Thirty Seconds to Mars at the O2 Arena

The O2’s crowd eagerly awaits the return of iconic rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, buzzing as a countdown appears on the screen. As the clock stutters at the thirty-second mark, the eyes of the audience are drawn to a point at the side of the arena – the band are sitting amongst fans, ready for the show to begin.

This trusting relationship they have with their fans is something to be envied. The start of the show is how Jared and Shannon Leto follow through – with the crowd and their enjoyment at the centre. Several times in the gig, Jared goes above and beyond to engage with them, including singing A Beautiful Lie while gliding past those seated in the lower bowl.

Up In the Air soars as the official opener, confetti and sparklers spurring the audience on before Kings and Queens keeps the energy going. They play a satisfying range of numbers – old and new, rock and alt-pop, keeping everyone happy. This Is War is a head-banging punch in the air, while newer track Seasons has hips popping with its country twang. They even play a fan’s roulette game, resulting in hearing the choruses of three songs not originally on the setlist. 

Jared himself is fascinating to watch onstage. He commands it without forcing a character, seeming genuine and aware of what his job is tonight – to entertain those who love his band. He belts with ease and emotion, his hair-covered shirt (yes, hair-covered) only slightly distracting from the rawness of his vocals.

At times the visuals behind feel bare, often opting for a rerun of a music video or some simple clips of coloured clouds. The stage, too, is bare, empty save space for the instruments and a small, foot-high platform for Jared to jump on. Such a setup, however, works well for the self-professed “madness” they seek to get up to tonight. By just the fourth track, Rescue Me, Jared invites a hubble of fans onstage with him; the smiles on their faces pulse around the room. 

It’s rare that a band in a venue this size will interact and change their setlist at the will of their fans and, although it’s slightly disorienting, it shows how genuinely appreciative Thirty Seconds to Mars are to still draw crowds like this. Closer to the Edge closes out the evening, and by now there are nearly a hundred jumping alongside them. It’s surely a night to remember for many.

Talitha Stowell
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Thirty Seconds to Mars’s website here.

Watch the video for the single here: