30 Seconds to Mars returned to Sydney for their second Australian tour and they did it in style. Perth and Melbourne had experienced the Into the Wild tour previously in the week and for the final show of the tour, Sydney did not disappoint.

From the opening track Escape, the show was quite literally a live interpretation of their chart busting album This is War – with some older tracks making appearances. Night of the Hunter was easily a stand out performance as was the crowd participation in Search and Destroy. Closer to the Edge brought every fist in the arena into the air with everyone chanting:

A mention about the Echelon from Jared got the old school fans pumped as did the self titled tracks Buddha for Mary and Capricorn (even though they didn’t play it all). But the night belonged to This is War, with the crowd happily turning into another version of The Summit, chanting, clapping and stomping.

Shannon proved again to be a monster on the drums, and allowed a young fan to play his kit during the closer, Kings and Queens. Tomo rocked out in his usual style and Jared as ever, was a ball of energy wildly running from one side of the stage to the other, then suddenly appearing at the sound desk at the back for an acoustic set.

If you didn’t catch 30 Seconds to Mars this time around, then definitely head to Soundwave for their return – I think it’s safe to say that anyone who saw them this time has been left wanting more.

ed note: Kelly Smith is a long serving and high ranking member of The Echelon, the super organised and dedicated global 30 Seconds To Mars fan club. Hats off to the passion and hard work these men and women contribute to the promotion of their beloved band. Onward and upward!