Thirty Seconds to Mars is rightfully considered one of the most vibrant rock bands of our time. The band has come a long way from local venues to the world's largest stadiums. The musicians have developed their own unique style and recognizable visual identity, earning them the recognition of millions of listeners across all continents.
The band's work has always been distinguished by its profound meaning and conceptual approach. Furthermore, the members constantly experiment with sound and formats. Their albums regularly top the world music charts. Fans appreciate the band for their honesty and the incredible energy of their live performances. Meanwhile, the band continues to evolve and explore new artistic horizons.
The founding and early steps of Thirty Seconds to Mars
Jared Leto and his brother, Shannon Leto, founded the band in 1998. The project originated in Los Angeles, California. Initially, the brothers started the band as a family affair. However, bassist Matt Wachter later joined. The members then recruited guitarist Tomo Milicevic, thus completing the band's official lineup.
Jared had already achieved success as an actor in My So-Called Life. He also starred in Requiem for a Dream and Dallas Buyers Club. The musician decided to pursue his talents as he approached his thirties. In 2002, their first album, 30 Seconds to Mars, was released. Its sound was reminiscent of Chevelle and Incubus. This album achieved only modest success. However, it laid the foundation for a long career.
World records and the development of the trio
Jared Leto juggled music and filming Panic Room and American Psycho. In 2006, Matt Wachter officially left the band. Afterward, the group continued as a trio. Gradually, their popularity began to grow worldwide, with a particularly large and devoted fan base in Europe. The group calls their fan base The Echelon.
In 2011, the band set a Guinness World Record for the longest tour in rock history, performing 300 concerts in a single run. Furthermore, in 2012, the documentary Artifact was released. It chronicled their $30 million lawsuit against EMI. Thus, the band openly addressed the problems in the music industry.
Chart Tops and Awards
In May 2013, the album Love, Lust, Faith, and Dreams was released. This work received widespread public acclaim. The band later won an MTV Video Music Award. The video for the song "Up in the Air" won Best Rock Video of the Year. Jared Leto directed the videos himself under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins.
By 2013, album sales had exceeded 10 million copies. The band was constantly searching for new ways to express themselves. Jared also won an Oscar for his acting, which only fueled interest in his music. Meanwhile, the band continued to tour worldwide, maintaining their status as global stars.
Television success and global breakthrough
Thirty Seconds to Mars achieved immense success in the mid-2000s. Their second album, A Beautiful Lie, achieved platinum status. This record helped the band significantly expand their audience. Furthermore, their videos began to be regularly featured on MTV. The band then embarked on a series of highly successful tours, cementing their position in the music industry.
The next important milestone was the release of the album This Is War. This album transformed the trio into global rock stars. The musicians began selling out huge stadiums and arenas. However, the recording process was extremely difficult and lengthy. Jared Leto called this experience a true revolution for the band. Furthermore, this period was a time of maturation for all members. Thus, the band reached a completely new creative level.
The first music in outer space
In 2013, the band released their fourth album, "Love, Lust, Faith, and Dreams." The band decided to launch a unique promotional campaign for the first single, "Up in the Air." A copy of the song was sent aboard the Dragon spacecraft. The project was supported by NASA and SpaceX. The Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched on March 1, 2013, marking the first time commercial music was sent into space. Meanwhile, the band continued to amaze fans with their incredible ideas.
The evolution of sound and the album America
There was a long five-year hiatus between the band's fourth and fifth albums. During this period, Jared Leto won an Oscar and also played the iconic role of the Joker in the film. The band then returned to music and announced the album "America." They embarked on a massive tour of Europe and North America, thus reintroducing themselves to a global audience after a hiatus.
Thirty Seconds to Mars' style gradually became more radio-friendly. The band moved away from pure alternative rock and toward electronic music. However, they retained their scale and the powerful energy of their performances. This path allowed them to stand alongside the likes of Linkin Park and Muse. Their tracks now delight fans with a combination of guitar riffs and guest appearances, attracting the attention of entirely new listeners.
Experiments with electronics and synthetic sounds
The album "America" marked the biggest departure from the band's previous sound. The song "Walk On Water" still features the band's signature choral vocals. However, the tracks "Dangerous Night" and "Rescue Me" demonstrate a new approach. The band has almost completely abandoned traditional instruments in favor of synthesizers. They now actively use beats, samples, and modern electronics. The band began exploring similar ideas as early as 2009's "Hurricane."
A duet with Halsey, "Love Is Madness," particularly attracted fans. The song became a veritable vocal battle set against a loud backdrop. The light and melodic "Live Like A Dream" was also a huge success. However, a collaboration with ASAP Rocky, "One Track Mind," sparked controversy. Many listeners considered the track too experimental and quiet. Meanwhile, the band consciously took risks to change their style. In this way, the musicians continued to evolve and explore new artistic forms.
Guitarist's departure and line-up changes
The band performed successfully with the same lineup for almost ten years. However, in June 2018, Tomo Milicevic unexpectedly decided to leave the band. The musician wanted to find new paths and goals in life. The members themselves immediately stated that there were no quarrels or conflicts. The guitarist posted a farewell letter to fans on Twitter, thus officially confirming his decision to leave the band.
In his address, Tomo Milicevic asked fans to trust in the rightness of this choice. He professed his deep love and affection for the band. However, the guitarist called this change necessary for his future life. He also urged fans to follow their dreams no matter what. He asked the audience not to be sad or angry about this news. Meanwhile, he maintained a warm relationship with the rest of the band.
Tomo Milicevic expressed his deep gratitude for the years of working together. He addressed the band's founders, Jared Leto and Shannon Leto, in particular. The guitarist called it an honor to be part of their renowned team. He thanked the brothers for the many years they shared the stage. The musician promised to forever cherish all the moments and memories they shared. Now, Thirty Seconds to Mars officially continues their journey as a brotherly duo.
Thirty Seconds to Mars: A New Era and Vertical Horizons Summer
In 2022, Jared made a triumphant return to the big screen in the blockbuster "Morbius." However, the film sparked heated debate among fans and critics. The artist then decided to devote himself entirely to music. The band released the studio album "It's the End of the World," marking the beginning of a new chapter in their history.
In 2023, Leto shocked the world with his ascent of the Empire State Building. This wild performance also served as the official launch of his world tour. The musician constantly challenges his own fears and physical limitations. His social media has become a major source of inspiration for millions. Meanwhile, Jared maintains his status as a leading ambassador for major fashion houses.
In 2024, the Seasons World Tour spanned dozens of countries and continents. Leto also completed extensive work on the film "Tron: Ares." The film is scheduled for release in October 2025. Afterward, the artist plans to focus on environmental projects and tech startups, masterfully balancing the rock stage with the film set.
By early 2026, Jared's influence in the entertainment industry had reached its peak. However, he still seeks new ways to surprise his devoted audience. Currently, the musician is actively working on secret material in the studio. Fans eagerly await his next creative breakthrough. The artist remains a major enigma and icon of modern Hollywood.
