OCTOBER 09th, 2024
THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
Review & Photos By: Polina Kulikovskikh
Photo Gallery: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/thirty-seconds-to-mars/
"It's the End of the World But It's a Beautiful Day"—that's the title of the latest album by Thirty Seconds to Mars, and a perfect reflection of the chaotic yet exhilarating times we are living through. On the 9th of October, the legendary American rock band brought a powerful, uplifting energy to an otherwise gloomy Oslo night.
Thirty Seconds to Mars, founded in 1998 by brothers Jared and Shannon Leto, initially gained fame for their unique blend of alternative rock, post-grunge, and later, electronic elements. Over the years, they've evolved musically, and although their sound has diversified, their live performances have consistently been a spectacle of showmanship, intensity, and fan engagement.
Almost a year ago, the band's enigmatic frontman and oscar winning actor Jared Leto climbed the Empire State Building to promote their new album and tour. "The building is a testament to all the things that can be achieved if we put our minds to it, which is largely the inspiration behind our most recent album," Leto said. A far more exciting way to announce a tour than a standard press conference—definitely more direct and symbolic of the band's larger-than-life style.
The Oslo concert was initially scheduled for May, but changed due to Leto's film commitments. The anticipation had only grown by the time the band finally hit the stage, and I knew from countless YouTube videos that I was about to witness one of the best live shows out there. Despite being more of a metalhead myself, I was beyond excited—everyone has their guilty pleasures, and I was especially thrilled to be photographing the concert. The night did not disappoint.
The show opened with a countdown, dramatically pausing at thirty, followed by an explosion of confetti. Jared emerged in a red cape and oversized futuristic sunglasses, exuding his signature charisma. Alongside Jared and drummer Shannon Leto, touring member Stevie Aiello handled guitar, bass, piano, and backing vocals. But, for the die-hard fans, it’s the Leto brothers who remain the heart and soul of the band.
They kicked off with "Up in the Air," and the atmosphere was electric from the very first note. Fire and steam pyro effects heightened the drama of almost every song, creating a visually stunning experience. By the fourth track, "Rescue Me," giant balloons were bouncing through the crowd, and Jared had already taken off his sunglasses and invited fans from the front rows to join him on stage, sparking wild enthusiasm.
The band sounded tight and looked fantastic. Some groups that rose to fame in their youth lose their edge as time goes on, but Thirty Seconds to Mars has defied that trend. Jared, now in his early fifties, remains a Dorian Gray of rock music, seemingly ageless in both energy and appearance.
Midway through the set, the tempo slowed for a more intimate acoustic segment, with fans handing Jared "scratch-to-reveal" cards they’d made. Songs like "End of All Days," "Rider," and "Revenge" took on a personal and emotional tone in this stripped-down setting. This was followed by a haunting cover of Mikky Ekko’s "Stay," performed under moody lighting.
As the show entered its final stretch, "Stuck," a standout from the new album, brought a wave of energy back into the crowd. Jared asked the audience to turn on their phone lights, transforming the arena into a sea of stars—an absolutely magical moment.
The concert wrapped up with two of the band’s biggest hits: "The Kill" and "Closer to the Edge." Before the final song, Jared once again invited fans on stage, and an even larger crowd joined him, creating a joyous, celebratory scene. The night concluded in a dazzling storm of confetti, leaving everyone in the arena with a sense of awe.
While some critics argue that Thirty Seconds to Mars has strayed from its rock roots, particularly with their latest album’s pop-oriented sound, the genre distinctions seem irrelevant in the face of such a captivating performance. As musical boundaries continue to blur—metal bands incorporating pop elements and vice versa—the most important takeaway is the sheer joy and connection that live music can bring. Whether rock or pop, this was an unforgettable evening, and if you have the chance to see them on this tour, I highly recommend it.
On a personal note, I want to extend my immense gratitude to the band for allowing photographers to shoot the entire show from the pit. Thirty Seconds to Mars, you've officially won me over!