The Mars Volta Cancels Vive Latino 2026 Performance, Joining Moby in Withdrawal

Mexico City — The Mars Volta has canceled its scheduled performance at the Vive Latino 2026 music festival, citing unforeseen circumstances, organizers announced Monday. The progressive rock band joins electronic artist Moby, who previously withdrew from the event.

The band was set to perform on the Telcel stage this Sunday, March 15, at 8:30 p.m., according to the official lineup. With just five days remaining before the festival—one of Mexico City’s most anticipated annual music events—organizers confirmed the cancellation.

In a brief social media post, Vive Latino stated in both English and Spanish that The Mars Volta pulled out “due to unforeseen circumstances outside their control. The band hopes to return soon to meet with their Mexican audience.” The message has garnered over 2,600 likes and hundreds of comments, with many fans expressing disappointment and speculating about a replacement, suggesting acts like Interpol or The Killers, while others requested refunds.

This follows Moby’s cancellation, announced on February 12, with a similar statement citing “unforeseen circumstances outside his control.” The producer was replaced by DJ Steve Aoki, a move widely celebrated by attendees, minimizing backlash.

Vive Latino 2026 features several new elements this year, including visual artwork paying homage to Mexico City as a “monster city,” a special album with attendee cards, an expanded map within the Estadio GNP Seguros grounds, and the return of comedy and lucha libre tents. New additions include a marketplace and an NGO zone.

Artists scheduled for Saturday, March 14, include Lenny Kravitz, John Fogerty, Carlos Sadness, Cypress Hill, Juanes, Madre Perla, and Moenia, alongside Airbag, Alcalá Norte, Chetes, Cuco, Enanitos Verdes, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Enjambre, Filtro, Ladrones, Ke Personajes, Los Amigos Invisibles, Los Látigos, Los Viejos, Love of Lesbian, Maldita Vecindad, MC Davo, and Nacho Vegas, Trueno.

Sunday’s lineup features Illya Kuryaki and The Valderramas, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, The Smashing Pumpkins, Tom Torelló, Santa Sabina, Rich Mafia (Alemán + Gera MX), plus Triciclo Circus Band, Fobia, Monobloc, Nafta, artists from the ‘Música pa mandar a volar. vol 2’ collection, Percance, Reyna Tropical, and Rusowsky, along with the slot for The Mars Volta’s replacement.

It remains to be seen if Vive Latino will maintain its usual schedule or make further adjustments before the weekend.