South Africa holds a special place in the hearts of the men from Mars, otherwise known as Tomo Milicevic, Shannon Leto and frontman, Jared Leto. The land has a certain wildness to it that seems to unleash the band’s creative energy in a way that not many other places on earth can, which means that the 30 Seconds to Mars shows likely take on the flavor of the land. At least that’s the way it looked to South African fans during the show last night.
Many of you who read my column are familiar with the fact that I, like 30 Seconds to Mars itself, tap the Echelon a lot. I enjoy the interaction and get to see 30StM through a completely different set of eyes. I lucked out on many occasions with this little venture, and today’s fan review is no different. It comes from Debbie Nothnagel, who saw the show in Johannesburg—or Joburg as the men from Mars affectionately call it. Debbie was an exceptionally good sport. I asked her to do this review right after we became pals on Twitter. Despite not knowing me more than a day, she agreed, which just goes to show that there's great spirit and affection coming from this giant Echelon family. That spirit and affection shine through in her review!
30 Seconds to Mars Examiner: Tell me about the show.
Debbie Nothnagel:
The show started in dramatic fashion when Shannon was joined by a group of African drummers for an intro to “Escape”, which was sung from behind the stage causing suspense and anticipation to rise even more.They performed “A Beautiful Lie”…from that point on, always hyping the audience response by commanding us to stand closer, jump, scream and go crazy!!! Even to form a mosh-pit!!! The crowd was put under his spell.More hits followed: “Vox Populi”, “This is War”, “100 Suns”….and then they also filmed what is said to be “The South African version of Closer to the edge”! They had us shouting “No! No! No! No! No!, leading the fist-pump!Shannon, joined by Tomo was left on the darkened stage to perform “L490” and then Jared managed to surprise us, as he always does by appearing with an acoustic guitar on the camera platform in the middle of 18,000 awe-struck fans, performing “Alibi”, a short snippet of “Kings & Queens”, “Was it a dream” and “From Yesterday”!This is when he took the opportunity to thank South Africa for giving life to songs such as “Beautiful Lie” and “Attack” as most of it was written here.He then returned to the stage for more…. “Night of the hunter”, “The Kill”-which we’ve been begging for all night long….(this is when he came up to the barricades, but did not crowd-surf ;-( ), “Hurricane” and an extended version of “The Fantasy”.He had the Echelon chanting “This is war!”, and then they closed their set with “Kings and Queens,” but not before inviting dozens of adoring fans on stage!
30 Seconds to Mars Examiner: What were the highlights?
Debbie Nothnagel:
The entire show!!! The guys just want to please the crowd and it seems they are completely oblivious of exactly how loved they are! They did not disappoint!!
30 Seconds to Mars Examiner: What was the crowd like?
Debbie Nothnagel:
The crowd was energetic and totally submissive to Jared-a real Mars Army!!
30 Seconds to Mars Examiner: How did the show start? Who opened for 30STM?
Debbie Nothnagel:
BLK JKS opened for 30 Seconds to Mars. Shannon was joined on stage by a group of African drummers, with an extended drumming session leading in “Escape” ….sung by Jared from somewhere behind the stage…as if the suspense wasn’t already enough!!!
30 Seconds to Mars Examiner: How long have you been a fan of the band?
Debbie Nothnagel:
Since 2003
30 Seconds to Mars Examiner: How would you rate the show? (1 to 5—5 being the best)
Debbie Nothnagel:
10!!! Hehe…..more seriously a perfect 5!!!
30 Seconds to Mars Examiner: Have you ever seen 30STM before this concert? If so, how did the concerts compare?
Debbie Nothnagel:
Haven’t seen TSTM live in concert previously, as I unfortunately missed their South African concert in 2008! ;-( I have seen lots of performances on You Tube and TV obviously, but seeing them live just is so much more intense and personal!! I (and the thousands of other S.A. Echelon) hope they will be back in South Africa real soon!!!
30 Seconds to Mars Examiner: Tell me something that might surprise people about how 30STM is live.
Debbie Nothnagel:
Jared Leto is a master manipulator of the crowd!
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