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Band Timeline

1998

Formation of Thirty Seconds to Mars

Thirty Seconds to Mars was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1998 by brothers Jared Leto and Shannon Leto. Initially, they played music together since childhood and later added guitarist Solon Bixler and bassist Matt Wachter to form a four-piece band. The band went through various names before settling on "Thirty Seconds to Mars," a name inspired by a mysterious manuscript and representing a metaphor for the future. Early gigs were in small American venues where the band established their sound without leveraging Jared's acting career.
2002

Debut Album Release - "30 Seconds to Mars"

The band released their self-titled debut album "30 Seconds to Mars" in 2002, produced by Bob Ezrin. Although it was met with positive reviews, it achieved only limited commercial success initially. The album helped the band establish a foundation with singles like "Capricorn (A Brand New Name)" and "Edge of the Earth." This period marked the start of their journey in the rock music scene, introducing their unique style and thematic lyrical content.
2005

Breakthrough with "A Beautiful Lie"

Thirty Seconds to Mars gained worldwide recognition with their second album, "A Beautiful Lie," released in 2005. This album achieved multiple certifications globally, including platinum status in the United States. Hit singles such as "Attack," "The Kill," and "From Yesterday" dominated alternative radio charts and brought the band into mainstream success. Notably, "The Kill" set a record for the longest-running hit on the US Alternative Songs chart, signifying the band's rising prominence.
2008-2009

Legal Battle and Release of "This Is War"

In 2008, the band faced a major legal dispute with EMI over their contract obligations, leading to a $30 million lawsuit. The conflict delayed the band's projects but was eventually settled, allowing them to release their third album, "This Is War," in December 2009. This album marked a significant evolution in their musical style, embracing experimental elements and eclectic influences. Singles like "Kings and Queens" and "This Is War" topped charts and solidified their global fanbase.
2012-2013

Release of "Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams" and Continued Success

With a new deal at Universal Music, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their fourth album, "Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams," in May 2013. The album was both a critical and commercial success, reaching the top ten in more than fifteen countries, including the UK and the US. Notable singles such as "Up in the Air," "Do or Die," and "City of Angels" performed well on charts, showing the band's ability to innovate and maintain relevance in the rock genre.
2018

Fifth Album "America" and Polarization of Reception

The band released their fifth studio album, "America," in April 2018, continuing their trend of experimentation with sound and themes. Preceded by the single "Walk on Water," the album reflected contemporary social and political commentary but polarized critics and fans alike. Despite mixed reviews, it reinforced Thirty Seconds to Mars’ place as a band willing to take risks and engage with topical issues through their music.
2023

Most Recent Album "It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day"

In 2023, Thirty Seconds to Mars released "It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day," their sixth studio album. The record followed the band’s history of blending philosophical, spiritual themes with their rock sound. While reception was again polarized, it added to the band's legacy of evolving their style and tackling complex themes. The release confirmed the longevity and adaptability of Thirty Seconds to Mars in the contemporary music landscape.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Jared Leto

1998

Lead vocals

Bass guitar

Guitar

Keyboard

Shannon Leto

1998

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Solon Bixler

2001
2003

Keyboard

Guitar

Background vocals

Tomo Miličević

2003
2018

Keyboard

Violin

Percussion

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Guitar

Matt Wachter

N/A
2007

Keyboard

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Story of Thirty Seconds To Mars

Thirty Seconds to Mars: A Rock Band Evolving Through the Decades

Thirty Seconds to Mars (stylized as 30 Seconds to Mars), hailing from the heart of Los Angeles, burst onto the scene in 1998. The band's core, a brotherhood forged in music, consists of the Leto brothers - Jared, the charismatic frontman wielding vocals, guitars, bass, and keys, and Shannon, the driving force behind the drums and percussion. While other musicians have come and gone, the Leto brothers have remained the constant heartbeat of the band.

Their debut album, self-titled and released in 2002, garnered critical praise, but it was the follow-up, "A Beautiful Lie" (2005), that truly ignited their ascent. This album, certified multiple times over around the world, catapulted them to global fame.

"This Is War" (2009) signaled a bold shift in their sound. The band embraced experimental music and eclectic influences, pushing the boundaries of their sonic landscape. The album's creation was marked by a turbulent legal battle with their record label, EMI, a conflict that was later documented in the critically acclaimed film "Artifact" (2012).

After leaving EMI, Thirty Seconds to Mars signed with Universal Music, and their fourth album, "Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams" (2013), emerged, capturing both critical acclaim and commercial success. Subsequent releases, "America" (2018) and "It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day" (2023), divided critics but continued to showcase the band's relentless creative drive.

As of 2014, Thirty Seconds to Mars had sold over 15 million albums globally, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with in the rock world. They have consistently challenged themselves and their audiences, evolving from a promising band to a global phenomenon known for their dynamic performances and boundary-pushing sound.

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