What can one come to expect at a 30 Seconds to Mars show? At Saturday night’s show in Brooklyn, NY at the Barclays Center fans not only got a show, but they also got a dance party, pyrotechnics, and even an on-stage proposal. 

The band, most notably known for being fronted by Oscar winner Jared Leto and his brother Shannon, has been around for well over two decades and continues to put their all into their performances. With fervent die-hard fans lined up for hours before the show, the excitement spilled over into the show’s opening acts, which included KennyHoopla and the legendary AFI. Despite being relatively new to the scene compared to the other acts, KennyHoopla put on an exciting and energetic pop-punk fueled performance that most definitely cultivated a slew of new fans. Meanwhile, AFI continues to deliver electrifying performances with the same passion and energy that defined them in 2003, seamlessly blending their iconic hits with beloved old favorites.

AFI’s exhilarating set was the perfect lead-up to 30 Seconds to Mars, who kicked off their set with a two-minute countdown that exploded into confetti and pyrotechnics as the band stepped on stage and began to play “Up in the Air.” Within the first five songs, Jared began pulling up handfuls of fans to dance with him on stage, a true testament to the love he has for the band’s fans known as the “Echelon.” Then, as the band was about to play “Never Not in Love,” Jared pulled a couple up on stage to tell the audience about their love story. At that moment, the fan dropped to one knee and asked her boyfriend to marry her, saying that there was no better time and place than in front of her chosen family.

Though the band hinted on Instagram the day before the show that they would play old songs and deep cuts, many fans were left wanting after they stuck to the same setlist they’ve been using for most of the tour. Even so, the band delivered a captivating performance, which had fans singing along to every word. The band’s passion was palpable, making it a night to remember for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.