Ever found yourself wondering if you’ve been missing out on something epic? Well, seeing Thirty Seconds to Mars live for the first time made me realize I’ve been obliviously orbiting outside a musical cosmos that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Jared Leto, whom I’ve always revered for his Oscar-winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club (among other outstanding roles), showed that his rock star chops are not just good—they’re stratospheric.
Originally delayed due to the SAG strikes impacting Leto’s filming schedule, the rescheduled The Seasons Tour celebrated their sixth studio album, It’s The End Of The World But It’s A Beautiful Day, with interstellar flair. And let’s talk about their penchant for the extraordinary: Thirty Seconds to Mars don’t just release albums—they release experiences.
How about the first commercial album launched into space? Check. Debuting a song from the Space Station? Check. With thousands of fans contributing variations of cover art, backing vocals, and percussion to their recordings over the years, and holding the record for the number of shows during a release cycle (literally in the Guinness Book of World Records), it’s clear that Leto wants to bring his fans as close as possible to the experience and the music. The show at the O2 Arena was a testament to their innovation.
From the moment the band launched into the thunderous opening of “Up in the Air” with a massive explosion of confetti, it was clear that this would be a huge show. Ripping straight into “Kings and Queens” and “Walk on Water” kept the momentum soaring, proving that Leto’s knack for massive hooks is undeniable. But it’s not just the music that’s out of this world—Leto brings a level of creativity that’s light years ahead. Picture this: lasers, fire, neon lights, dramatic leaps, and costumes so elaborate they’d make a Broadway wardrobe jealous and have Pink Floyd fans reminiscing.
When fans were invited on stage, it was a reminder that this band thrives on fan participation like no other. Covers like “Stay” by Mikky Ekko were beautifully reimagined, while an impromptu “End of Days,” suggested by an audience member, showcased their spontaneity. The emotional rendition of “City of Angels” had the entire arena captivated before the night exploded into a high-energy encore with “The Kill” and “Closer to the Edge.” For a first timer, I was impressed to say the least. I’ve been digging into their back catalogue and not surprisingly saying to myself, I know that song, and that one, and so on and so forth. Better late than never I suppose.
So, the ultimate question—is Leto a better rock star or actor? With an Oscar on one hand and platinum albums on the other, it’s a toss-up. But one thing’s for sure, whether on screen or stage, Jared Leto knows how to put on a show that’s otherworldly. The tour continues across the UK, and it’s not just a concert—it’s a cosmic event. If you haven’t yet experienced it, you don’t want to miss this spectacle.
