How I started liking 30STM and how I met them :)

It all started when I was 10 and I had just heard From Yesterday on Kerrang TV when I went shopping in my local town with my dad. We were walking around when I asked him to go into HMV and I picked up A Beautiful Lie and kinda waved all in my dad's face saying 'Can I have this!?' and he said 'haha, fine...' and I have been an Echelon ever since :)

I met 30 Seconds To Mars on June 13th 2010 and it was the best day of my life! I hopped onto the train to London and got on the London Underground to Leicester Square and walked to the outside of the hotel where I met some of the UK Echelon who I'd met before and had known on twitter. We were sitting outside Starbucks for about 4-5 hours before Tomo came out at 3pm, after he'd just woken up, and we shouted 'IT'S TOMO!' and he looked and laughed at us. We all got a picture with him and a hug, and he also signed my [ECHELON] wristband. After he came out with 2 coffee's for him and Vicki, I got another picture with him. At about 4pm we could see Shannon inside the hotel talking to Emma and his mum Constance. He went to sit down on a chair which was directly opposite us but inside the hotel and we took pictures of him but he turned his chair round to talk to his mum. Shannon strolled outside to go shopping with Constance, and I was like 'Hey Shannon!' and he waved at me! :O. Jared came out an hour after that and my friend tapped me on the shoulder saying 'it's Jared!' so I turned around and said 'Hi Jared! :D' and he motioned 'come on' with his hand and all of us gave him a hug :D but he wouldn't have any pictures :(, he came back after some shopping though and pictures with all of us and he signed my wristband :D.. at 7pm Shannon finally came back and we had pictures with him too and he said 'Ok, you can have a hug' and I rushed in :L, and gave him a huge hug and the other Echelon hugged him too :) Shannon smells lush!! After that I got home and nearly died when I got home xD

I have let people set me aside, and trample on me as if it was a daily routine all my life. But throughout the past few years I have started on a voyage, and reached out of my hermit type personality. With some kind advice and words of wisdom I no longer struggle being weird and unusual. Alongside the songs by 30 Seconds to Mars I now applaud my sense of creativity, they may seem outer worldly. I have notice a lot of my own traits within the band, as the like to focus on bigger things than themselves, they are all very selfless, and cherish the simple things. I remember a time when I was a small child and my mother asked me what I wanted to be when I got older, and I replied “I want to be mother nature”, she than asked “Why”, I said “Because being surrounded my something that is bigger than yourself makes the world not so horrible”. I feel like I have lived by this philosophy my whole life, and have the impression that the band also lives this way. Knowing that their music is so much more than just a song, it’s a scripture of poetic words reciting are own feelings. Knowing that it’s bigger than the band, it’s a way of life for some people, and it’s a group of fellow companions who you can confide in. This maybe a cult, but who cares when it reaches into people and allows them to understand things they may have been afraid of once before. Jared, Shannon, and Tomo give you a sense of comfort in your own skin, and want to help you break down those walls and show people the real you. That is what I believe this band has done the most for me, knowing I can step back for myself and smile as well as feel happy for the things I have accomplished. No other band gives you that soft of impact on your life. Ill finish this story off with two of my favorite quotes, “Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix” by Christina Baldwin. “They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself” by Andy Warhol

By Brittany Adler

I discovered 30STM in 2005. LOST 250LBS! and noticing changes. I turned to Q101 FM Chicago, and "THE KILL" was playing. I called the station immediately after I heard the lyrics,"i tried to be someone else....this is who I really am. That was me. I was told 30SECONDSTOMARS. I said 30 Seconds to who baby? The DJ fell out laughing told me where to find their music & I saw them about 5 times. They launched a bigger tour in the US for about 2yrs. I saw them at least 30 times. Those were the great old days.

30SECONDSTOMARS changed my life in a simple way. I didn't know who I REALLY WAS. I knew who Angela Love was for many years. There was another side of me that I didn't know existed until I lost the weight. "THE KILL" helped me realize that.There were times I felt like the song "SAVIOR". There is a song on A Beautiful Lie for everyone. I always knew to follow my dreams, & that I could do anything with GOD. The band helped me by cementing all my hopes and dreams. If they could do it, I can too. I've always wanted to be an actress so I Have bit parts in MERCURY RISING with Bruce Willis, SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE with David Schwimmer. I have also met Morgan Freeman, Keanu Reeves, Richard Gere, Laurence Fishburn, Brad Renfro just to name a few. I've met a lot of Rock Bands, and I love to write and have tons of stories.When someone says no to me that makes me more determined to prove them wrong.
30SECONDSTOMARS has been a big part of my l'm thankful for the echelon.

-Angela Love

The face behind the pierrot mask

My name is Maria. I live in Tampa Florida. I was one of the luckiest to be picked to be interviewed by Jared.

At the concert in Orlando, on April 28th, I told him that 30 Seconds to Mars changed my life.

And that is true!

I depend on the band every day for some sort of smile, or happiness. I feel like part of a family that no one else understands but the members itself.

I could tell you my life story. I could tell you the events, the feelings, the anxiety, depression- all of that. But that isn't important. What is though, is that I have been taught to follow my own dreams and leave all of that behind. To launch forth.

The music: There is no way in hell that I could find any band similar to 30 Seconds to Mars. They are unique in every way- especially the sound. Every song has it's own meaning, it's own connections to your personal history, and they all just flow the right way. Every album has it's own purpose, and they are beautiful. This is War is probably most important to me, to teach me to fight against the hardships of life.

The band: Tomo. Tomo, you are a sincere person that I just love to follow on twitter. You always have something good to say, and you're awesome with your fans. It must be an honor to be your friend. Someday I'll get to meet you for more than a couple seconds and it'll be such a cool experience.

Shannon. The way you treasure your family, and your brother, is amazing. I admire that about you, and I also admire how much life you bring to every song, recorded, or live. You will always be one (or the one) of the greatest drummers I've ever seen.

Jared. Oh, Jared. I'm actually writing a letter to you now, to give to you at the concert on October 15th. I really hope and pray you read it, because I've never written such a heartfelt letter to someone I don't know so personally before. I wrote,

"You are the one that put in perspective that living up to your dreams is a necessity in life. You woke up the dreamer side of me. Thank you Jared, for being my hero, and living up to the title. "

The Family: The Echelon is somewhere that I can finally fit in. I've met so many new people, had experiences, and everything. We are a group of people who have turned to music for comfort, who have gotten lost, and jumped into a sweaty crowd (by the way, Jared, thanks for telling everyone to push and squeeze in. I was in the center front of the crowd, and keep in mind that I am only just a small person) to just forget about everything for a night.

I can't even begin to express the amount of gratefulness I have for all of 30 Seconds to Mars. Without it, my life would be colorless.

Love, Maria.

What Mars means to me.

Hi there my fellow Echelon, I'm Keri from Massachusetts.

Everyone has good and bad days, it is a fact of life. On my bad days music is my escape. I know that I can just turn up the radio and dance and sing and that everything for that moment will be ok. Music talks to people; it is universal language like a math equation. From their first album I knew 30 Seconds to Mars was a great band. I knew that because they made music that spoke to me. Like Pink Floyd, The Beatles, U2, NIN, and Nirvana, they have been added to a lists of bands that, playing a song can bring me back to a moment in my life that makes me smile or cry or just remember. When I saw them at the Boston House of Blues in April it was a spiritual experience. I have been to a lot of concerts but none with the life and tenacity of this band. They interacted with the audience on a level I have never seen before and it comes from the fact that they really do love their fans. The fans are a whole other subject. During the show we all became one and looked out for each other. I am proud to be part of the Echelon; even though I am older then most of the fans I am glad to be a Mars Mother. I laugh at the fact the my 3 yr old son Damien thinks everyone with a Mohawk is a "Rock Star" and even sported a blue Marshawk himself for a while. He has started to play drums too. I love that I can share their music with my son like my father shared his music with me.

So 30 Seconds to Mars means just that; loving music I can share with the people I love.

In Defense of our Dreams

Dear 30 Seconds to Mars,

I think I should introduce myself first. Hi, my name is Jen.

I'm a 20 year old college student, my program being Tourism and Travel - Flight Service; I hope to be a flight attendant one day. I'm absolutely enamoured by life, and I savour every moment, cherish every breath, and live every second to the fullest. I live without regret, and I wake up every day with a smile, Kings and Queens blasting as my 6AM alarm clock. I look outside to see that I beat the sunrise again, and all I can say to the world is 'Carpe Diem, bitches' with a grin. There isn't any other place I want to be except here or any other life I want to live except mine.

And I have you three to thank.

So, thank you.

I would never expect to be like this 5 months ago. I didn't necessarily hate myself or was suicidal, but I was scared to live, scared to breathe, scared to even think of going somewhere in life. I didn't feel allowed to express myself, to be myself or to even accept myself. To put things simply, I had a life, but I wasn't inspired to live, and just ‘living’ didn’t feel like an accomplishment anymore. Existing wasn’t enough.

Ten or so months ago, I got it in my head to just do something with my life; So I applied to college, but mostly out of fear that 'living pointlessly' would give my mother a reason to hate me more. I made my decision on logical choices, such as what would bring me away from my mother fast enough and effectively enough. So I told her I wanted to be a flight attendant. When she heard that, she just scoffed; She asked me questions about it sarcastically, and would refer to the program as another embarrassment (it’s a college program and not a university program; there’s a difference in Canada), despite her friends being thoroughly impressed with me. I just think it wasn’t what she wanted of me.

I got a lot of encouragement from the rest of my family but really, behind closed doors, it was like walking into a minefield with a blindfold on; I was pretty scared. Was it the right thing to do? Would I disappoint myself this time, instead of disappointing my just mother? I had only begun to actually to accept myself as a person and not just a thing, a tool, to live out someone else’s dream. With my own teenage dreams of being a screenwriter, ones I had put all my love and energy into, thoroughly crushed, I didn’t know if I could put the same fragile confidence and hope into this new, relatively unknown dream I had.

During the winter holidays, as the date of first day of class drew near, my smiles got brighter and my nervous shaking could more easily be mistaken as jitters of excitement. I was afraid to fail again but in retrospect, I was more afraid of what would happen, anything that would happen. But one night, I was browsing through a friend's tumblr page and found her spazzing about This is War and the 'Kings & Queens' video; She had a youtube link up, I believe. Curious me, I clicked it and watched.

It was the most well-spent 5 minutes and 48 seconds of my life.

There's a line in the song, 'In Defense of our Dreams', that really spoke to me. For a time, dreams were all I had, and even those were taken away from me. Dreams are precious, and I learned the hard way that they are something to be protected, cherished, and pursued. Everything I already learned and knew, you confirmed and told me "Yes, that's true. We stand with you, and behind you."

Every day that I wake up and watch the sunrise from the window of a plane, I'll have no one else to thank, but you. You can see the sunrise, but unless you love life like how you've taught me, I would never have felt the sunrise.

Forever grateful,
Jen.

Toronto, Canada

Decadent.pastry@gmail.com // @decadent_pastry

A Battle of One, A Battle of Billions

An open letter to 30 Seconds to Mars,

On March 14, 2010, a friend and I received the horrible news that someone we had recently met, a soldier in the Canadian Army, had been killed in combat in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The feeling was so horrible--a numbness in my brain, an absolute ache in my chest.
Solace found its way to me in your music. I had been listening to "This Is War" since the release, and this horrible reality suddenly made your music all the more personal to me. Karma threw me another curve ball when I won tickets to your show the next night at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
And so, that next night, my friend and I found ourselves in the second-to-last row at the Greek, checking out Shiny Toy Guns, sipping on some beers. Karma was not finished though! A staff member from the Greek (and if I ever see this man again, I will shower him with thanks anew) came and offered us pit passes. The rest became concert history...I've been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to check out many live shows. Without a doubt, you guys have raised the bar to a seemingly untouchable level!
I found myself five feet away from the stage and sensory overload took over! Seeing the show, hearing the music, feeling the pulse of the crowd...It was the most unforgettable experience ever! Any song I hear now from the show swells my heart and takes me back--every time! And there's more. Though I've been a fan of your music for a while, perhaps this experience solidified my connection to your art, your music, and made me want to do so much more! I'm a little new to the game, but I 'm an extremely proud member of the Echelon now!
I was mistaken to think your music was your greatest gift! Don't misunderstand, it has been my healer--challenging me to overcome the pain of death, the struggle with my father's cancer, the eight years of writer's block (as hopefully evidenced here). But your band has given me an even greater gift--the family, the cult, the Echelon! I laugh more, I think greater, I do more good in my life because of this beautiful reality, this glorious cult!
Before I end this letter, you should also know that your art and talent has given me one more extraordinary benefit. Having always had a passion for the environment, I studied marine biology and have spent almost six years at a local aquarium in Los Angeles, teaching people about marine life and how their actions shape the survival of this earth. I've watched the "A Beautiful Lie" video many times over the years and my opportunity to share it with others has finally arrived. I've been given the chance to develop curriculum on climate change and ocean acidification to middle and high school students. And it all begins with your video! I may have many facts to share, but I could never express myself as beautifully and as creatively as your video allows. So, thank you for offering a medium that will enable me to connect students with the immediacy, the danger of climate change, and the joy in the ability to do something about it. I suppose an additional shout out to Bartholemew Cubbins and Angakok Panipaq for all their hard work and exemplary vision!
And so, as I conclude this letter to 30 Seconds to Mars the unit, and to its individual members, I wish to express my endless gratitude. Your music makes Los Angeles traffic bearable, it focuses me in my education; your craft contributes greatly to my mission to empower others to take a stand in saving this planet; and it has given me the gift of a creative, strong-willed, unstoppable tour de force that is the Echelon!

With all the gratitude in my heart and soul,
Melanie Ani Vartabedian
(@mermaidmelo)

YES THIS IS A CULT.

My name is Rebecca and I am 15 years old. I am from the middle of England. I am a very new member of the Echelon family. I first discovered this AMAZING band we call 30 Seconds To Mars at the end of 2009. I was watching the Scuzz music channel and Kings And Queens came on. I loved what I was hearing and seeing. Kings And Queens was my new favourite song, and I listened to it non-stop. Then I HAD to listen to more of their music. I got all 3 of their albums and learnt every lyric as I listen to them so often. All of the lyrics actually have meaning, unlike most artists out there. They mean the world to me, and really put me in a great mood. When school's depressing me, I'll turn to my 30STM CD's. Jared, Shannon, and Tomo are 3 GENIUS, AMAZING, TALENTED, BEAUTIFUL men who I love so much words can't describe. I love Jared Leto so much it hurts. And is there anything he CAN'T do? He writes songs, he sings, he plays guitar, he acts (he's an AMAZING actor. I've seen 4 of his films so far; Alexander, Panic Room, Urban Legend, and Mr Nobody. Wow. :P), he directs, and he has breath-taking looks, with beautiful hypnotic blue eyes and a cute button nose. :) I love Jared's individuality, and his pomegranate mohawk is amazing. ;D And before I knew it, I was an Echelon. :D

30 Seconds To Mars give me the feeling that I actually belong somewhere and have a purpose in life. Before I came across them, I got depressed and thought "What is the point? Why am I even here??" But Mars taught me that you should follow your dreams and always fight for what you believe in no matter what. I realised I can get through this, it's not that hard. They help me, and give me the courage to do so. Jared's lyrics to Alibi "I fell apart but got back up again" showed me that you will fall and have problems in your life, but you've always got to have the strength to get back up again and do what's got to be done. Jared's lyrics speak to me. 30STM have been through so much to get to where they are today, and they got there by not giving up. I've always been the quiet one who is has serious confidence issues and has trouble believing in myself, but I know I've got to believe in myself, just as they did. You won't get anywhere if you don't believe in yourself, no matter how hard it is.

It was my 15th birthday on the 10th February, and it honestly was my best birthday ever. I was lucky enough to go and see 30 Seconds To Mars live for the first time ever on the 19th at Nottingham Trent FM Arena. I bought my This Is War t-shirt from the official merchandise stand and wore it with pride. I wasn't standing unfortunately, but I was in the tiered seating. We waited ages for them to come on, but it was so worth the wait! The atmosphere was absolutely amazing, and I really felt like I belonged there, amongst the Echelon. I've never made so much noise in my entire life, and honestly don't know how I still had my voice when I woke up the following morning. That was the best night of my life, and 30STM are amazing live! They certainly know a thing or two about showmanship! They don't just stand there singing like most artists do; they put so much effort and hard work into their shows. Mars return to the UK in December, and I plan on seeing them again! I'm struggling for money at the moment, but I WILL get there one way or another! And I'll hopefully be standing (on the front row preferably! ;)) and I'll have a good view of them!!

I know none of the Echelon personally, but I have many Echelon friends online. Thank god for the internet, right? I wouldn't have met any of the amazing people I've become friends with. And they're not just my friends, their my family. All of you. I love you all. If it weren't for Mars we wouldn't have this amazing family and group of people. I wish we had our own Echelon Country. That'd be awesome. I live in a town where their are no Echelon. I am living in the wrong place altogether. I feel like I don't belong here at all. They all think I'm a freak, but I don't care. I'm proud to be an Echelon and forever will be. And like I said, thank god I can escape to the internet.

I try to be the best Echelon I can possibly be. I do as much as I can to promote them; I wear my t-shirt everywhere with pride (people will be thinking I haven't got anything else to wear! lol), I tell my friends of new Mars releases, I even introduced my email friend from Sweden to them. And I will continue to do this.

I recently watched 30STM's most recent music video for Closer To The Edge. Wow, what a song, and what a video. For starters, the song is genius, legendary, and in my opinion one of the best on This Is War (although I love every track). I've been listening to it alot lately, and I can't stop watching the music video. Wow. It made me emotional. I cried. It took my breath away. Simply amazing.

Music is my escape. Especially Mars. I was born to be an Echelon. I just wish I'd discovered them sooner. But at least I have now. :) They have brightened my life, made it feel worth living. My biggest dream is to meet the Mars men and tell them how much their songs mean to me, and how much I love and care for them. I want to thank them for everything. I really do appreciate them, just as much as I appreciate my second family.

Thank you so much to every single Echelon out there.
YES THIS IS A CULT. ECHELON TILL I DIE. PROVEHITO IN ALTUM.

I found tomorrow in today

I can’t think of when I discovered 30 Seconds To Mars. If I really try and remember, it actually feels as though they’ve been a constant in my life since my first minutes of coherence. Those three faces have become so familiar to me, I feel I’ve seen them on the street hundreds of times.

The self-titled album became for me an escape. Songs like ‘Capricorn’ and ‘Edge of the Earth’ helped me retreat into myself and discover whole new sides of my personality that I never knew existed. When EOTE launches into “Stand out, on the edge, of the earth”, I can feel my skin prickling as I delve into my deeper states of consciousness. ‘The Mission’ courses through my veins, as if I were in some strange army situation, defending my spirit against countless enemies.

“Yeah I’ve been to Jupiter, and I’ve fallen through the air. I used to live out on the moon, but now I’m back here down on Earth. Why are you here? Are you listening? Can you here what, I am saying?” These lyrics were such a huge deal to me when I first heard them. As I listened, I was reading over the CD booklet, and I spied the mission set for us - “Find the Argus Apocraphex” - and I truly believe I found my answer in that instant. I’m still ‘searching’ now, but every day I feel that step closer to fully discovering myself.

Having been a Buddhist for over 8 years now has really, weirdly, taught me more about the music than anything else. So much ties in, makes perfect sense, and I feel a deeper connection with the lyrics through my faith.

The second album, ‘A Beautiful Lie’, signalled the dwindling in my faith. Despite some amazingly profound tracks hidden away on the CD, such as ‘From Yesterday’ (still one of my favourite music videos by far), ‘Battle of One’ and ‘Was It a Dream?’, this marked their ‘sell-out’ for me. ‘The Kill’ upset me, made me angry, and ‘A Beautiful Lie’, whilst being an unbelievable song, melted into one horrible mess with ‘The Fantasy’, also grossly overplayed. I tried hard to keep my love alive, and my faith in the band - ‘Attack’ was a great song and video, and I really loved the first three aforementioned tracks to death. Especially with ‘The Kill’, I saw people all around me trying to claim "rights" to the band, but they didn’t even know what ‘Echelon’ meant. All those awards and accolades fell on my deaf ears, and I almost lost conviction altogether.

However, I stuck with them. They were, are, have always been, my favourite band, and I couldn’t just leave them by the wayside because of one (in my opinion) poor album. I listened to other stuff, tried out new genres, and slowly forgot the pain the second album had brought. After a while, I went back to it; I fell in love. I rediscovered that tingle on my skin, that kick in my stomach, that feeling that makes us Echelon. It’s safe to say I never looked back.

Their third and current album has “reinstalled” in me that sense of belonging. I really feel a part of the Echelon when I listen to it. Songs like ‘Kings and Queens’ fill me with jubilance, and ‘This is War’ makes me want to scream to the world about Mars. I feel that personally for me, "the war" so often referenced to is against their second album, and what they became in that era. They didn't seem like themselves to me, and this album seems like their 'f*** you', to all that 'emo hype' and stereotyping. I can't get enough of it. This album makes me feel so alive within myself.

My feelings are still arising with regards to the third album, and it’s currently in my car being played every time I drive. I feel, as I go through songs one to twelve, as though I’m on a journey - like if I lay down on my bed, with headphones in, and listened intently all the way through the album, that I’d feel awakened and refreshed afterwards, with new insight into a new me.

There’ve been tough times where the music has helped me, but I wouldn’t say there were too many - mainly because since I discovered Mars, my life has changed - they have forced me to rediscover, (r)evolve, alter my (misguided) perceptions and seek the true ‘me’. I won’t ever say something as naïve as ‘this band changed my life’, because it was more indirect than that - their lyrics spoke to me in a way that helped me realise, opened my eyes to things I’d never seen.

As you can see, it’s hard for me to tell my Mars story in a short form. I’m sorry this gone on so long; this wasn’t what I was planning on!

In as little as I can: 30 Seconds To Mars have managed to re-define me as a person, to help me ‘launch forth’ into the depths of my human awareness and realise what goes on around, and within, me. Without them, and their music, a lot of things may have overcome me, and I might not be the person I am today. All I have to say is one great big thank you. To the band. To the music. To the lyrics. TO THE ECHELON.

THE FIGHT IS DONE, THE WAR IS WON. YOU GUYS ARE MY FAMILY, AND I THINK OF EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU WITH LOVE AND RESPECT.

Writing this has been amazing. I hope you can get a sense of what I was trying to convey - my life, my learning, my experiences, me. I LOVE YOU.

@emibd
₪ ø lll ·o.

In defense of our dreams

I actually don't know where to start, so I will start anywhere in the hope it will make sense in the end. English is not my mother tongue so please be lenient with me :-)

My entire childhood and youth were affected by parental drug and alcohol abuse, physical and mental cruelty, sadness and loss. I lost my parents at a very young age and remained alone with a mass of responsibilities, and a broken personality.

The years after I lived under a glass-cover. I was like unconscious, just tried to function. I was not able to feel anything - no happyness, no anger, no sorrow. I only pretended to have feelings. During this time I did not even recognize it.

And then these three guys entered my life and changed everything... I have been listening to 30 Seconds to Mars for years, but it was only one of the bands I liked and had no special meaning to me. Today I think that I was not ready to understand the message earlier. Then I was at a concert and my whole world turned upside down. Suddenly I started to understand and every song became a perfect meaning for me and my personal situation.

The weeks after I listened to every song again and again and again and the messages became clearer and clearer. I suddenly realized that I was wasting my life by trying to fulfill other peoples expectations in me. I never thought about what I wanted from life. I made decisions for other people not for myself. And I haven't even realized it for years.

The songs of 30 Seconds to Mars allow and encourage me to be the person I really am. They tell me that it's right and good to struggle with my inner demons every day. I now have the feeling that I became a stronger and more valuable person by all the pain I went through. I am different and it's nothing false in being different. It's better to be authentic than adapted 'cause this is who I really am.

I want to thank Jared, Shannon and Tomo, for being the f.cking most brilliant artists in the world. Their music touches me in a way I never expected. These three men changed everything and I did'nt even ask them to do so. I can't say that my existence has become easier through their apperance. I have to struggle even harder, but I do struggle instead of watching my own life passing by. Their music hurts...it hurts in my bruised soul every day. It hurts so much ,that there are often tears running down my face while listening, but it makes me think and forces me to go on. It is my inspiration to get my ass up and at least try to become a kind of happy.

I will be thankful until the end of my days, because these guys definitely saved me. At the moment I'm not sure what to do with my recovered life, but the lyrics will show me in a while, I guess...

One more important thing I want to thank Jared, Shannon and Tomo for are the Echelon. When I first heard of them I found it kind of strange. But then I entered the world of Twitter and within two or three days I understood. I was searching for current information about 30 Seconds to Mars and found... amazing friends, a big family.

While everyone in my so called "real life" finds my addiction to 30STM and my changing personality weird, the Echelon understand and support me. Some of them are also fighting against tortures and harms of life (as well as I read here) and made similar experiences with the music of Mars. I found my personal soulmate amongst the Echelon, my sister, my counterpart. (You know that you are meant sis, my refletion :-) ) I am so thankful to be a part of this big crazy crowd. 30 Seconds to Mars have opened a new world to me - the Echelon make this world alive.

Thank you dear brothers and sisters for understanding, for supporting, thank you for simply existing. I won't miss any day I spent time chattering, laughing or even crying with you!!! Some time ago I wouldn't have believed that I'd ever share my personal story, my most intimate secrets with anybody. 30 Seconds to Mars and the Echelon made me a person that releases these thaughts in the internet. I am so proud of this person I developed with your help. Thank you!!!

I will do my best to defend my dreams in every single day of my life. Some days may be harder than others, but I'm alive again and I promise to live!!!

All my love - up to the stars and back down to earth. Prohevito in altum!!
Aoide

I will live my life

Just wanted to share a few words on how 30 Seconds to Mars have impacted my world and me as a person.

I remember when I first got introduced to 30 Seconds to Mars' music. I was studying my Psychology degree at university in 2007 when my twin sister came to me and said "30 Seconds to Mars are playing Hammersmith Apollo next year, we have to get tickets!" I knew who 30STM were because my sister was a huge fan but I hadn't really heard any of their music. I remember the first 2 songs I heard by them were "A Modern Myth" and "The Story" and that was it, I was instantly hooked. We booked tickets for Feb of 2008 in London and I got to experience them live which was incredible! The way Jared engages with the audience is like nothing I've seen before, most artists would fear actually getting up close and personal with their audience, but the way Jared plunges in to the crowd, it's clear he revels in it and I love him for that.

After that performance, Jared came outside and chatted to us for a while and again that's something you rarely see so he was earning mega brownie points in my books! I will always remember someone saying to me that it was cool that he stayed and chatted however don't expect it to last too long, because as they get more successful they won't care as much about the people at the shows. That person was VERY wrong. I recently went to see the guys again at Wembley, they delivered a mind-blowing performance and it is an experience in which I will carry with me forever. Again, after the show my sister and I hung around and again Jared came out and had a chat with a few of us. From that moment onwards, I knew my dedication to the band would be just as strong as what they show to us and my loyalty was unwavering.

My life at the moment is slightly monotonous as I am working hard to save up money to continue my studies at university in order to get to where I want to be in life. Some days it's hard to wake up and feel inspired or motivated because every day is such a routine. But when I listen to 30 Seconds to Mars, I can hear the passion and conviction in Jared's voice and it makes me think they have had to work so hard to be as successful as they are. If you want to get anywhere in life, you have to put in the work. The music of 30STM is so inspiring, I listen to "This is War" in its entirety everyday for motivation. "Closer to the Edge" particularly resonates with me as I find this a hugely powerful song. From this song, I take away the message that you should do whatever it takes in order to live your life and to feel purpose behind your actions. When I hear the words, I know that every day I'm getting closer to my goals which will ultimately lead me to where I want to be in life, and it's through 30STM' music that I realise this.

I now have all 3 albums from 30STM and their music is something I will always cherish and I look forward to expanding upon it!

The dedication and passion that Jared, Shannon and Tomo commit to their shows and to their interaction with audiences (whether it be an arena full of people or a group of 20 outside) is something that most artists can only dream of achieving. 30 Seconds to Mars delivers above and beyond all expectations and it is the reason that the Echelon family continues to grow. It is the reason why I am proud to say that 30 Seconds to Mars has had a profound effect on me as a person and the way I look at life. I can merely say thank you for that but those words can only describe a fraction of what's in my heart.

Laura De Rosa, UK
(@LauraDeRosa)

They MADE my life

I don’t know how to start this. But maybe I should tell you my story to start with?

Most of this can I not remember because is such a long time ago, so I have got it told by my family.

My story begins back in the Christmas 2001 when I was 7 years old. My uncle, who lived in USA at that moment, gave me a demo cd from a band called 30 seconds to mars. It was a cd he have got from he’s friend who knew the drummer in the band – Shannon. I fell admittedly in love with the music. I have been told that I only could fell a sleep when I was listening to the cd.
Short time after Christmas my grandfather died. I had a really good relationship with him. I was so sad that I was close to get a depression. But I was lucky and I am still sure that the cd I had got is the reason till that I not got that depression. 8 month after Christmas I, and the rest of the world, so lucky that 30 seconds to mars’s album came out. After some years became I more and more an Echelon and I have now been it in 5 years I think.
After being a fan in 9 years the day of my life came. It was March 9th 2010, the day Shannon turned 40 yeas old, in Copenhagen, Denmark. I still have the feeling that it didn’t happen! Aging were I closer than never to get a depression and stress because the concert was over and I had so much going on in my life. But because of the amazing Echelon came I through that and I am now happier than ever!

I don’t want to say that 30 seconds to mars changed my life, because they MADE my life. I can’t remember how my life was before I heard 30 seconds to mars the first time. Mostly because I was so young but also because they have made such a big influence on whom I am to day. They are the reason to all the amazing friends I have made because of the Echelon. They are properly the reason till that I not am a girl in trouble and with a depression to day.
They are my life!
And I am not afraid to say that they HAVE made the life I am living.
Jared is the reason till I am an actor now. When I have been close to quit I have been seeing a movie with him and I got my passion back of acting.
30 seconds to mars is the main reason to I am playing music today. When I sow how amazing Tomo and Jared are on a guitar I wanted to bee just half as good as them and I am close to be that to day.
Then are you properly thinking “what have Shannon done to you”, he gave me the desire of want to photographer more and more.
I own the guys my life. Because they gave me my life.
I can’t thank 30 seconds to mars enough for being the band they are!
I love them so much and they will always be a part of my life.
I can feel my life when I hear their music, it’s the soundtrack till my life and who I am. 30 seconds to mars is who I am, always have been and always will bee.
Thank you 30 seconds to mars and the Echelon for doing all this to me.

I love you more than words can describe!

Marie, Denmark
@mariebulken

This is the Story of my Life....

Ok, maybe this isn't the story of my life...that would take too much space and time. You see, I've been around almost double the life span of most Echelon, sometimes more. I'm old enough to be Jared and Shannon's slightly older sister. But we're going to skip ahead several years to the first moment I heard Attack on the radio.

It was early summer, 2005. I was fresh out of the hospital, after having a pacemaker/defibrillator "installed"...no, I'm really not that old, yes it was early, I was only in my 30's. The previous year my doctors had found that I had a condition that was most likely caused by a virus that made my heart beat strangely...out of rhythm, and my left ventricle didn't pump by itself. Anyway, I was pretty weary from surgery, and all the new medications I was on when I heard Attack for the first time. I loved it instantly. I went to look online to see who the band was, because the radio hadn't said anything about the song.

I remember sitting at my step son's computer, looking at a picture of 30 Seconds to Mars....and having the distinct feeling that I knew one of the band members. I even said out loud, "Hey, I know that guy!", and my step son replied, "Uh huh, sure you do." and walked away. I then started digging for names of the band members online, and realized where I knew that Jared guy from...My So Called Life. I LOVED that show! I even have that book they put out after the show was over! I was amazed...of course I hadn't seen him in anything in over 10 years...or so I thought. A quick look at IMDB told me that I'd seen plenty of Jared, I just hadn't recognized him.

A little more information online, and I found out that I couldn't buy the cd that had Attack on it, as A Beautiful Lie wasn't out yet. It was a long wait (it seemed like) until the release date when I ran out and bought it. I carefully unwrapped it and kept the great wrap that had the rose on it. I listened to that cd until I thought my family was going to kick me out of my own home. I also bought the self titled cd, but I couldn't even locate it in town, I had to order it online.

Somewhere the next year, 30 Seconds to Mars was on tour and coming to a standing room only smaller venue here in town. I was still pretty sick. I called the venue to see if there was anywhere to sit, and they could only accommodate me if I were in a wheel chair, which I wasn't. It broke my heart to not go see them live. I vowed then that one day I would get to see them live.

I spent a few years with some pretty serious health problems. There are so many parts of my life that were touched because of 30 Seconds to Mars, and Jared's other work as well. I started reading Hubert Selby, Jr because of Requiem for a Dream. Last year I became vegetarian. Last year I had three surgeries, and one of the things that helped pull me through was knowing that soon there would be a new cd, and a new tour...and I was determined I would see them this time!

There wasn't a summit near where I live, but I watched online and wondered what the guys were going to do with everything that was being sent to them. I couldn't believe it the first time I heard Kings and Queens. I was listening online to the premier on KROQ. I felt so happy and so proud ... proud of the guys, proud of the fans, and so proud to be a fan. I remember downloading the cd in December, and crying several times. Between Alibi, and 100 Suns...especially the "beating of our hearts" line, and even lines like "One day it'll all just end", it seemed like my "birthday buddy" as I've been calling Jared for a while now, as we share the not so stupendous December 26th birthday, was writing pieces of my soul for lyrics.

I watched tons of youtube footage of the tour that was happening in Europe. The day the tour dates for America were announced, I called my friend who lives in Arizona. I've known her since I was 11! I was scheduled to go stay with her for 10 days, and the tour was starting in that part of the country while I was there! She said, "They sing that Face is a Map of the World song, right?" (This was actually better than I had hoped for, most of her iPod is 80's haha) I told her we could go to Tuscon, and there was also a Mesa show at that time that was later rescheduled to Phoenix later in May. I also told her the tour was kicking off in Las Vegas, and it was at that moment I knew how much she loved me...she told me to get tickets, she was taking us to VEGAS! There's something about someone who's known you 30something years. They REALLY know you.

I had been kicking around the idea of a tattoo since the end of 2009. Before I went on vacation, I got cherry blossoms on my left lower arm to signify how life is short and beautiful, and only lasts a moment, and underneath I had Beautiful Lie in Kanji, because that album, and that song, kept me going through so much.

The Vegas show was great, so great that when I got home from vacation, I bought tickets to go to Orlando to see them at the House of Blues. This year I have taken three people who were not familiar with 30 Seconds to Mars to concerts, and they have left there blown away, and die hard fans. I met the guys before the show in Orlando, and they are awesome. I took my booklet from my A Beautiful Lie cd with me to get them to sign it.

A few years ago I was so ill, and not able to do half the things I've done this year. Day after tomorrow, I go in the hospital for another surgery...a big one this time. Part of the reason I lived it up so much in April was because I knew this day was coming. But it's ok, Jared, Tomo, and Shannon will be in the hospital with me, on my iPod shuffle, that is only loaded with 30 Seconds to Mars. Their music calms me when nothing else can. The rhythms, the lyrics, everything feels like home.

Thank you, 30 Seconds to Mars...you've helped me in ways that I only touched on the surface here. You are part of my soul, part of my life. And thank you SO MUCH for making This is War so much about the fans. Though my heart beats mechanically, it beats stronger because of you. (and a special thanks to Jared...you inspire me to be a better Capricorn.)

"I believe in nothing, but the beating of our hearts." ~Jared Leto

Me too, birthday buddy, me too.

i believe in nothing, but the truth and who we are.

There's a lot to be said for the value of a family, but there are not enough words for the value of the Echelon. We are more than a community; we are the friendliest cult out there. We are more than a family; we are each other's spirits. We bring each other hope, while gently relaying tragedy. We bleed together. We also prosper together. When one is down, there are a thousand virtual hugs being squeezed into their being; whether we know each other or not, the Echelon is always there. The band is our light, our sun, the thing we orbit around and live our lives for. We hold more value to each other than we will ever realize. My recent experiences with the person manning this project showed that to me.

I found 30 Seconds to Mars when I was only 10; still awfully young, new to the world despite being alive a decade. They caught my attention with the music video for "From Yesterday". To me, it was art. An interesting plunge into the world of music that didn't lurk on the radio, played time and time again. During the summer, I snuck A Beautiful Lie from the library, unsure how my mother would react to the thought of her daughter listening to...heavier music. I felt so rebellious; I laugh at that now, and it brings me a sliver of joy. I wasn't as in to music as I am now, so the CD merely impressed me and didn't stick with me. It was on my iPod as good thinking music, inspiration for the poetry I was writing. Time passed, and I grew up. Music became an obsession, and I discovered how amazing 30 Seconds to Mars was, and still is. Each of their songs became my favorite (though I will say, it's "Capricorn" that has held me rapt these days) while I plunged into the world they created. Each glyph, each "goodbye" screamed to the plucking of guitar strings was magic, and the joy this band was brought me is incredible.

30 Seconds to Mars helped me survive my depression, which is something I can never pay them back for. Months ago, during the summer going into my eighth grade year, I fell into a state of sadness that I kept to myself for quite some time; nothing spurred it, yet is was consuming and maddening. Each day it threatened to eat me alive, gnawing on the beings of my sanity. Even my family couldn't, help, so I resorted to falling back into my shell. By that time, MARS was my favorite band, much loved and admired. Music was now an obsession, rather than an interest. This marked a major shift in my life, the turning point of maturity. When they say, "depression hurts", they're not lying. It bites harder than any wolf and cuts deeper than any blade. I never felt compelled to end my life or injure myself, being terrified of gore and slightly hesitant toward pain, but the suffering I went through still chills me to this day. Simply listening to their music was a step away from the real, harsh world. "Attack" told me to forget those who had hurt me, while "A Beautiful Lie" displayed to me that everyone suffers at some point. "The Kill" taught me how to face myself. In a twisted way, "The Fantasy" was telling me to remain hopeful, that there was always that best case scenario. "Do you live...do you die...do you bleed...for the fantasy?" Yeah, I would do anything to get back to normal, my fantasy. Anything. As we prepped for This Is War, I saw that scenario coming to life-being so hopeful for something so mundane that it hurt.

My countdown started at 100 days, and so did my healing process. Some faith ignited within me, because I knew this album would not falter. Sure, the release date changed a million times, but it was still looming around the corner. Around days 95 through 80, I was at my lowest points. The epitome of sorrow. These were the days where instead of sobbing, I'd sit in stony silence. "Are you okay?" A blink, a nod. Nothing more. Rarely talking even in class. Eventually, I broke out of that. Can't remember why. The lyrics from "Kings and Queens" kept vibrating through my head, and I vowed not to let myself become the victim of myself. I was the queen of promise. I saw the Mithra seal, and I was the phoenix, being born again.

On low days, I'd sit inside my raincloud, listen to music. Listen to interviews where I was constantly being told by Jared, Shannon, and Tomo that I was loved. It's surprising how much that meant; I had never met them, and the chances of me ever doing so were not great. Yet I felt a strange kinship with them, like they would patch me up if I was bleeding. I felt the same with the Echelon; my family, a Primordial soup filled with eccentric and lovable people. No one has any idea how much an "I love you" from a stranger means until you've heard one. Incomparable.

So, basically, in the end I fixed myself. And the music of 30 Seconds to Mars was the main cause for that. It taught me hope and faith. It also let me know, through screaming lyrics, that I was not alone in my problems. A seething voice, a singing guitar, thrashing drums layered upon heavenly synthesizer doesn't really seem like a good medication for depression. But trust me, MARS is the best drug out there. You're never alone, and their music, however angry, however soaring and epic, is a comforting hand placed on the shoulder.

Shannon, Tomo, Jared-Thank you for making this music. Thank you for supporting me, though chances are you'll never know what you did. You guys are good people, regardless of what anyone says. Your talent can never be exceeded, and the way you treat us, your fans, is something every musician, every celebrity, every minor coffee house poet should respect.

Echelon, you guys mean so much to me. My family, built off of familiar strangers. I'm here for you, always will be. Each of you are kind, brilliant people, and we can all learn so much from each other. I love you, and you guys have my blessing for the rest of your lives.

I'm falling back into that state now, but I'm not so afraid. I have faith in myself and my world, and I know that that is the very thing that will pull me out of the abyss.

This Is Who I Really Am!

This Is Who I Really Am Inside, The lyrics from "The Kill" let me find who I really was.
I was searching for myself, even though im a christian, finding yourself still takes a whole lot out of you, doesnt matter what faith, race or creed In the end I found who I really was and this song helped me and encouraged me and is sort of a song that related to me at the time.

Here is My Mars Story:

It was near the end of 2006 and I was transitioning into the EMO scene when I saw this band performing in China, I thought to myself "This is a music video?!", I kept watching and really got into them, the melody, chords, the drums driving. I fell in love instantly, the only thing was I forgot their name.

I then kept sitting in front of the TV hoping to watch the music video again, it was like an addiction, I finally knew the name of the band and decided to buy the album (A Beautiful Lie) listning to it for the first time I knew this band was going to be the "IT" factor for me and from then on I was hooked.

Early 2007 I decided to join the Echelon, being christian I was reluctant at first since I was fearing of the "Cult" label, but I joined and it opened my mind and at first I was new and like a baby to the "Official Boards" but most of you welcomed with opened arms and the one that stands out is the forumer known as JETO even though were in different places we grew a friendship and he helped me out with everything.

Mid 2007 came the Music Awards in Australia and being able to see them there and watch the NZ Vodafone Select Live interview them was great, even though our guy was late and kinda left a bad vibe with the Mars guys, it was awsome.

Over these years my Mars library has grown alot, Cd's, Posters, and Magazines, My Mars Satchel (bag) and soon to be aquired, This Is War Photobook, Dogtags, Echelon T-Shirt, Echelon Wristband (red), and an Arrow Patch.

To 30 SECONDS TO MARS: Thank You for your music, your fan interaction, the inspiring lyrics you touch people all over the world, I Pray that you keep doing this till the end of time. I also welcome you to our country on behalf of all New Zealand Echelon and hope you have a great time in New Zealand. Explore, photo, video, and learn all there is to learn about our place, since we know how much you guys like culture and this will all be a new experience for you guys. I think Provehito In Altum sums this up very well.

To the Echelon: We are the Keepers of the Gate, The Kings and Queens of Promise, the army that fights and believes in this band called 30 Seconds To Mars. Thank you all for the experience and oportunity to be apart of this army, fan base, but to me we are Family! THANK YOU!

To The NZ Echelon: Thank you all for an awsome experience that is past, and is yet to come. You are all like family to me, and let's have one awsome time in AUGUST!

Thank You all for this experience, and blog to share and inspire those reading.

PROVEHITO IN ALTUM!

Aaron Livingston
Porirua, New Zealand

(Twitter: Aaron_EcheloNZ)

(Forum Name: The Valiant)

Don't Be Afraid

Jared, Shannon, and Tomo,

I know you have heard this from thousands of people since you guys began this incredible journey as 30 Seconds to Mars more than 10 years ago, but I can’t help repeating the sentiments of others when I say that your music has changed my life.

I went to a show of yours over four years ago not knowing what to expect. It was March 26, 2006 at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo, NY and my sister was dying to go. She talked me into going with her, even though I had never heard of 30 Seconds to Mars before. It was my first concert, and I was nothing short of completely blown away. It didn’t matter that I had never heard the music before. It didn’t matter that we were stuck in the back. I came home with my head spinning, an autographed CD, and memories that will last a lifetime. From the moment you guys went onstage, I was instantly a part of the incredible, loving family that makes projects like this happen. One of the best decisions I have ever made was to say yes to my sister that March afternoon.

After that beautiful, magical night, I knew that I had found something important. Something had changed during that show. Music had always been important to me - I had played different instruments for as long as I could remember and music was regularly discussed in our family - but after your show, music was everything. For years I had had my heart set on becoming an architect, but I suddenly couldn’t see myself spending the rest of my life behind a desk drawing buildings. It wasn’t enough. It was then that I chose the path that led me to study Music Industry at Syracuse University. I realized that I may not be cut out to be a performer myself, but I need to be involved in the industry in some form or another to be happy.

About seven months after that night at the Town Ballroom, a childhood friend of mine passed away at the age of nineteen. His life had been one of many difficulties that he seemingly did not know how to overcome, and he had turned to drugs at a young age. We had grown apart a couple of years prior to his death, but when I heard of his overdose, I was stunned and heartbroken. We had different groups of friends at the time of his death, and I found myself unable to talk to my friends about it. They didn’t grow up with him, they had no memories with him, they were not affected by his passing. They couldn’t understand my pain, so I turned to the one thing that I knew could help: your music. I listened to A Beautiful Lie, especially “A Modern Myth” and its chorus of goodbyes, on repeat for months as it was the only thing that made the pain lessen and my anger, fear, and sorrow be released. Unfortunately, I have had a few more friends die before they reached the age of 20 since then, and I have consistently turned to your music as therapy.

As cliche as it sounds, that experience truly made me realize the fragility of life. I came to absolutely despise the idea of doing anything except what made me happy, because who knew when it could all be over? As much as I enjoy architecture as a hobby, music is my greatest passion, and it needs to be the focus of the environment in which I work. Upon reflection, I came to the conclusion that I want to help people experience something similar to what I did at your show in 2006. I want to be one of the people responsible for bringing music to the public because I know the power it holds and the ways in which it can change lives for the better. I truly believe that I have no one to thank but you guys - Jared, Shannon, and Tomo - for where I am in my life right now and where I see myself going in the future.

If you’ll allow me one request, it would be that you guys keep doing what you’re doing. You have changed the lives of countless individuals, and you will continue to do the same for others, I know it. Your music is forever a part of who I am, and I am more grateful than I can even express for your creativity, passion, and dedication. I have found who I am and my place in the Echelon family, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Love love love,

Laura Dumitru

Buffalo, NY, USA

FINALLY... TIME TO GO TO WAR!!! ₪ ø lll ·o.

"Has been a little over a year that my life went through a big turn. I’m facing the challenge of living all by myself, in an unexpected moment.
I wasn't prepared for that, I didn't even decided what I wanted for life or what goals to fight for. Everything was becoming increasingly difficult, it was like a snowball, the unsolved problems were accumulating. In fact, they had been building for 10 years, but this last year was so hard that I have even developed psychosomatic illnesses. As an only child, used to rely on parents for everything, I was forced to grow, it was a need, but this way was harder and painful.

I even got into therapy, but what helped me most was music. I always expressed myself through it more easily and got to understand things around me, too.
The fact is that I always loved 30STM music, but it never spoke to my heart so strong as now, with "This is war" album. It helped me to see the answers exactly when I most needed it.
The crucial moment, when a light came on before my eyes, was when I first heard the songs "This is war" and "Vox Populi". I couldn't hold back the tears, first because of the thrill of hearing the active participation of Echelon in the recording (it was like I was there), joining us to the band once and for all as part of this experience and as family. Second, listen to those strong lyrics being sung with the peerless energy of our brothers from around the world, made them to invade me with all sense, as something alive.
I went to College, I work, I date and hang out with my friends, I thought I could get everything I wanted here in Brazil, but I always felt kinda empty and never found out why.
So, at that magic moment, I figured out that my soul is so infinitely bigger than this little space, I wanted to earn the world and know it all, but never had the courage! Plus, I always felt this need to help others but never found the real motivation.
I just don't know how this idea came out from my mind, but I did what I hope will change my future, my life and my soul to a dream came true!
I signed up on United Nations Volunteers and my head is taken by great plans, like never before!
And all this inspired and enlightened by this magic songs and this wonderful experience of being a 30STM Echelon. I feel the strenght, the courage and the freshness of an ex-convict, ready to start over and give a new direction to my story!
So, I just wanna say THANK YOU 30 SECONDS TO MARS, for changing my life in a so amazing way!
I love you and I'm proud of being ECHELON!

Lou_from_Mars

Echelon_Brazil

I Will Never Forget, I Will Live My Life

I first became a fan of 30 Seconds to Mars when I saw the "A Beautiful Lie" video. I couldn't believe that a song could describe me so perfectly, and that I could relate to every single word. Just that song alone has helped me so much.

When I was 16, I was abused by a member of my family. I tried to pretend that this never happened, and I tried to forget about it, because I didn't know what other ways to deal with it. I was really depressed and felt completely alone at the time. Then I saw the video for "A Beautiful Lie" on youtube one day, and I bought the cd soon after that. I could relate to every single song, and the lyrics described everything I was feeling. I listened to the songs over and over, and that really helped me feel better about things. It didn't change what had happened, but it got me through a lot of it, and motivated me to keep going and to keep fighting.

Because of 30 Seconds to Mars, my life has changed so much. They have inspired me to keep fighting even when it seems impossible, and my life is a thousand times better.

I'm really proud and grateful to be part of the Echelon for being such a great and awesome family. I can't see myself ever not being part of the Echelon, I don't know what I would do, and I think you're the only ones who can understand what it means to be a fan of 30 Seconds to Mars and part of the Echelon.

Kathryn (k_obecny)

New Hampshire

R-Evolve

Well, sharing my feelings about 30 Seconds to Mars is yet another way of expressing my love for their music.

The first time I heard about them was when The Kill was released as a music video. I remember watching it for the first time while chatting with my best friend online. We were both watching MTV. I still remember the thoughts that crossed our minds in that moment. Nice music. Cool video. Hot singer.

Then it came From Yesterday. I got the album A Beatiful Lie. By that time we were completely obssessed and deeply, deeply addicted to 30 Seconds to Mars.

However, the best moment of all was yet to come. In February of 2008, the opportunity to watch them live arose. It took me ages to convince my mother to just let me go to the concert. When I finally managed, the venue was sold out. Talk about disapointment. But proving to be the best guys in the world, a second concert was added to the tour, in May, this time in a bigger venue. The day I heard that I went completely out of myself.

So, in the 3rd of May, 2008, we headed to what would be the best day of our lives. We were already thinking it was being amazing when all of a sudden, a security guard sat next to us. Then when we realised why we nearly fainted. Jared was going to sing. In the middle of the crowd. Next to us. A metre or two away from us. That day I experienced a feeling of happyness that I sincerely probably have never reached again. No concert ever has surpassed this one.

Then, it came a less enthusiasthic period. I'm not saying that I forgot about them, but I simply was no longer into them in the same way. Somehow, other bands had took their place in the first position.

This lasted until last year when I went through a less than happy phase of my life. Things were pretty bad back then. The song R-Evolve was like an anchor in those moments. Sometimes I would spend the entire afternoon just listening over and over again to the very same song telling to myself that a revolution would be to come in my life followed by an evolution, just like those hopeful lyrics. I clinged to them as if they were a life vest.

It all ended up well and by the summer of 2009, things were again like before, happy moments shared which soundtrack was pretty much again 30 Seconds to Mars. By this time I also found out twitter. Guess how happy I was when I realised that a certain leadsinger also used it...

It was exactly through twitter that I realised they had a new song and a new album. When I heard Kings and Queens for the first time it was one of those cases when in the beginning you kinda like the song, by the first chorus you love it and by the second one you are singing along.

When I thought that I couldn't love an album more than I did with A Beatiful Lie, I was totally wrong. This is War is completely above all my expectations and believe me, they were already pretty high.

There are many albums that I can say I love many songs. But among those, few are the ones that I love and know by heart each lyric, that I link each melody to great moments and that are such a good example of good music as This Is War.

Apart from their music, what I really think is unique and fascinating about 30 Seconds to Mars are all the symbols and meanings that revolve around them as well as the Echelon. I must say I have never seen such an united and huge family of fans. Never. The Echelon is unique in its dimension, support and passion for the band.

I am really grateful to the Echelon for just existing and to the guys in the band for putting their hearts in every tiny piece of music they make.
Because you make an important part of my life. Believe me.
Thank You!

Edge Of My Heart

Well, the first time i heard about the band, it was on 2005 on the Internet. With the single “Attack”. I can’t say that it was the love at the first sight. Honestly, it didn’t really catch me. BUT when The Kill was released, the Story began! I just discovered an amazing band. Jeez it was really powerful, and that’s something for me because most of the time i’m a difficult girl, that’s no really easy to catch AND keep my attention. But they did. Since this time, i just couldn’t stop thinking of them. This band means a lot in my life. I can say that they took a big part on my life. They were there when i was in trouble, with my family, and even more with friends.

Actually, it’s quite personal but i’ve a friend, who died last year. She hang herself. And i’ve seen her something like 2 days ago, smiling and full of happiness. But i was in a hurry and i didn’t talk to her. What’s the link with 30 Seconds To Mars? In fact they really helped me to surmount my pain. Because i felt really guilty, even if it wasn’t my fault. And now thanks to them, i’ve a song to describe her. A Modern Myth. It helped me to bring closure to her grief in a certain way. The “Goodbyes” that Jared sings louder and louder are just for me a way to express my pain, and to free myself. At the beginning i was always skipping this song when i was listening to ABL. Weird i know. But now that’s ok.

But in a more optimistic part, and i think that i’m not the only one to feel that, they allowed me to take part of one of the most wonderful family. I don’t need to named it, you already know it. The ECHELON of course. Thanks to them, to their music, to their investissement about us, i’ve friends all around the world! In Italy, Poland, Chile, Croatia, UK, USA, Brasil, South Africa, NZ, Australia, etc! We understand each other, and that’s what make the echelon one of the most amazing family in the word. Really. Sometimes i feel like they know me better than my friends, because we share the same passion and the same love for 30 Seconds To Mars.

And all these amazings experiences are possible thanks to the guys, Jared Shannon & Tomo. Honestly, i’ve NEVER seen a band who pays so much attention to their fans. I had the chance to see them for the first time in Paris on march 5^th. 11 hours of waiting outside with a freezing wind, 1 month of illness, but if i had to do it again i’ll do it. And again and again and again haha. The best day of my (short) life. And i hope that i’ll have new marsian pieces of my life to share thanks to them :)

Anna (France)

Nothing Is Over

I'm not exactly sure how to begin this post. There is so much I could say, yet so little I can put into words.

It all began in 2007, when the video for The Kill appeared on my TV screen. At that point, and every time a 30 Seconds To Mars video popped up from then onward, everything around me was cut off and the TV had me hypnotised. This band already meant more to me than any other band before, and I made it my mission to become a part of their world, a world which seemed so perfect. I was 13, and it already felt like my life had purpose. I got to know the band as best as I could, I just couldn't shake the incredible feeling they had given me, I just had to know everything. They became the reason for my existence.

I introduced my best friend to 30 Seconds To Mars and together we became fanatics. We would go to each others houses and sit watching interviews on YouTube to the point where we could quote every word, or put on the making-of DVD that came with our A Beautiful Lie albums and laugh when Bartholomew Cubbins "didn't show up", acting like we were the only ones in the world that were in on the secret. We would text each other whenever anything, no matter how small, reminded us of 30 Seconds To Mars, everything from snow to a car horn. The band became more than just a band for both of us, it was a lifestyle.
But her life was troubled, and over time she became unstable. She gave me hints at what she was planning to do, and despite my efforts to talk her out of it her mind was dead set. One morning I turned on my phone to find a text sent from the previous night, saying she was headed to the bridge at the edge of town, and goodbye. Within seconds I was on the phone to her, and it was only when her voice croaked at the other end of the line that my heart started beating again. She told me that she had walked to the police station instead and begged for them to take her in, but they refused and took her home. Ultimately, it was a final listen to Buddha For Mary that saved her, and the sweet memories that it held. For weeks I was afraid of falling asleep again, in case she changed her mind, but she never did. To this day I am eternally grateful for that song, and every song by 30 Seconds To Mars, for keeping her, and as a result me, on this earth.

Even then, some half a year later, something slipped. I became extremely shy and introverted while my friends changed around me. I would refuse to talk, mostly because those I was with weren't used to talking back. As much as I hated it, I drifted further and further apart from the rest of the world as I shrunk into myself. Eventually, someone I thought was my friend claimed I had been badmouthing those I cared about the most, and even my best friend chose to believe her. I lost everyone, I became completely alone. For another month people would only talk to me to shout abuse, and I could do nothing but lie alone and feel... void.
It was only after a chance hearing of Praying For A Riot that I emerged from the hollow bubble I surrounded myself in. The sheer beauty of the music in my ears and the tragic truth behind the lyrics was enough to rekindle the love that had been lost for so long, and even though my life was broken, I tried to believe nothing was over.

As much as it feels weird talking about these personal experiences, in fact every time I listen to 30 Seconds To Mars it becomes a personal experience. The music in itself is so beautiful, so enlightening, so powerful... Many times I have been hypnotised and experienced what I can only describe as hallucinations while listening to them late at night.
Aside from that though, there is something deeper. It is as if this band holds a vital part of me, as if without them I would stop breathing. As much as it seems like a cliché to say that this band, 30 Seconds To Mars, means the world, there is no other way I could express the love I feel for them.

Since the start of the year it has become... a ritual, I guess, to listen to 30 Seconds To Mars at the end of every day, and at least then, for about half an hour, I can believe that the world is perfect, because for half an hour I am on Mars.

Jenni (DontSaveMee)
Scotland

Tell me would you kill to save for a life?

My name is Susie (Zuzanna) and I’m from Poland. I’ve got so much to say (or rather write) that I have no idea how to start. I’m sure that after posting my blog I’m going to say: Why didn’t you write it. Stupid MOFO!!!! Anyway, I hope I’ll share everything what is important for me. So now I’m going to start from the very beginning!

It was something about 5 years ago. I was sitting on the coach watching something like Polish MTV and suddenly I saw IT. I was totally shocked. My heart was broken. I watched “From Yesterday” video. I would never thought that this moment will change so much in my life! Then, I showed it to my dad and he liked our great 30 Seconds To Mars too (by the way I always say our 30 Seconds To Mars and feel so fucking awesome with that). I started listening to Their music. It was like lifeline for me and still is but every day stronger! But these times are somewhere far away. With GUYS I learned not to look back. Only the future and present is important. So now I’m going to write about future. J

5 months ago I’ve found out that new album is going to be published. I was so happy when I heard new songs! They were all like magic! I just can’t describe feeling when I’m listening to them. I’m not getting bored at all. I can do it 24 hours per day and still want more and more. Anyway, what I wanted to say… first months of these year were terrible for me. I can’t describe how many tears I cried! I was so lonely with no real friends, no support and lots of problems with myself. And when I was getting back home thinking about GUYS I felt quite better. But only watching interviews, videos and listening to songs make me feel great! I start every day switching on my MP3 and the same ending it. It just gives me soo much positive power!

The most important and the best day in my whole life was 18/03/2010 in Prague. Awesome show and amazing experience. Here I have to mention my dad. He’s one of the best person in my life. I remember moment when I said: ‘Do you know that 30 Seconds To Mars are going to play in Prague?’ (we live in Poland and it was quite near). Honestly, I was just joking. Of course it was always my dream but I would never thought that he could say: ‘So why won’t we go there?’. But he DID. It was like a dream. Guys were simply awesome. I think it was only day in my life when I felt this way. Awareness that They were in the same place were gorgeous! I still can’t believe that I was there and that so much time went pass!!! I even have got a box with all things which remind me about this day!!! But there is still one thing which I can’t stop thinking about. I see photos of people together with our fantastic GUYS in Internet every day. It’s for me the biggest dream!!! I can’t imagine it but I don’t stop believing that it will happen sometime and somewhere!

And now after not so long period of time I’m totally different person! I’m part of Echelon family. Nobody will be able to understand it if he is not so deep into it! We’re just one huge community. Everybody is so nice and crazy. We can chat all night long and don’t feel passage of time. I met so many amazing people and I really want to mention them here! I want to thanks @CynthiaEchelon and @EmeraldMoon21 for being the most amazing older sisters in my life which I never had! Since I met them my life is much more colorful! I can share all happiness and sadness with them and they never let me down! @Pia94L with who I can chat all the time! And of course my lovely @SunnyFromVenus. Thanks to her I joined her mission and now every Friday we tweet our topic of the week! All #Echelon is together and tweets as hell! I can’t describe it. You have to see it to understand! These people are just so important for me now. I understood it during 5 day without Internet! I was going crazy without them!

And now I want to say something about GUYS! They’re amazing of course. They give us so much time and they don’t really have to. They could like other ‘stars’ don’t care about their fans. They support us and post so much photos. We can feel part of them! It’s awesome. Thanks to them I believed in my dreams. I always thought that I simply can’t reach some goals but it disappeared. Now I know that impossible is nothing. I’ve got power to do and believe! I get up every day thinking about it! They say it in interviews and really encourage me to feel like that! I can just say THANK YOU but it’ll never be enough! But thank you Jared, Tomo and Shannon.

And they are so hardworking! They really do it for us (Echelon)!!! We appreciate it and that’s why we try to show them support every fucking second of our life!!! On Twitter – the best place for Echelon!!!

I love you Jared, Tomo, Shannon and all my Echelon family. My life would be empty and with no sense without you!

Zuzanna Bućko

Jelenia Góra, Poland

bucko815@yahoo.com