Mars Volta coming to town

Start growing your afro and perfecting that mic-swinging technique because the weird and wonderful Mars Volta are coming to town.

The Texas band - core members Cedric Bixler Zavala (vocals) and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (guitar) - play the St James Theatre on December 8. Their third album, Amputechture, comes out Monday.

Also headed for the St James is singer/songwriter John Mayer. He'll be there on November 5 an to celebrate the release of his new album, Continuum, which comes out on Monday.

Two Oz rock icons, Ian Moss, former Cold Chisel guitarist, and singer/songwriter Diesel, hit the road together in New Zealand in October for a 10-date tour.

The upper North Island dates are: Oct 12, Brewers Bar, Mt Maunganui; Oct 14, Waihi Beach Hotel, Waihi; and Oct 15, Kings Arms, Auckland. Tickets from Ticketek.

New York trio the Roger Sisters return to New Zealand for a show at the Kings Arms in Auckland on Oct 9 and Wellington's San Francisco Bath House on Oct 10.

And for extreme metal fans, Cannibal Corpse play Auckland's 4:20 on Oct 6 and Wellington's San Francisco Bath House on Oct 7.

The Fear Factory gig next Wednesday has been cancelled. Refunds are available from point of purchase.