The Mirage hotel and casino has started its $25 million facelift of its legendary erupting volcano attraction first introduced in 1989 on the Las Vegas Strip. The volcano was among the hottest Las Vegas must sees for several years, the attraction gathered thousands of visitors around the fake rock fountain to see the bursting spurts of red lighted water erupting from the noisy and threatening crater. Nevertheless, the Mirage has bigger improvement plans for its volcano, which

The new volcano, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, is getting over a hundred new fireball launching devices that will spout gas flames 12 feet in the air in synchrony with a drum score exclusively co-composed by Grateful Dead ex-drummer Mickey Hart created to recreate the sound and the vibration of "the Earth belching" and projected to the audience through a high-tech sound system specially designed for the famous Las Vegas attraction.

"It's our version of a birthing of a volcano, which is filled with a lot of different kinds of emotional content, anticipation and anxiety. It's filled with magic and power. You might even be able to feel the lava coming down on top of you." Hart said.

The improved volcano is part of the $110 million renovation works planned by the Mirage owner, MGM Mirage Inc. The works include upgraded rooms and suites as well as a new Las Vegas nightclub, restaurants and the Cirque du Soleil's Beatles-themed "Love."

"It looks dangerous, but in reality it's not. We just want people to stand back on their heels," said Jim Doyle, the director of new technologies at design firm WET, best known for its work at the Bellagio fountains.

According to WET, the firm has spent two years creating the fire-shooting device designed to surface every night during the hourly shows.

Mirage President Scott Sibella said he wanted the volcano to be closer to the new indoor attractions and other features created to bring visitors inside their casinos. However, Sibella said The Mirage will someday construct a bridge connecting the volcano to the casino doorway.

"It does draw thousands of people for every eruption, but the challenge is getting them inside the property." said Sibella.