Jared Leto made headlines on Thursday for his daring and unprecedented stunt to promote his upcoming Seasons World Tour. The Hollywood actor and musician, known for his roles in films such as Dallas Buyers Club and Suicide Squad, took on the challenge of scaling the outside of the iconic Empire State Building in New York City, making him the first person to legally climb to the top of the landmark.
Leto, an avid rock climber in his free time, approached the climb with excitement and determination. Speaking to the Today show after the climb, he expressed his exhilaration, saying, “I was more excited than nervous, to tell you the truth. But I have to be honest, it was very, very hard. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Just the endurance that it took, the stamina that it took, and it was very sharp.”
The climb took Leto from floors 86 to 104 on the east side of the building, bringing him nearly 1,300 feet up in the air. Secured by ropes as a safety precaution, he ascended past the area of the landmark that lights up, continuing to climb its three tiers until he reached the base of the building’s famous antenna. The entire endeavor was not only a promotional opportunity for his upcoming tour but also the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for Leto.
For Leto, the Empire State Building holds significant meaning as a symbol of pursuing dreams and artistic aspirations. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “It’s incredible. To watch the sun rise overlooking the city that’s meant so much to me. Ever since I was a kid, New York stood for the place that you went to make your dreams come true.” He added, “And as a young kid, I wanted to be an artist, and New York was the place that you came to be an artist. And the Empire State Building was always that symbol for me.”
In addition to the thrill of the climb, Leto’s daring feat was also a strategic move to generate attention for his band Thirty Seconds to Mars and their upcoming tour. Formed in 1998 by Leto and his older brother, Shannon Leto, the band is set to embark on the Seasons World Tour in March 2024, with performances scheduled through September 2024. The tour is in support of the band’s sixth studio album, It’s the End of the World but It’s a Beautiful Day.
Leto’s climb may have been a heart-pounding adventure, but it also served as a bold display of his commitment to capturing the essence of the album’s themes – embracing challenges and finding beauty in the midst of chaos. The jaw-dropping visuals of Leto ascending the Empire State Building are sure to pique the interest of fans and critics alike, setting the stage for an eventful and unforgettable tour.
The actor and musician’s stunt received widespread attention on social media, with fans and onlookers praising his courage and determination. In an era where viral stunts and challenges dominate the digital landscape, Leto’s climb stands out as an extraordinary and awe-inspiring act that transcends mere promotional tactics.
As Leto prepares to take to the stage for the Seasons World Tour, his climb up the Empire State Building will likely become a defining moment in the promotional narrative for the tour and the band’s music. The daring feat not only solidifies Leto’s reputation as a fearless and innovative artist but also breathes new life into the adventurous spirit of rock and roll.
With Leto’s ascendancy to the top of the Empire State Building, he has set a new standard for promotional creativity and has firmly established himself as an artist willing to go to great heights – quite literally – for the love of his craft.
In the months leading up to the tour, the buzz surrounding Leto’s climb will undoubtedly generate heightened anticipation among music enthusiasts, ensuring that the Seasons World Tour will be an event not to be missed. As Leto and Thirty Seconds to Mars gear up to bring their exhilarating music to fans around the world, the legacy of Leto’s historic climb will continue to inspire and captivate audiences, solidifying his place as a true maverick of the modern music industry.