CONCERT REVIEW: Thirty Seconds To Mars’ Glorious Return To Amsterdam

Last night, Thirty Seconds to Mars made a triumphant return to The Netherlands after a significant absence. Originally slated to perform at the Ziggo Dome earlier this year, scheduling conflicts necessitated a rescheduled show at AFAS Live, a more intimate yet equally vibrant venue on the same boulevard. Despite the change in location, the excitement and anticipation were palpable among the fans.

The evening kicked off with an extraordinary performance by Jagwar Twin, the opening act for the night. Jagwar Twin, led by the charismatic Roy English, has been gaining significant momentum since their hit ‘Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)’ took the music scene by storm last year, amassing millions of streams. We had the privilege of interviewing Roy English before the show, so stay tuned for an in-depth feature on that soon!

Jagwar Twin’s set began in a mystical fashion with English donning a mask and carrying incense, setting the tone with the ethereal track ‘The Circle’. This dramatic entrance captivated the audience, and as the mask came off after the first two songs, the band maintained a high-energy performance that kept the crowd engaged. Their half-hour set flew by, culminating in powerful renditions of fan favourites ‘Happy Face’ and ‘Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)’. The enthusiasm from the crowd during these tracks was a testament to the band’s growing popularity and the infectious nature of their music.

Throughout their set, English took moments between songs to share anecdotes and connect with the audience on a personal level. This connection was particularly strong with the early-arriving fans who eagerly responded to English’s charismatic presence. Although some attendees near the bar seemed more engrossed in their conversations, the overall response to Jagwar Twin was overwhelmingly positive. We were thoroughly impressed by English’s vocal prowess and the band’s dynamic performance. For those planning to attend any upcoming Thirty Seconds to Mars shows, we highly recommend arriving early to catch Jagwar Twin’s set.

Following a somewhat lengthy 50-minute interlude, the enthusiasm in AFAS Live returned as the lights dimmed. Thirty Seconds to Mars teased the audience with a countdown from 100 to 30, heightening the anticipation before dramatically crashing onto the stage. The band opened with ‘Up in the Air’, instantly igniting the enthusiasm of approximately 5,000 fans. Jared Leto, the enigmatic frontman, frequently invited fans on stage to dance and sing along, creating a uniquely interactive and immersive experience that blurred the lines between performers and audience.

In addition to their engaging crowd interactions, Thirty Seconds to Mars delivered a visually stunning performance. The show was a sensory feast, featuring a massive triangle screen with embedded lighting strips, showers of confetti, fireworks, and an array of pyrotechnics that ensured a truly spectacular entertainment experience. Almost every song was complemented by these visual effects, enhancing the emotional impact of the performance.

The setlist was carefully curated to cater to the loyalty of longtime fans. While the band showcased two songs from their latest album, “It’s the End of the World but It’s a Beautiful Day,” the majority of the setlist consisted of older, beloved hits that have stood the test of time. Classics like ‘This Is War’, ‘The Kill’, and ‘Kings & Queens’ were performed with fervor and met with ecstatic reactions from the audience. These anthems, accompanied by impressive visual effects, underscored the band’s ability to create powerful, memorable live music experiences.

Thirty Seconds to Mars demonstrated their enduring appeal and ability to captivate audiences with a show that was truly memorable. From their eccentric outfits to the dazzling special effects and exceptional crowd interaction, this tour offers everything a fan could hope for. The band’s energy, creativity, and commitment to delivering an extraordinary live performance were evident throughout the night.

For those who missed the show, we have captured some visuals from both performances. Be sure to check them out and let us know if you plan to attend any of the remaining tour dates. This is a concert experience not to be missed!

Jagwar Twin:

Thirty Seconds To Mars:

Glenn van den Bosch

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