A Tribute to MARS

26th January 2011

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A Tribute to MARS

I hear many people say “such and such saved/changed my life” and I smile for I know the feeling of that lifesaving moment someone or something can offer. Some say it is “God” some give the title to a loved one, hell, some can hear a song and feel that deep penetrating force behind it.

I am one of these people. To say a “band saved my life” may sound ridiculous to most people but it is true. Had it not been for them, I would not be where I am today. I hate to think of where I would be in all honesty.

In 2002 I went to a club with my Fiancé to see a band called “Earshot” I was pretty excited, I was barely 21 and I was ready to get out and have a good time. I forget what he was distracted for but he went off and I walked to the doors. In the front of Freebird stood a man. I recognized him but could not put my finger on it. I walked up, gave my ticket to the door man and looked the gentleman in the door over once more. He flashed a smile and I returned one. I approached him and said “Ok, I know you but I cant figure out how” he chuckled and introduced himself “I’m Jared” It clicked, this was Jared Leto, aka “Jordan Catalano” from a show I watched several times.

I reacted as many would “holy shit! What are you doing in Jacksonville” and we started chatting about how he was in a band. At this time my fiancé was approaching, he became jealous and grumbled about this guy flirting with his wife. I tried to explain that we were chatting and he wanted to hear none of it. Jared was still kind enough to give us both a sample CD of his music which went missing for quite a while. Needless to say, we didn’t go to the show.

We ended up marrying and it was a rocky situation, not seeing eye to eye and I felt like a caged bird. I was slowly dying inside but trying to fight for anything stable. Then I lost my child. The pain made me more depressed and I just went through the motions of life…not caring for anything.

In 2005 I happened on a song that caught my ear…it was called Attack by 30 Seconds to Mars…I knew this name…it hit like a ton of bricks. Jared’s vocals penetrated deep into my soul and I vowed to my sister that if they ever came near us I would go see them. In October they were in Tampa and she took me as a gift. It was AMAZING!

We ended up meeting and hanging out with Jared, Shannon, Tomo and Matt and I felt alive. I felt like things mattered, the energy they had, the way they cared for the fans, the way they were so human really opened my eyes. I was ignited.

Since that moment I decided to change my life, I got divorced, began changing me and decided that if I wanted something then nothing would stand in my way. I have met some pretty amazing people along the way and have branched out to meet amazing new bands like Aiden, another band that touched my life.

Had Attack Never come on the radio I would have probably never left the hole I was in. This weekend I will be seeing the band for the 25^th time since then and I am so excited! My Echelon Sister Michelle will be joining me and I know it will be a fantastic time!

I felt like writing this because no matter how low you are feeling, there is always something that will come by and help you ignite the fire in your soul. I am so happy I have met these amazing guys and the amazing friends I have met along the way. I have been an Echelon member for over 5 years and I lo9ve the family.

Provehito In Altum!!

Much love to my Mars Family:

Michelle

Charissa

Emma

Sash

MarsAngel

Alexis

You ladies have made my life so much more fun since you became a part of it. I love you all to bits!

Phoenix