The Mars Volta have certainly taken an interesting approach in the rollout to their forthcoming ninth studio album. Word of that effort, reportedly titled “Lucro Sucio; Los Ojos del Vacio“, first emerged roughly a month or so ago via leaked product listings. An apparent ripped copy of that record followed, and despite that rip circulating amongst the band’s fanbase, the album still remains unannounced by the group.
However, last week’s kickoff of their North American tour as direct support to alternative metal stars Deftones found the acclaimed prog rockers confirming its existence, performing the record in its entirety without any advance warning. Such a move is of course is in direct opposition to marketing practices widely adopted by the music industry roughly two decades ago.
While the late 90s and early 2000s served as a Wild West of sorts for pirated material and album leaks on the internet, the convenience of digital service providers and the streaming era — plus continued efforts from various copyright holders and anti-piracy organizations — ultimately saw the widespread adoption of filesharing and the impact of leaks wane.
While the early leak of an album two decades ago would be devastating and often force an immediate rush release of a record, The Mars Volta instead have opted for a casual approach. As of press time, that record still remains unannounced, though rumors of an April release have been circulating.
If the below story is to be believed, the group’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala casually gave away his personal copy of the record to a fan last week. In the below Reddit post, a delivery worker details how a food delivery to Cedric saw them allegedly walking away with Cedric‘s own burned personal copy of the album. Several photos were shared (see below) to back up that fan’s claim. Here’s what the fan said:
“So as I’m biking toward the destination in my hometown of Ashland, OR, I am like— that’s not a very common name and I know they are playing in the PNW. But there’s no way, right?
As I get to the hotel I notice all of the tour busses. But— odds or something— right?
I place a call to Mr. Cedric B. to let him know that his Oven Roasted Turkey Sandwich, 3 bags of lays chips and 1 chocolate chip cookie from Subway have arrived. I wait around outside the hotel for a moment. Soon— guess who strolls out in a black Peacoat and blue trucker cap?
Immediately I’m like “it IS you-!”
I kept it really cool. Like ice cold somehow. Handed him the Subway. He must have been in a good mood and was very warm and approachable. He was stoked I knew who he was. I called him a legend and asked to shake his hand. He was surprised and said that there are lots of haters out there. I sent my regards to Omar, told him how excited I was for the new album and told him I love self-titled. Told him Philo is a great choice, said I heard they killed it in Portland the other night. Specifically told him Equus 3 rips.
So then he asks me if I have a CD player. I literally currently don’t currently but told him I would buy one on the way home if I need to. He says “hang on, I got something for you.” Cedric Bixler Zavala, one of my idols since my teenage years goes inside for a few minutes and goes back up to his room to get something for me. I’m just waiting outside the hotel waiting for Cedric to return at this point. Truly a surreal moment.
He comes outside again and says, “Here’s my personal copy of the new album. It leaked already, sooo.”
That’s when my mind was blown. I thanked him again. Shook his hand again, luckily never asked for a picture. That was legitimately the coolest thing that ever happened to me and man, Cedric really is a nice person. Acted like a big teenager in the best possible way. Super informal and approachable, like talking to an old friend. What a crazy connection to make.
Needless to say I really have to buy a CD player now. Will probably listen to it once and never again. It’s my most cherished possession. Just had to share this with you guys.
I delivered a turkey sandwich to Cedric, recognized him, played it cool, and he gave me his personal CD-R of Lucro on the spot.
Boom
Life complete ✅”
The Mars Volta‘s tour with Deftones & Fleshwater continues as follows:
03/04 San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
03/05 Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
03/06 Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
03/08 Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
03/09 Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
03/12 Austin, TX – Moody Center
03/13 San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
03/15 Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
03/16 Houston, TX – Toyota Center
03/18 Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
03/20 Orlando, FL – Kia Center
03/22 Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena
03/24 Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
03/26 Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
03/28 Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
03/29 Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
03/31 Chicago, IL – United Center
04/01 Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
04/03 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
04/04 Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
04/06 Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
04/08 Boston, MA – TD Garden
04/09 Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
I was out doing food delivery in my town and delivered to Cedric. He handed me his personal copy of Lucro ??
byu/LedZeppole10 inthemarsvolta
