The Martian Space Party was performed before a live audience and broadcast on KPFK-FM as the final episode of the “Let’s Eat” radio series on March 30, 1972. The performance was filmed in 16mm, and recorded on 16-track tape by CBS engineers outside in a mobile truck. On April 16, the Firesigns assembled a miniature set on Phil Austin’s porch and filmed insert shots of the monster Glutamoto attacking Monster Island. Final editing was finished by May 4. The movie was screened on June 29 at the Directors Guild of America theatre in Hollywood.
Two PDFs available for download are from David Ossman, and MSP director Stephen Gillmor. David’s “Martian Space Party Diary” covers the first half of 1972 as they begin writing material for the Not Insane album, and for the live radio special. Stephen’s interview (courtesy of Fred Wiebel’s Firezine magazine) details his filming of the MSP broadcast and his involvement in other Firesign Theatre projects.
For your listening pleasure you can stream or download Let’s Eat #13 – The Martian Space Party and join the others at The National Surrealist Light People’s Party Convention.
: