and Omar have hinted that more could be added. Fans are speculating that the tour may expand into 2023, with potential shows in Europe, Australia, and South America.
The band has a lot of ground to cover if they want to revisit all their old fans worldwide. So there’s a good chance this reunion tour stretches into an extensive multi-year trek, if ticket sales and demand remain high.
Conclusion
The Mars Volta’s long-awaited reunion tour promises to be one of the most thrilling and in-demand concert events of the year. The band has tapped an exciting collection of up-and-coming supporting acts to complement their eclectic and intense headlining sets. While tour details are still developing, one thing’s for sure – The Mars Volta’s live return is cause for major celebration among their loyal fans worldwide!