Standing in anticipation for one of your favorite bands in concert is tedious to say the least. Especially when that band is 30 Seconds to Mars.

Having been to a 30 Seconds to Mars concert last year in May, I had unbelievably high expectations. And those expectations were met.

The first opening band, CB7, was a typical opening band. Nothing special, but still fairly entertaining. The next opening band blew me away. Able to headline by themselves, Anberlin gave an amazing performance including their most popular song, “The Feel Good Drag”. It was a perfect prelude to what was coming.

As I stood in the pit of The Pageant, I saw the classic white sheet pulled up in front of the stage. And finally, after close to 45 minutes of waiting, the house lights shut off.

Spotlights were cast on the sheet and the shadowy figures of the band emerged. The sheet droped, and the dark image of Jared Leto stood on the stage, silent. The Pageant then exploded with sound as they opened with A Beautiful Lie, the title song from their second studio album.

They played a variety of songs including Attack, Search and Destroy, This is War, The Kill, Closer to the Edge and Kings and Queens.

The band also did an acoustic set including Hurricane and From Yesterday.

Leto is a phenomenal entertainer and keeps you excited throughout the entire show with giant balloons and fortune cookie confetti.

As they emerge for their encore, Leto asks what song the crowd would like to hear. As if rehearsed, the entire crowd in unison shouts, “Kings and Queens”. Leto smiles and then begins to call people on-stage to help sing the final ballad.

I can’t wait until 30 Seconds to Mars comes back to St. Louis!

Go Download: Closer to the Edge