In an unusual move Jared gave a bit of insight to the lyrics while introducing "The Kill." He typically likes to leave his metaphoric lyrics open to the listeners interpretation but to paraphrase said, "Most believe this song is about a relationship that is ending ... when it's really about self-destructive feelings." Midway through this song Jared tossed himself directly over my head and the wall into the ecstatic and accepting crowd. The fans methodically surfed him back up to the front where anther photographer and I had to assist the security guard in getting him back over the wall and to the stage.
A few songs later he took it even a step further and climbed to the top of the large speaker set on the left side of the stage. As can be seen in the picture he was closer to the ceiling of this large open-air warehouse then the ground. Midway through the song, he took a running leap landing again in the middle of the crowd. Aside from being a show-stealing acrobatic stunt, it demonstrated the love and respect that exists between the band and those Leto referred to as family instead of fans more then once.
30 Seconds to Mars has dubbed their large and loyal fan base Echelon. Aside from being a song on the self-titled debut album it is a Latin metaphor that has a literal meaning of "launch forth into the deep" or "reach for the heights." Jared is fond of metaphors and introspective meanings that one has to translate for themselves, the popular symbols that adorn their album covers and merchandise are pictured left on the drums. All that is really known is they are ancient hieroglyphics. They are thought to represent the bands name. In exactly what way is not known though there are two popular theories (One explained here.), no one in the band is confirming which, if either, is accurate.
Article comments
1 - Emma
Great review of 30STM. I saw them the following day, in Chicago.
You combined the physically descriptive with the more abstract description very well - I can't even imagine trying to do that. Thanks for creating such a vivid image of the show.
2 - Connie Phillips
Thank you for the comments Emma. It was such an interactive show. I'm so glad I was able to catch it. You use the term "abstract" - that's a great way to describe it, abstract like Jared's songwriting.
3 - simergalis
Interesting review. Sounded like an especially good show. I would have loveed to see their entrance.
There are a couple of errors.
'Provehito in Altum', not echelon, is 'Launch forth into the unknown'or deep.
The glyphs (there are 2 sets that have been around for a long time) are not necessarily ancient hieroglyphics and almost certainly are not borrowed from the Iberian-Celtiberian alphabet as the the site linked to claims. Several alphabets (including Greek) have symbols resembling one or more of the glyphs, but no alphabet has been identified as having clear representations of all 4 or 8 glyphs. The band may have created the symbols themselves.
I look forward to reading your interview
4 - Connie Phillips
Thank you, simergalis, it was certainly an exceptional show.
I linked the source for both the translation of Echelon and the glyphs, but concede that your explanation makes a lot more sense.
Please do come back for the interview next week.
5 - Aitana
@ simergalis:
That theory about the 4 symbols in 30STM cd booklets being Iberian letters is mine. You can read it here (because by your statements, it seems that you haven't READ it)
You said "almost certainly are not borrowed from the Iberian alphabet. Several alphabets (including Greek) have symbols resembling one or more of the glyphs" but, why are you so sure about that, are you an expert in European Protohistory? I've been seen those signs my entire life in Iberian coins, inscriptions, ceramics, ... because I was born in one of the most important areas of the Iberian culture and it's my job (I am Archaeologist and Historian and I know exactly what I'm talking about):
1. These 4 signs are NOT invented (i'm not talking about the 4 principal glyphs, but the 4 in the cd booklet)
2. The resembling is because Iberian, Greek, Etruscan and Latin alphabets are based in Phoenician. Same for the Norse Runes (based too in Mediterranean alphabets).
3. In the Iberian alphabet is in the only one you can find the 4 of them (just try to find them in Greek alphabet, in the same exactly form that they are drawing in the cd booklet... If you can)
6 - g-rel
I just want to say I just recently went to my second thirty seconds show and they will not disappoint you.. so go out see them.. support them.. and join the echelon.. see what all the talk is about. If you haven't heard a Beautiful Lie check out thirtysecondstomars.com
7 - tyler
tomo is thre guitarist and matt is the bassist besides that great job and your link to the rune theory is messed up
8 - Dominique
the guy that sings in this band is a hotty. man i wish he would go out with me, even though i'm only 11. well thenks for posting his hot picture on the internet. luv u guy who sings!!!!!!!!!!
9 - joy
mmmmmmmm well the one who sings is sooooooooooooooooooooooo freakin hot!!!xoxox jared right i love from yesterday and the kill urgh they rock luv them alot