Thirty Seconds To Mars: DYK?
10 Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Thirty Seconds to Mars
Thirty Seconds to Mars isn’t just a band; they’re a musical force that’s cultivated a massive, loyal fanbase (affectionately known as the "Echelon"). Led by the enigmatic Jared Leto, this alt-rock group has taken the world by storm with their powerful anthems, striking visuals, and intense performances. But there’s a lot more to Thirty Seconds to Mars than meets the eye. Here are some fun facts and little-known stories about the band that will surprise even the biggest fans!
1. The Band’s Name Is Inspired by Outer Space
Thirty Seconds to Mars has an out-of-this-world name, but it actually has a deep meaning behind it. Jared Leto once explained that the name is a metaphor for the future and the rapid technological advances that bring humanity closer to the unknown. It evokes the feeling of being just on the edge of something massive and extraordinary — kind of like their music!
2. Jared Leto Didn’t Want His Acting Career to Affect the Band
Jared Leto is an Oscar-winning actor, but he’s always tried to keep his two careers separate. In the early days, he refused to use his celebrity status to promote Thirty Seconds to Mars. The band gained a following organically through their music, not because of Leto’s Hollywood fame. He even avoided mentioning his acting work in early interviews about the band to make sure they were judged on their own merits.
3. Their Debut Album Took 5 Years to Make
Before Thirty Seconds to Mars released their debut self-titled album in 2002, the band spent five years working on it. Jared Leto and his brother Shannon wrote and recorded much of the album in their home studio, experimenting with sounds and styles. The long process paid off, with the album receiving critical acclaim for its ambitious fusion of rock and electronic elements.
4. They Hold a Guinness World Record for Touring
Thirty Seconds to Mars is known for their epic live shows, and they’ve taken their dedication to the road to the extreme. In 2011, the band set a Guinness World Record for the most live shows performed during a single album cycle, clocking in at a whopping 309 shows for their This Is War tour. That’s some serious commitment to the Echelon!
5. Their Iconic Triad Symbol Has Deep Meaning
The band’s triangular logo, known as the Triad, is one of the most recognizable symbols in modern rock. It’s not just a cool design, though — the Triad represents a sense of unity and connection. Each point of the triangle symbolizes the three core elements of Thirty Seconds to Mars: the music, the band, and the fans. The logo has become a rallying point for the Echelon community worldwide.
6. They Survived a Legal Battle with Their Record Label
In 2008, Thirty Seconds to Mars found themselves in a legal battle with their record label, EMI, over a contract dispute. The label sued the band for $30 million, but rather than back down, they fought back and eventually reached a settlement. The experience became the inspiration for their album This Is War, which is packed with songs about fighting for freedom and overcoming challenges.
7. Jared Leto Directed Most of Their Music Videos
If you’re a fan of Thirty Seconds to Mars’ visually stunning music videos, you have Jared Leto to thank. Using the pseudonym "Bartholomew Cubbins" (a nod to a Dr. Seuss character), Leto has directed most of the band’s videos, including the cinematic masterpieces “The Kill” and “Kings and Queens.” His creative vision has helped the band push boundaries and turn their videos into mini-movies.
8. They Once Played a Concert Inside a Volcano
In 2013, the band performed one of their most unforgettable shows — inside a volcano in Iceland. Yes, you read that right! They played an acoustic set inside the Thrihnukagigur volcano, an active volcano that’s been dormant for thousands of years. The intimate, otherworldly performance was part of their Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams tour and solidified their reputation for doing the unexpected.
9. Shannon Leto Is Also a Talented Photographer
While Jared may be the frontman, Shannon Leto, the band’s drummer, has his own artistic pursuits. Shannon is an accomplished photographer and often captures behind-the-scenes moments from their tours and recording sessions. His photography has been featured in exhibits and publications, adding another creative layer to the band's artistic identity.
10. They Have an Entire Day Dedicated to Them
In 2013, Thirty Seconds to Mars received a special honor from their hometown of Los Angeles: the mayor officially declared February 7th “Thirty Seconds to Mars Day.” The day commemorated the band's contributions to music and their philanthropic efforts, including their support for environmental causes and human rights advocacy.
Thirty Seconds to Mars is more than just a rock band. They’re a group of visionary artists who are constantly pushing boundaries in both their music and their visual storytelling. From breaking records to performing in volcanoes, there’s never a dull moment in their world. And now you know a few more reasons why they’ve earned their place among rock’s elite!
Thirty Seconds to Mars has many profound lyrics, but one of their most meaningful and iconic lines comes from their song "Closer to the Edge" off their This Is War album:
"I will never forget, I will never regret, I will live my life."
This line encapsulates the band's ethos of living without regrets and embracing every moment. It speaks to themes of resilience, freedom, and self-empowerment — ideas that resonate deeply with the band’s fans (the Echelon) and align with the band’s larger message of pushing through adversity and finding strength in the journey.