What Happened to Thirty Seconds to Mars?
Formed in 1998 by brothers Jared and Shannon Leto, Thirty Seconds to Mars has evolved from an alternative rock band to incorporate electronic and pop elements, achieving global success with albums like "A Beautiful Lie" and "This Is War." After navigating a significant legal dispute with their former record label, the band continues to release new music, with their sixth studio album in 2023, and actively tours, celebrating their legacy with upcoming anniversary shows in 2027.
Quick Answer
Thirty Seconds to Mars, the American rock band formed by brothers Jared and Shannon Leto in 1998, remains active today. They released their sixth studio album, "It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day," in September 2023, followed by the "Seasons World Tour" in 2024. Most recently, the band announced a "A Beautiful Lie vs This Is War" tour for 2027, which will see former member Tomo Miličević rejoin for special performances celebrating two of their iconic albums.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Band Formation
Brothers Jared Leto and Shannon Leto form Thirty Seconds to Mars in Los Angeles, California.
Debut Album Release
The band releases their self-titled debut album, '30 Seconds to Mars', through Immortal and Virgin Records.
A Beautiful Lie Released
Their second album, 'A Beautiful Lie', is released, achieving multi-platinum status worldwide and bringing the band widespread fame.
Matt Wachter Departs
Bassist Matt Wachter leaves the band to spend more time with his family.
Virgin Records Files $30 Million Lawsuit
Virgin Records sues Thirty Seconds to Mars for $30 million, alleging breach of contract for failing to deliver three albums.
Lawsuit Settled, New Deal Signed
The $30 million lawsuit with EMI/Virgin Records is settled, and the band signs a new deal with the label.
This Is War Released
The band releases their third studio album, 'This Is War', which further expands their musical style and global reach.
Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams Released
Their fourth album, 'Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams', is released, reaching the top ten in over fifteen countries.
America Album Released
Thirty Seconds to Mars releases their fifth studio album, 'America', which features a more pop-leaning sound.
Tomo Miličević Departs
Long-time guitarist Tomo Miličević announces his departure from the band.
It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day Released
The band releases their sixth studio album, 'It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day', their first without Tomo Miličević since their debut.
Seasons World Tour
Thirty Seconds to Mars embarks on the 'Seasons World Tour' in support of their latest album, with a North American leg running through July and September.
A Beautiful Lie (20 Year Anniversary) Release
A special 20th-anniversary edition of 'A Beautiful Lie' is released, featuring previously unreleased tracks.
2027 'A Beautiful Lie vs This Is War' Tour Announced
Thirty Seconds to Mars announces a UK/European tour for 2027, focusing on their albums 'A Beautiful Lie' and 'This Is War', with former member Tomo Miličević rejoining for these dates.
A Beautiful Lie vs This Is War Tour Begins
The 'A Beautiful Lie vs This Is War' tour is scheduled to commence in Lisbon, Portugal, celebrating two pivotal albums in the band's history.
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Thirty Seconds to Mars was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1998 by brothers Jared Leto (lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards) and Shannon Leto (drums, percussion). The band's early sound was characterized by alternative and progressive rock, evident in their self-titled debut album released in August 2002. While critically acclaimed, it achieved limited commercial success.
The band's breakthrough came with their second album, "A Beautiful Lie," released in August 2005. This album garnered multi-platinum certifications worldwide and spawned hit singles like "The Kill" and "From Yesterday," establishing their global presence and devoted fanbase. The period also saw lineup changes, with Matt Wachter departing in March 2007.
A significant turning point occurred in August 2008 when Virgin Records filed a $30 million lawsuit against the band, alleging they failed to deliver three albums as per their 1999 contract. Jared Leto publicly countered, citing California law that limits contracts to seven years. The dispute, which became the subject of the 2012 documentary film "Artifact," was settled in April 2009, with the band signing a new deal with EMI/Virgin. Their third album, "This Is War," released in December 2009, showcased an evolution in their musical style, incorporating experimental and eclectic influences.
After parting ways with Virgin Records in April 2014 and later signing with Interscope in 2016, the band continued to evolve their sound, leaning more towards pop and electronic elements with albums like "America" (2018). This era also marked the departure of long-time guitarist Tomo Miličević in June 2018.
In September 2023, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their sixth studio album, "It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day," through Concord. The album, which Jared Leto described as a "new beginning," was followed by the "Seasons World Tour" in 2024. As of 2026, the band is celebrating the 20th anniversary of "A Beautiful Lie" with a special edition release on March 27, 2026, and has announced a "A Beautiful Lie vs This Is War" tour for April 2027 across Europe and the UK, notably featuring the return of Tomo Miličević for these dates.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Thirty Seconds to Mars made different choices?