By Renee DeFloria,
Senior Staff Writer

Some of the guys out there may have a fetish with the movie “Fight Club.” Or perhaps you’ve seen other films like “Requiem for a Dream,” “American Psycho,” “Girl Interrupted,” or “Panic Room.” Well, if you’ve seen any of these films or grew up watching “My So Called Life,” then the name Jared Leto may ring a bell. If it does then you might be unaware that the 35-year-old actor also has his own band that’s on the steady rise.

Splitting his career between acting and singing/songwriting, Leto and his brother Shannon as well as two friends formed the band 30 Seconds to Mars. After their self-titled 2002 release and attention on the singles “Capricorn (A Brand New Name)” and “Edge of the Earth,” Leto and his band caught the eye of many young (and old) fans as well as critics and radio stations nationwide.

After releasing their 2005 album “A Beautiful Lie” and gaining more recognition from the song “Attack,” the band finally embarked on their first headlining tour with bands Aiden and Emanuel.

The Forever Night Never Day tour stopped by for a sold out date in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, March 28, at the 650-person capacity Mr. Smalls Theatre.

Pittsburgh-based band, Isadora, claimed the stage first and I was extremely entertained with their musical ability and energy. Representing the “hometown hero” band, they seemed to have quite a sizable fan base within the crowd.

Backing up the crowd enthusiasm and stirring a little more craziness was the second band, Emanuel.
Though the crowd roared in appreciation and a sea of middle fingers could be seen in every direction I wasn’t too terribly impressed with the lead singer, Matt Breen’s, attempt to rile up the crowd through excessive swearing and raised middle fingers. However, that’s not to say that the music itself wasn’t something to be praised as songs like “Breathe Underwater” and “Make Tonight” stuck out the most to me.

The crowd turned absolutely insane when Aiden took their first step on top the stage.
Decorated in a five-piece gothic outfit, I couldn’t help to think this was the next undiscovered My Chemical Romance. The fans dove through the crowd as the lead singer stopped the set numerous times to encourage and start a raging mosh pit.

I was touched to also find the same lead singer stop to see if everyone was okay as well as speak with the crowd on choosing life over suicide and sticking together as brothers and sisters.

All three opening bands displayed passion for their music as well as a genuine ability to work the crowd.

The final band was met with both a wall of strobe lights and a roomful of screaming, eager fans. When they opened with the song, “A Beautiful Lie,” I was immediately thrown off at how much vocal strain Leto was placing on the song.

Leto’s less than flattering vocals continued throughout much of the set as emphasis was placed on crowd participation and random “ohhhs” and “ahhs” throughout the songs.

On a couple of occasions, it appeared that Leto forgot that he had lyrics to sing as he nearly missed a few lines in a couple songs. While the audience was basking in the presence of a celebrity, I was trying to tell myself that maybe he isn’t like most of Hollywood or that conceited.

I became increasingly agitated that the stage lights were never raised more than a dim tone for what I believe to be a hindering to photography rather than the ambience of a musical act’s set.

The cherry on top to my bias of their performance would be the trap that my friend and I fell into earlier in the evening. Representatives from FYE Record Store were selling the band’s new CD for $10.00. If you purchased the CD, then you could meet Leto and the band after the show. Sounds appealing, right? Wrong.

When it came time for my CD to be signed, one of the band members was on his cell phone, Leto didn’t even look at me, and the general attitude of all the members was just all around disrespectful.

I’ve met a lot of bands in my time, but I can honestly say that this one took the sinking anchor.
Though I continue to love and appreciate the individuality and uniqueness in 30 Seconds to Mars’ music, I left the venue with a bitter taste in my mouth.

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