Band: The Mars Volta
Location: Grand Rapids, MI, USA @ Van Andel Arena
Date: May 10, 2003

Equipment: Mini Disc --- Core Sound Binaurals (bass roll-off) > Sharp MT-180
Taping Position: Front Of Stack - Left

Notes: We arrived later than anticipated & I sort of figured that Mars Volta would already be jamming by the
time we got through security, lines & changing/gearing-up in the bathroom. As the recording starts, I am in a
stall getting all my gear straight as they play softly in the background. I then make my way through the venue
towards the downstairs/floor area - this takes about 3 minutes. Once I get to the main floor, make the tedious
journey from the back of the venue towards front of the left speaker, my preferred location, for taping. The
Mars Volta are, basically, rising from the ashes like the Phoenix rising from the remains of "At The Drive In".
The lead singer & guitarist are the back-bone of TMV, apparently. Although I cannot honestly say I was a fan at
first listen, I think I said something to the effect that "Boston or Foreigner did it better" as a criticsm of the lead
singers vocal styling, harshness seemed to be underneath my tone or thought at that time. All in all, they were
extremely tight, inventive, energetic & seemed to be having a good time. The audience, on the other hand, was
quite uncool. Some members of the audience throwed shit on stage, cans, cigarttes, etc & were just as rude as
possible. Too bad but hardly surprising from all of the intelligent people that go to shows these days. In fact,
Flea of the RHCP, during their set, dissed those audience members for throwing stuff at the Mars Volta. At the
end of TMV set, the guitarist yelled back at the people who were throwing stuff, called them "fuckign redneck
assholes". Couldn't agree more.

Setlist Attained?: No

Setlist:
I do not know