Waging War and Breaking Boundaries: Jared Leto and the Unstoppable Rise of 30 Seconds to Mars
In this exclusive Jared Leto interview, we revisit the moments leading up to the release of 30 Seconds to Mars’ groundbreaking album This Is War. Conducted in 2009, the interview captures a pivotal time in the band’s career—amid legal battles and creative breakthroughs—that shaped their legacy.
Back in 2009, as the world anticipated the release of 30 Seconds to Mars’ groundbreaking album This Is War, Altsounds had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with the band’s frontman, Jared Leto. Our interview captured a pivotal moment in the band’s career—amid legal battles and creative breakthroughs—that would ultimately shape their legacy. The candid conversation revealed insights into the making of This Is War, the bond with their ever-loyal fanbase, and Leto’s visionary approach to art and music.
Now, years later, we revisit this original interview, reflecting on how the chaos and triumphs of that era helped to define the band’s ongoing evolution. Jared Leto’s words offer not just a glimpse into the past but also a roadmap to where 30 Seconds to Mars would venture next.
Forged in Flames: This Is War—The Anthem of Survival
In 2009, 30 Seconds to Mars stood on the edge of uncertainty. Jared Leto and his bandmates found themselves locked in a fierce legal battle with their record label, EMI, over contract disputes that threatened to bury their music in courtroom limbo. But, out of that storm came This Is War, an album that would not only reshape their future but also leave an indelible mark on modern rock.
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius
For Leto, This Is War was a manifesto. A loud, defiant statement forged in the heat of conflict, echoing the personal and creative battles that had consumed the band. In our exclusive Jared Leto interview, when asked about the album’s turbulent creation, Leto was candid: “There were a few points… We didn’t know what was going to happen with the record,” he said. “There was potential for it to be caught up in a legal nightmare, but we would’ve finished it regardless.”
And finish it they did. The result was an album that brought fans deeper into the ethos of 30 Seconds to Mars—a world of soaring anthems, cinematic soundscapes, and themes of survival, unity, and triumph over chaos. Each track pulsated with raw emotion, turning the band’s struggles into a visceral experience shared by listeners across the globe.
The tension that fueled This Is War wasn’t just metaphorical. The band faced down a $30 million lawsuit from EMI, who claimed that they hadn’t delivered enough albums as part of their contract. Meanwhile, 30 Seconds to Mars pushed forward, determined to carve their own path. They poured this intensity into the music, blending thunderous drums, haunting choirs, and searing vocals into tracks that felt like battle cries.
As Leto has often reflected, the album’s themes of war and peace weren’t just a reflection of global conflict—they were about the internal wars we all fight. This Is War resonated deeply because it captured something universal: the fight to hold on to hope and purpose in the face of overwhelming odds.
“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” – Albert Camus
Jared Leto Unleashed: From Silver Screen to Beyond
Few individuals in the entertainment world straddle as many realms as Jared Leto. Over the years, Leto has demonstrated his range as an actor in a series of standout performances, from his Oscar-winning portrayal of Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club to his haunting role as Harry Goldfarb in Requiem for a Dream. His filmography is a testament to his ability to transform, appearing in cult classics like Fight Club where he played Angel Face, a chilling side character in David Fincher’s iconic film, and later in more mainstream sci-fi blockbusters like Blade Runner 2049 as the enigmatic Niander Wallace.
Leto’s acting portfolio is rich with performances that challenge the boundaries of his craft. Whether it’s his portrayal of a drug addict in Requiem for a Dream or his unsettling performance as the Joker in Suicide Squad, he brings intensity, depth, and commitment to every role. Known for fully immersing himself in his characters, Leto has become synonymous with transformative roles that leave lasting impressions.
Rebel Threads: Jared Leto, the Fashion Maverick
Jared Leto’s presence in the world of fashion is as daring as his music and acting. Regularly making headlines with his appearances at events like the Met Gala, Leto is unafraid to challenge fashion norms. His collaboration with luxury brands like Gucci—where he is a brand ambassador—showcases his ability to fuse high fashion with his artistic persona. Whether it’s donning head-turning couture on the red carpet or embracing androgynous styles, Leto continues to make waves in the fashion world.
The Many Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins: Leto’s Visionary Alias
Beyond his roles as an actor and musician, Leto has also built a reputation as a director, operating under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins. Known for directing 30 Seconds to Mars’ most iconic music videos, including “Kings and Queens” and “The Kill,” Leto’s directorial work reflects a deep understanding of both visual storytelling and emotional resonance.
“The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.” – Francis Bacon
But why the name Bartholomew Cubbins? The pseudonym is a playful nod to The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, a story by Dr. Seuss about a boy whose hats multiply endlessly. Much like the character, Leto wears many “hats”—as a musician, actor, and director. This alter ego allows him to explore his creative vision without the burden of celebrity, focusing entirely on the art itself.
As a director, Leto brings the same passion for connection that he does to his live performances. During our original Jared Leto interview, he reflected on the band’s relationship with their fans, explaining, “I think it stems from the fact that we are genuinely interested and curious, and open about this relationship we have with them. We try to break down the barriers between the band and the audience by having an interactive show.” This ethos of breaking down barriers is evident not just in his live performances, but also in the visual worlds he creates for 30 Seconds to Mars’ music videos.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
Defying Gravity: Leto’s Empire State Stunt
Most recently, Leto took his boldness to new heights—literally. To promote 30 Seconds to Mars’ latest album, It’s The End of the World but It’s a Beautiful Day, Leto scaled the Empire State Building. A seasoned rock climber, Leto made headlines across the globe for this daring feat, showcasing not only his love for adventure but also his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of both promotion and performance.
Leto’s stunt wasn’t just about spectacle; it was a reflection of the spirit that has driven his entire career—his need to constantly evolve and reach new creative heights. This boldness is a hallmark of both Jared Leto as an artist and 30 Seconds to Mars as a band, forever experimenting with new ways to connect with audiences.
“It’s surreal, man. We’ve played all over the world, but to kick off this next chapter right here in New York, on top of the Empire State Building—it’s something out of a movie.” – Jared Leto
The Echelon Effect: How 30 Seconds to Mars Built a Cult-Like Fanbase
For 30 Seconds to Mars, the relationship with their fans goes far beyond traditional band-audience dynamics. Known as the Mars Army and often referred to as the Echelon, the band’s fan base is often described as cult-like—an incredibly devoted and engaged community that has followed the band through every twist and turn of their career. The Echelon isn’t just a fan base; they are a global movement, united by their shared passion for the band and its music. They often go above and beyond in their support, traveling worldwide for shows, participating in the band’s creative projects, and even joining forces for charity initiatives.
The commitment from the Echelon reflects how deeply 30 Seconds to Mars has resonated with its fans. This connection goes beyond music—it’s a way of life. Jared Leto has long recognized the importance of this connection, something he reflected on in our original Jared Leto interview: “I think it stems from the fact that we are genuinely interested and curious, and open about this relationship we have with them. We try to break down the barriers between the band and the audience by having an interactive show.” This desire to engage with the Mars Army and the Echelon on a deeper level can be seen not only in the band’s performances but also in their unique projects, like the Faces of Mars initiative.
“A fan is someone who stands and cheers for something greater than themselves, for the belief that community and art can elevate each of us beyond the ordinary.” – Unknown
Faces of the Revolution: The Mars Army on Display
The Faces of Mars project featured thousands of fan faces on the album cover for This Is War. This initiative symbolized the deep connection between 30 Seconds to Mars and their fans.
One of the most iconic examples of 30 Seconds to Mars’ commitment to their fans is the Faces of Mars project, which was launched during the release of This Is War. For this project, the band invited fans to submit their photos, which were then featured on the different editions of the album cover, turning their supporters into literal pieces of the band’s artwork. With thousands of individual faces gracing the album, This Is War became not just a band’s record, but a collective work of art, celebrating the power and loyalty of the Mars Army and the Echelon.
Leto’s passion for engaging with his fans is evident in the way he spoke about the Faces of Mars project: “We were looking for a way for the CD to be more unique and to say thanks to all the fans for their support,” he explained. This project was a physical manifestation of the band’s philosophy of breaking down the artist-audience barrier, allowing fans to become a part of the band’s journey both visually and emotionally.
The Faces of Mars initiative became an enduring symbol of 30 Seconds to Mars’ bond with their fans, representing how deeply intertwined the band and their audience had become. By placing the fans on the album cover, 30 Seconds to Mars solidified the idea that their music was a communal experience, one built on shared emotions, struggles, and triumphs. The Echelon has been pivotal in this ongoing connection, creating a bridge between the band’s vision and their fanbase’s unwavering support.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
The War Never Ends: The Endless Evolution of 30 Seconds to Mars
The themes of This Is War were universal—war, survival, and resistance. Tracks like “Kings and Queens” and “This Is War” delivered anthems that spoke to the band’s personal battles, but also echoed the global conflicts happening at the time. As the world grappled with war and political unrest, 30 Seconds to Mars offered their fans music that both confronted and uplifted.
“You must always be willing to work without applause.” – Ernest Hemingway
The album was a message. As Leto reflected, “A large part of what we do is about communication, connecting, and sharing. It’s always great when people make that connection with you, and This Is War was about making that connection through chaos.”
After the War: A New Era of 30 Seconds to Mars
This Is War wasn’t the end of 30 Seconds to Mars’ journey—it was the beginning of a new phase. Following the success of the album, the band embarked on a world tour that broke records, playing over 300 shows and earning a spot in the Guinness World Records for the longest concert tour by a rock band.
But what came after This Is War was equally transformative. In 2013, the band released Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams, an album that marked a significant shift in their sound, blending electronic elements with their signature rock intensity. With tracks like “Up in the Air,” the band experimented with new textures while maintaining their anthemic, cinematic sound.
Then came 2018’s America, an album that explored the sociopolitical landscape of modern-day America. Songs like “Walk on Water” were direct responses to the country’s divisions and struggles, once again highlighting the band’s ability to merge personal and political narratives in their music.
A Beautiful Apocalypse: The New Sound
In 2023, 30 Seconds to Mars released It’s The End of the World but It’s a Beautiful Day, showcasing yet another evolution in their sound. While still true to their signature anthemic energy, the album introduced a more introspective and reflective tone. Songs like “Stuck” and “Get Up Kid” reveal a gentler, more introspective side of the band, reflecting both personal and collective struggles in a more nuanced way.
“Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.” – Jack Kerouac
As the band continues to evolve, one thing remains clear—30 Seconds to Mars is a band that thrives on change, and This Is War was the catalyst for that evolution. The album was the start of a journey that would see the band pushing boundaries in both sound and message for years to come.
Endings, New Beginnings: 30 Seconds to Mars’ Vision for the Future
As 30 Seconds to Mars continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: Jared Leto’s unwavering creative vision. From the legal battles and personal struggles that shaped This Is War, to the bold and introspective sound of It’s The End of the World but It’s a Beautiful Day, Leto and his bandmates have proven time and again that they are unafraid to push boundaries. Whether through music, film, or even daring stunts like scaling the Empire State Building, Leto’s ambition has always driven the band forward.
But at the heart of this evolution is their deep connection with their fans. The Mars Army and the Echelon have been pivotal in supporting the band’s creative endeavors, participating in projects like the Faces of Mars and continuing to stand by the band through every chapter of their journey.
With Leto’s unparalleled ability to reinvent both himself and the band, the future for 30 Seconds to Mars holds endless possibilities. As they continue to explore new sounds, push artistic boundaries, and maintain their bond with fans, one thing is for sure—this journey is far from over.
As the band’s journey continue to inspire fans across the globe, we at RIOT remain committed to documenting the evolution of music culture and the artists who shape it. Our exclusive interview from 2009 captured a pivotal moment in 30 Seconds to Mars’ career, and over a decade later, we’re still following their incredible trajectory. Jared Leto and his bandmates are icons of reinvention, embodying the fearless spirit that RIOT champions across all creative fields.
“Every artist was first an amateur.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
