Friday night at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, modern rock band 30 Seconds to Mars played to a near-capacity crowd.
Billed as an all-ages event, the show started at 7:00 PM, an hour early compared to most shows at the Fillmore. Opening the show was energetic Utah band Neon Trees, whose half-hour set was laden with sounds at times reminiscent of 80s pop-punk a-la Billy Idol. Overall a great opening by a lesser-known band.
Next up--and the high point of the evening--was a powerful set by four-piece New Orleans band MuteMath. Known for their strong live performances, they played song after song with stunning accuracy, mixing elements of electronica and alt-rock into a highly creative sound, accompanied by perfectly synchonized lighting effects. In a climactic ending, three of the four bandmates assisted on percussion while the drummer dismantled and rearranged parts of his drum kit and continued playing atop the Fender Rhodes electric piano. This band is definitely worth seeing live whenever you get the chance.
By contrast, headliner 30 Seconds to Mars gave a highly disappointing set. Despite a dramatic opening, the first sign of trouble happened when front-man Jared Leto (sporting a bright pink mohawk) interrupted the second song to criticize the audience's lack of energy. "This isn't a Celine Dion concert," he said, and from that point began literally commanding the audience to respond, urging them to crowd surf, form mosh pits, scream and go "f*****g nuts". It worked to a point, but Leto never let it go, always hyping the audience response from that point on.
This would have been somewhat forgivable had the band given the crowd something to go nuts about. The fact is that in a set lasting nearly two hours, they played fewer than ten songs. After the fourth or fifth song, they began playing a series of unrelated instrumental fragments on a darkened stage until Leto suddenly appeared with an acoustic guitar on a small platform in the middle of the crowd for an up-close-and-personal segment. It was a plan that could have worked well, had there been an actual plan; however, instead of performing songs, Leto goofed around, begging requests from the audience, playing fragmented covers of rock songs for a minute at a time, dropping f-bombs and making strong sexual references to the all-ages crowd. (Sorry, but "cover your ears, kids" doesn't cut it.) Never mind 30 seconds: over 30 minutes passed without a single seriously-played song. After the band finally returned to play one of their more familiar songs, they stopped for another 10-15 minutes so Leto could coach the audience on how to fist-pump for the camera to provide footage for an upcoming music video. Shortly after, Leto announced that they had to finish with one more song because of curfew rules for the all-ages crowd. He had singlehandedly wasted most of the set on meaningless self-indulgence.
Even good bands can have an off night, and it's even understandable that shooting video footage might disrupt the flow a little bit; but these fans didn't pay good money to be part of a music video. They paid to see a great band play a great live show--and the fans should have come first. Anything less shows great disrespect to the audience--and make no mistake, Denver fans were disrespected on Friday. If great performances were measured in dropping f-bombs, making R-rated sexual references at an all-ages event, telling the audience how high they ought to jump and similar displays of arrogance, 30 Seconds to Mars had it in spades. If not, then MuteMath's outstanding performance literally saved this concert.
Perhaps next time MuteMath should be the headliner.
Comments
Hate to point this out to you Mr. publisher who obviously doesn"t know anything about a rock concert but I for one was there. I enjoyed the hell out of 30 seconds to mars and if you took the time to talk to other individuals there they would fully agree with me!!!!!!!
I fully expected some die-hard 30 Seconds fans to leave snarky remarks. Glad you enjoyed the show; for the people there who would agree with you, there were numerous others overheard complaining that they weren't playing any music. I'm actually on your side; I just think you got robbed. I think you should expect more from a rock band for the price of a ticket.
I was also there and I could not agree with you more! The headlining show was a complete disappointment. At many points along the way I kept looking to the sound-booth hoping to see that the techs would be scurrying around working to fix some kind of problem and that was the reason for the lack of music. But as it turns out it was just a lead singer working to self-indulge and killing time. Thank goodness for Mutemath; single-handedly saved the show.
I received an email today from someone who saw the band in another city. I thought it might lend a little perspective to share an excerpt:
"I went to see 30 Seconds To Mars last night at The Warfield in San Francisco. I went online this morning to see if I could find a review of last nights show. I came across your link first and I read your review. I felt I was reading the review for the SAME EXACT SHOW that I saw last night. I am not kidding every part of 30 Seconds show was exactly how you mentioned it, word for word...gimmick for gimmick to the tee. All the way down to the hideous pink Mohawk...I felt there was way too much talkie and less music. One of my other gripes is.....the guy basically had the audience sing his songs for him. You hit the nail on the head with this one." --D.A, San Francisco
While its true at all the shows Jared does a little...well, a lot...of talking, most people who are fans of the band know and expect this to happen. They've either been to shows before, seen footage online, or have heard the stories. Most of the time, its not that bad and its actually quite enjoyable to hear what comes out of his mouth (as most of the time its stupidly hilarious) and I'm always barrier so I usually can see how the band mates react and can tell from there if he's hamming it up or being genuine.
What puzzles me most about your review is the fact you said they only did 10 songs. That seems like a really short set. I was at 6 of the shows for this tour (half of them Jared was super sick) and they still had between 13 and 16 songs.
And the "series of unrelated instrumental fragments on a darkened stage" are relevant as the song (called 'L490') is on their new album.
Not gonna hate on you, all shows can vary. But gotta say my experiences weren't as bad.
if you can't stand the show then 30stm is not for you. this band is all about interaction and in jared's defense he was sick that night. he tried his best to perform instead of canceling it.
and i can't believe you call L490 as a series of unrelated instrumental fragments on a darkened stage.
While its true at all the shows Jared does a little...well, a lot...of talking, most people who are fans of the band know and expect this to happen. They've either been to shows before, seen footage online, or have heard the stories. Most of the time, its not that bad and its actually quite enjoyable to hear what comes out of his mouth (as most of the time its stupidly hilarious) and I'm always barrier so I usually can see how the band mates react and can tell from there if he's hamming it up or being genuine.
What puzzles me most about your review is the fact you said they only did 10 songs. That seems like a really short set. I was at 6 of the shows for this tour (half of them Jared was super sick) and they still had between 13 and 16 songs.
And the "series of unrelated instrumental fragments on a darkened stage" are relevant as the song (called 'L490') is on their new album.
Not gonna hate on you, all shows can vary. But gotta say my experiences weren't as bad.
More is exactly what we get from 30STM. We as their fans go to shows expecting MORE. We go to be participants rather than just spectators at a rock show. While the participation may not be everyone's cup of tea, it is the foundation of 30STM and what their fans have come to know and love. If I just want to see a band play through a song I can watch a video. If I want to feel a part of something, a part of the music...the band, I go to a live show.
I spent $3000 follwing these guys around last week. I did that because I love what they stand for and what they've created. Never ONCE have I been disappointed by 30STM. Of course Jared had the crowd sing and be more active. The entire focus of 30STM is to be interractive w/ fans. If Jared had gone on stage and played a bunch of songs and said "Thank you, bye" THAT would have been disappointing to the REAL FANS who go to the concert knowing what they are about. He said his aim is to make sure EVERYONE has an amazing night. Had he not made jokes, gone into the crowd and made the fans part of the show it would have not been 30STM. The "disrespecting jokes" are part of the show. Usually theyre not even aimed at anyone in particular. He just points and says hey Mr Hot Topic get the F$^# up. I dont think they couldve done a better job than they did. It was interactive and FUN! Ive never had a better time in my life. If ppl want to sit and watch they SHOULDVE gone to see Celene Dion.
I spent $3000 follwing these guys around last week. I did that because I love what they stand for and what they've created. Never ONCE have I been disappointed by 30STM. Of course Jared had the crowd sing and be more active. The entire focus of 30STM is to be interractive w/ fans. If Jared had gone on stage and played a bunch of songs and said "Thank you, bye" THAT would have been disappointing to the REAL FANS who go to the concert knowing what they are about. He said his aim is to make sure EVERYONE has an amazing night. Had he not made jokes, gone into the crowd and made the fans part of the show it would have not been 30STM. The "disrespecting jokes" are part of the show. Usually theyre not even aimed at anyone in particular. He just points and says hey Mr Hot Topic get the F$^# up. I dont think they couldve done a better job than they did. It was interactive and FUN! Ive never had a better time in my life. If ppl want to sit and watch they SHOULDVE gone to see Celene Dion.
Wow I can not believe this review. Anyone can stand on stage and sing each song of every album. Why would you pay to see that. I was at the show in Orlando and it was my first 30STM concert and it went about the same way as this one. The "unrelated instrumental fragments on a darkened stage" are relevant as the song called 'L490'" have you not heard the new album or any album for that matter. You are out of the loop. Each song/album is a story and epic story if you will. Taking you on a journey and not letting go. Thank is what they did. Engage, entertain, and give each person a F****ing good time that is what they did! So sorry you missed it!
Wow, it got busy on here all of a sudden. :)
I've heard numerous 30STM songs, recognized most of the songs in their set. I had not heard L490, so for those who brought it up, thanks for setting me straight and putting me "in the loop."
On the rest, I stand by my review. I expect fans not to like what I said, and thanks for your views. I did not go as a fan, but as an open-minded reviewer, and someone who does happen to know the music scene. Part of touring/performing is to win new fans, not just cater to existing ones. If "real" fans have to "explain" what I saw that night, something is still definitely wrong. 30STM's live performance should be able to stand on its own merit without all the disclaimers.
By contrast, I was also not a MuteMath fan when I went to the show; they completely won me over.
I've been describing my disappointment about this show to friends and you completely took the words out if my mouth. I thought they might have played 6 songs and think you were generous with your <10 remark. Although he put on an ok 'show', I go to concerts to hear music not to be directed around the dance floor. And when they did finally play a song, it couldn't hold my interest. If you want to see a movie star up close and personal and be a part if his grand plan, then I guess TSTM is the concert for you.
First off, you are obviously mentally challenged if you thought MuteMath was the best part of the show. Next time, you should actually try a great idea called RESEARCH before you call one of their best songs "a series of unrelated instrumental fragments" If you didn't want them to talk to the fans, why don't you try going to a Celine Dion concert... And how is telling the audience to jump higher arrogant? I think YOU'RE the arrogant one here; next time try not to sound so bitter when you write. 30 Seconds to Mars is a great band, and if you had even bothered to know something about them, you wouldn't have been so surprised when they "disrespected" their fans. They obviously want their fans to have a great time. Also, if you had bothered to research 30 Seconds to Mars, you would have known that most of the things they do are R rated, and the all ages fans are USED TO IT. Get over yourself you pompous excuse of a reviewer... Also, the tickets were $20, stop your whining
I've attended a lot of different concerts just because I love music. I'd say my taste is very broad. I also attended the 30 Seconds to Mars concert. I liked the interaction between bands and fans. It made me feel like he actually cared about his fans. I felt the energy of the venue the entire time they played and thought it was great that he let the audience sing. I walked out of that concert thinking that for $20, I totally got my money's worth. I just went to Kings of Leon because they are one of my favorite bands, and although I loved their music, I wished they interacted with the audience as much as 30 Seconds did. I think the review is quite a bit harsh. Opinions will always be opinions, for every good opinion there is, there will always be on just the opposite.
Are you on crack?
Leto is an egotistic self absorbed nutball!!! He pulled the same shinanigans 3 yrs ago in charlotte. He might as well have just spat in my face. I didnt pay for a ticket to battle of the bands or america's got talent. It was supposed to be a mars show??? and to the knucklehead who said they go to 30stm shows for the "interaction" yur an idiot. I dont want a show where the lead singer talks half the time. i want music duh... can someone explain to me why Leto is always "sick"??? i've heard that excuse for his sucky shows so much it makes me sick.
I wish I would have read your article before I wasted a couple hours and $45 last night (1/21/11). Your article from almost one year ago is a cookie cutter account of what last night's show was. What a complete letdown and actually insulting. Without a doubt, the worst "performance" ever. Jared Leto is a joke. Sang 10% of the lyrics and the remaining 90% was a crowd singalong. The 30 minute acoustic interlude and chatting with the audience was pathetic. The sad thing is that the 100's of teenage fans probably thought is was "like the best show ever". I'll stick with 80's & 90's bands. The new millenium of "talent" is just so weak.
Also wasted time at their terrible show last night. Everyone at Sancho's was laughing afterwards at how bad it was.
Dude ok, omj obviously you dont know jared. Are you even a real fan? cuz a real ECHELON would never say that. Yes there concerts are not going to be like mute math and neon trees. But they sure as hell make way better music. Neon trees and mute math make songs that they think will sell. 30stm makes songs about experiences. This Is War was made because of the bands never ending battle with virgin records. Yes jared is very unprofessional at concerts. but who the hell wants a professional concert? i want to have fun my self. So next time think about what you diss before you do it.
Wow, people are still commenting on this one, eh? DenDave and Anon...this is precisely why I didn't cover 30stm this year--didn't want my time wasted. Sorry you spent the money on the ticket, but glad you saw what I saw. It tells me last year wasn't a fluke. Kate...you're right...I am not a fan, not of 30stm, anyway. They had their chance. They DO make good music--great music, in fact. It would just be great if they would actually PLAY their songs in their shows instead of waste all that time on Jared self-worship. Last year the excuse was that he was sick; what excuses will their fans come up with this year? To answer your last question...I, for one, DO want a professional concert, especially at $45 a ticket. I can have fun myself for free. I can definitely appreciate that 30stm's music speaks to people, so don't take this as an insult. But the way Jared behaves at the shows insults my intelligence, and it should yours, as well. If fans would stop fawning over Jared long enough to actually THINK about this, they'd realize that 30stm is wasting their fans' money with the way they do their live shows--and the only reason they're getting away with it is that the fans are letting them.
Sorry to intrude in a more that a year old discussion, I just really felt like this review should be much more publicized. It seems like the 30STM shows are more aimed at die-hard Jared Leto's fans more than anything else. I'm a big fan of their MUSIC, but the show was a real disappointment, and yes, I felt insulted by the way Jared treated the public during the show. Had I read this review beforehand, I'd never have spent that much money for an hour and a half of Leto's chatter, bad jokes and self-enjoyment...
It won't stop me from enjoying the video clips and music. It just killed any esteem I had in them. Key sentence: "the way Jared behaves at the shows insults my intelligence"
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