Thirty Seconds To Mars, AFI and KennyHoopla Review with Photos 8-29-24

"Thirty Seconds to Mars Ignites the Stage
with a High-Energy Show: An Unforgettable Night of Epic Music and Stellar Performances!"

   The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion played host to an electrifying night of music as Thirty Seconds to Mars headlined a powerhouse lineup featuring AFI, Kenny Hoopla, and Poppy. From the opening notes to the final encore, the evening was a captivating blend of styles and energy, delivering a memorable experience for the diverse crowd.

    Kenny Hoopla opened the evening with a raw and energetic punk-inspired set. His music, characterized by its gritty sound and introspective lyrics, resonated strongly with the audience. Songs like "How Will I Rest in Peace if I'm Buried by a Highway?" and "Estella" showcased Hoopla's ability to channel intense emotion and create an engaging live experience. His authentic performance and charismatic stage presence quickly won over the crowd, setting the stage for the evening’s heavier hitters.

    Following Kenny Hoopla, Poppy took the stage with a futuristic and genre-bending set. Known for her eclectic blend of pop, metal, and electronic influences, Poppy delivered a performance that was a little less energetic then expected.

    AFI (A Fire Inside) brought a gothic, high-octane energy to their performance, stepping onto the stage with a setlist that showcased their extensive catalog. Known for their dark, emotive sound and dramatic flair, AFI delivered a masterful performance that included crowd favorites such as "Love Like Winter" and "Miss Murder." Lead singer Davey Havok's commanding presence and the band's tight, energetic play created a powerful atmosphere that was both immersive and exhilarating. Their set was a highlight of the evening, bridging the gap between the more contemporary sounds of their predecessors and the headline act.

    As the sun set and the Pavilion filled with anticipation, Thirty Seconds to Mars took the stage in a blaze of lights and pyrotechnics. The band, led by the charismatic Jared Leto, delivered a performance that was both visually and sonically spectacular. Their set was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring high-energy anthems like "This Is War," and "The Kill" as well as more introspective moments such as the acoustic rendition of "Walk on Water."

    Leto's dynamic interaction with the crowd, included moments where he had the crowd get down really low so that they could all jump in unison with him. He explained that he is 52 and his knees hurt so there was going to be no excuse for anyone not jumping.

    A highlight for the crowd was Jared's invitation for the folks on the lawn to come and join him in the lower section close to the stage for the song "Rescue Me." The crowed enthusiastically reacted joining him, bringing everyone closer together. At the same time giant inflated black balls were bounced out to the crowd creating a true festival moment.

    Leto also encouraged sing-alongs which created an intimate and inclusive atmosphere despite the grandeur of the production. Leto had the crowd light up the night with their phones and lighters for the song "City of Angels." At one point in the night he shared the story of his ties to the H-Town area when told the crowd that his grandmother was from the Friendswood and Pearland area. Leto also mentioned that he loved playing at the Pavilion, all of which started in 2005 at the annual Buzzfest concert held there.

    The encore included a special moment when H-Town native Nate Vickers joined the band on stage to sing "The Kill (Bury Me)." Jared explained that the band had seen Nate's cover of the song on a YouTube short and felt that they had to have him with them on stage when they came to town. This helped close the show with a personal touch for H-Town.

    The band’s show was a well-crafted blend of their theatrical rock style and heartfelt ballads, underscored by an impressive array of visual effects and stage design. The climactic finale, complete with confetti explosions and a thunderous light show, left the audience exhilarated and eager for more.

    In summary, the concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion was a testament to the diverse talent of the evening’s lineup. From Kenny Hoopla’s punk fervor, Poppy’s genre-blending spectacle to AFI’s gothic energy, and Thirty Seconds to Mars’ grand finale, the night was a celebration of musical artistry and live performance. Each act brought something unique to the stage, making for a memorable and dynamic experience that will resonate with fans long after the final note.

Thirty Seconds to Mars Setlist:
Up in the Air
Kings and Queens
Walk on Water
Hail to the Victor
Rescue Me (Had fans come on stage and dance)
Seasons
Hurricane
Life Is Beautiful
City of Angels
This Is War
Remedy (Sung by Shannon Leto)
From Yesterday
Attack
Encore:
Stuck
The Kill (Bury Me) (ft. Nate Vickers from Houston)
Closer to the Edge

AFI Setlist:
Girl's Not Grey
Love Like Winter
End Transmission
The Conductor
17 Crimes
Begging for Trouble
I Hope You Suffer
Get Dark
The Killing Lights
Still a Stranger
The Days of the Phoenix
Silver and Cold
Miss Murder

KennyHoopla Setlist:
Silence is Also An answer
You Needed A Hit?
Plastic Door
OneTulip
Smoke Break
Hollywood Sucks
How Will I Rest in Peace if I'm Buried by a Highway?
Estella