Bangkok has lift off

Alternative rock fans are already counting down the days until American trio Thirty Seconds to Mars jet into town for their debut gig on April 5 at Bitec Bang Na.
Launched as a “pet project” of brothers Jared and Shannon Leto back in 1998, the duo quickly became three. The band went on to play under several different names, before finally settling on the name Thirty Seconds to Mars, which was taken from the rare “Argus Apocraphex” manuscript,
The LA-based trio’s debut self-titled album released in 2002 received critical acclaim but only limited commercial success. Conceptualised around human struggle and self-determination, the album reached number 107 on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the US Top Heatseekers, selling 121,000 copies in the US.
“Beautiful Lie” followed suit in 2005 and has since been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It has reached platinum and gold status in several countries, with sales totalling well over four million. Their sophomore “This Is War” was released in 2009. It headed straight into top 10 of several national album charts and entered the Billboard 200 at number 18. The first two singles, “Kings and Queens” and “This Is War”, reached the number one spot on the US Alternative Songs chart. After a promotional tour in winter 2009, Thirty Seconds to Mars embarked on the “Into the Wild” tour in February 2010, performing 300 concerts and entering the Guinness World Records for most live shows during a single album cycle.
In 2013 “Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams” came out, and the band began touring in June, including festival dates at Rock Werchter, Pinkpop, Rock in Rio, and Rock am Ring. At the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards held last August, the album’s hit, “Up in the Air” won the award for Best Rock Video.
Tomislav “Tomo” Milicevic, the band’s bassist, guitarist and keyboardist, talks to us about the new album.

What makes this album different from the last?

We were in a much more positive place during the making of this album. “This Is War” was surrounded by uncertainly as we were being sued for US$30 million by our record company. It helped to make a better album, but it was very dark and difficult time. “Love Lust Faith and Dreams” was surrounded by positivity and a desire to be creative. We will never make the same album twice, but it will always be Thirty Seconds to Mars.

What’s the hardest thing about being in a band?

Probably the amount of travelling we do. Thirty Seconds to Mars is a global brand and we travel extensively to make tours happen. Being away from family and friends for so long is difficult at times, but the inherent rewards of being able to share your art with people make it all worth it.

Who was your biggest inspiration?

My parents. We were immigrants from Croatia and they had to start a new life in order for us to have a chance at a better life. I can’t even imagine how much bravery it took for two highly educated people to leave their home and start a new life.

What are some of your passions outside of music?

I love to cook and to read, but one of my biggest passions outside of music is to help find homes for abused animals. It is something that very near to my heart.

If you could tour with any artist, who they would it be?

I would love to have been able to play shows with Michael Jackson! Why? Because he’s the king of course!

What’s the most bizarre thing that happened while you were onstage?

I was playing a festival outside once in Europe and a bird pooped on my head while playing. I won the lottery the next day. I got 25 bucks!

What’s the concert in Bangkok going to be like?

It’s a place to escape for a moment. A place to be around like-minded individuals and a place where it is okay to go completely crazy for a moment. Expect total insanity.


Hit the decks
>> Thirty Seconds to Mars is performing on Saturday April 5 at Bitec Bang Na, close to BTS Bang Na.
>> Early bird standing tickets are Bt2,000 and Bt3,000. They cost Bt500 extra on the show date.
>> Get them at Thai Ticket Major outlets or log on www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.