Mars Make Movie Magic Texas psychedelic funk rockers let it all hang out on film

Rolling Stone Interview
Jul 2005

As they prepare for their August tour with System of a Down, the boys of Texas psychedelic funk rockers the Mars Volta -- singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala and guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez -- are ready for their close-up. And this won't be your normal band DVD.

"It will incorporate humor and live footage, and be shot on film, which doesn't happen anymore these days," says Rodriguez-Lopez, who is directing the movie.

In that spirit, the guitar prodigy rented five 16mm cameras to shoot Volta's March 13th gig at London's Brixton Academy, during their headlining tour in support of their sophomore breakout, Frances the Mute. He also captured a spiritual moment in Sweden: "We played an old cathedral, and the backstage was all amazing stained glass. I lit that up!"

Rodriguez-Lopez also says he has footage from the group's very first rehearsal -- "when we were a bunch of junkies and losers." (Clean for three years, the guitarist will only indulge in the occasional post-show smoke.)

The Mars Volta's stint with System kicks off on August 4th in Long Beach, California, just five weeks after the band was forced to cancel the rest of their European tour due to Rodriquez-Lopez's severe abdominal pains. All fixed up, the duo is set to tour North America through August 30th in Quebec City