The Mars Volta at Brixton Academy

Best. Freaking. Show. Ever.

I anticipated this gig since last year, when I ordered and received my tickets. Missing out on Coheed and Cambria last February made me anticipate this gig even more.

Until yesterday, there was no news of any support which last night, translated to 3 non-stop hours of The Mars Volta. Three hours of the most amazing stuff I have ever seen.

They started at around 8:15 which meant a long wait from the time I got in until something interesting happened as the doors did open just before 7 and normally, there would be a support band playing at around 7:45. The wait was quite excruciating but everyone knew, Mars Volta would be up soon.

The show was somewhat divided into three acts with three giant canvases behind them each retracted after an hour or so. I won’t go into the details of what exactly they played as I seriously can’t remember but it was an excellent mix from all their albums. Actually, excellent may be an understatement.

The crowd was quite well-behaved as well which made the gig that much more enjoyable. Gone are the teeny-boppers who usually populate rock concerts these days. In fact, most of the audience was male and only a handful were women which is quite surprising as girls always seem to out-number the guys in the previous gigs I’ve been to.

There was also not much crazy moshing as everyone was simple struck in utter awe and brilliance of their set and extensively long riffs and jams. Due to this, I hardly moved from my place in fact, I moved forward with no pressure from anyone around me. This meant a clear and almost unobstructed view.

They finished up and finally talked around 11 and as expected with a 3-hour set, there was no more encore. When I mentioned, finally talked, Cedric didn’t talk during their whole set like introducing the band, the next song or thanking the audience, they just kept on playing their amazing set song after song. When they wrapped up, he did find the time to thank the crowd.

Apparently, they hadn’t been in London since 3 years ago and simply wanted to perform an amazing and truly rewarding show for the patient fans.

I have to say, they more than accomplished this. Quoting the person beside me talking to his friend after the show, “I can now finally die happy.”

I don’t wish to die yet (not until seeing Thursday, Bloc Party, etc.) but I can say I am certainly happier now.

~ by stingeyes on March 15, 2008.