While the band hasn’t officially announced a break-up, The Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala announced on Twitter last night that he was out as the band’s singer, indicating that they’d be on a permanent hiatus.
It doesn’t sound like a clean break, either. In his length series of tweets (all of which are below), Cedric effectively indicates that the rest of the band’s heart wasn’t in it anymore, highlighting guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez’s unwillingness to tour (and even citing his lackadaisical performances with At the Drive-In during their recent reunion). He also blames the band’s label, Warner Brothers, noting that they weren’t fully behind the band’s intention to do their last album (Nocturniquet) justice.
Here’s how it all unfolded (we’ll try to contextualize some of these tweets for you):
Thank u 2 all VOLTA fans u deserved more especially after the way u rooted for us on this album. I tried my hardest to keep it going (cont-)
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
But Bosnian Rainbows was what we all got instead. I can’t sit here and pretend any more. I no longer am a member of Mars Volta. (cont-)
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
If you’re lost, Bosnian Rainbows is Omar Rodriguez-Lopez’s new side project.
I honestly thank all of you for buying our records and coming to our shows. You guys were a blast to play in front of
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
We could never had done it with out you. My dream was to get us to the point were Jon Theodore and Ikey Owens came back but sadly it’s over
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
Thank u a million times over for ever giving a fuck about our band
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
For the record I tried my hardest to get a full scale North American tour going for Noctourniquet but Omar did not want to.
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
I guess a break from mars volta means starting another band and ignoring all the support the fans gave us. I tried my hardest guys
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
All I can do is move forward with my music and just be happy that mars volta ever happened at all. God Damn we had a blast. Thank u again
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
I just feel really guilty for not even really saying the truth because a hiatus is just an insult to the fans
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
And no I’m not joking about any of this, I owe it 2 u guys to all fans to be serious about this
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
Thank u to all past members who helped Volta along as well. we blasted through like a comet and left our mark!
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
Please just be happy that it happened at all remember all the opposition we were met with for just starting a new band back in 2001.
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
When At the Drive-In broke up, its members schismed into Sparta and the Mars Volta. After an iffy EP, the latter burst into prominence with Deloused in the Comatorium, a mind meldting blend of progressive rock with the previous projects palpable electric energy.
SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE VOLTA FANS WHO FLOODED WARNER BROS FACEBOOK PAGE AND GOT NOTHING IN RETURN! I was honored by this guys! ThankU
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
And for the record I’m still in love with ATDI. Proof was in MY performance. I would never get on stage if my heart was else where. (cont-)
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
I have cancelled shows before for knowing full well that my heart was not in it at that moment. Why? Because its an insult to the audience
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
2 be clear I’m not angry I just wanted to be honest with the people who have allowed me to make a living playing music.
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
What am I suppose to do be some progressive house wife that’s cool with watching their partner go fuck other bands? We owe it 2 fans to tour
— Cedric Bixler Zavala (@cedricbixler_) January 24, 2013
Nail, meet coffin. The Mars Volta had their day, and while it faded in recent years, their immediate impact with their first two full lengths was something to be hold. Maybe they fell too far down the rabbit hole or maybe it was just time, but whatever the case, this looks like the end of an era.
