Jared Leto, the actor-musician known for his roles in films like Dallas Buyers Club and as the frontman of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, has generated significant buzz over the years. However, what has recently garnered attention isn’t a new film or song but the curious behaviour surrounding the community he’s built, which some have described as cult-like.
The Echelon: Fanbase or Cult?
At the core of this discussion is the Thirty Seconds to Mars fanbase, known as “The Echelon.” Like many bands, Thirty Seconds to Mars has a devoted fan following, but The Echelon goes beyond typical fandom. Fans of the band have been known to engage in intense online interactions, participate in exclusive experiences, and display a deep, emotional commitment to the group.
For many, being part of The Echelon involves more than just attending concerts and buying albums. It has become a lifestyle and, in some cases, even an identity. This connection goes beyond mere appreciation for the music. Leto himself has often emphasised themes of unity, family, and belonging within The Echelon, which has only intensified the bond between the artist and his followers.
The Island Retreats
This image, combined with Leto’s almost messianic appearance, led many to draw comparisons to religious or cult leaders.
Attendees of these retreats participate in group activities, yoga, and even have opportunities to engage in personal, sometimes emotional, conversations with Leto. The retreat focuses on wellness, mindfulness, and, of course, the band’s music, creating an atmosphere that blurs the lines between fandom and spirituality.
The imagery and exclusivity of these retreats raised eyebrows. Pictures of Leto surrounded by worshipful fans quickly went viral, and the band’s playful use of the slogan “Yes, this is a cult” began to take on a more literal connotation in the eyes of onlookers.
Is It Really a Cult?
So, is Jared Leto’s Echelon truly a cult, or is it just an ultra-devoted fanbase? To answer this, it’s essential to look at what defines a cult. Typically, cults revolve around a charismatic leader, who exerts considerable influence over their followers. They often promise some form of enlightenment or transformation, and followers are often encouraged to cut ties with the outside world to fully commit to the group.
While Leto is certainly a charismatic figure who has built a deeply connected following, calling The Echelon a full-fledged cult may be an overstatement. Unlike dangerous or manipulative groups, Leto’s followers are not coerced into abandoning their lives or surrendering all personal freedom. However, the intensity of devotion and the way in which these events are marketed does raise questions about the dynamics at play.
The island events are highly exclusive, expensive, and designed to create a sense of community and intimacy that can blur the lines between artist and follower. While there is no evidence that Leto’s group functions in a harmful or exploitative way, the atmosphere of reverence and the use of religious imagery is certainly unusual in the world of music fandom.
Leto’s Response to the Criticism
In interviews and public statements, Jared Leto has maintained that the band’s use of the term “cult” is entirely tongue-in-cheek. He has stated that Thirty Seconds to Mars wanted to play with the idea of a cult as a reflection of the strong sense of unity and belonging that fans feel. By using the term in a humorous way, Leto claims they are addressing the close-knit nature of The Echelon, rather than advocating for any harmful practices.
However, critics argue that even if the use of the term is meant to be playful, the impact is still powerful. The combination of exclusivity, devotion, and mysticism surrounding Leto and The Echelon can give off the impression of something more than just a fan club, even if the intent is not nefarious.
The Cultural Phenomenon of Celebrity Worship
Jared Leto and his Echelon are part of a broader cultural trend of celebrity worship that has been intensifying in recent decades. Social media has allowed celebrities to interact with fans in ways that make them feel more accessible, while also creating communities where intense adoration is normalized. From “Beyhive” (Beyoncé’s fanbase) to “Swifties” (Taylor Swift fans), celebrity fandom has taken on the characteristics of a social movement, with followers adopting group identities and engaging in collective rituals such as buying albums or defending their favorite artists online.
In the case of Leto, this phenomenon is amplified by his enigmatic personality, artistic flair, and willingness to lean into the messianic imagery. While Thirty Seconds to Mars may be playing with the idea of cultish devotion, it taps into something very real in today’s culture: the desire for community, belonging, and purpose, even if found in something as ephemeral as a pop culture figure.
Conclusion: The Thin Line Between Devotion and Cult-Like Behavior
The term “cult” may seem extreme when applied to a fanbase, but Jared Leto and Thirty Seconds to Mars have cleverly walked the line between deep fan devotion and playful irony. The Echelon’s island retreats, their dedication to the band, and the carefully cultivated aura around Leto make for an unusual but fascinating case study in modern celebrity culture. Whether or not The Echelon qualifies as a cult in the traditional sense, it’s clear that Leto has tapped into something powerful — the ability to bring people together under the banner of music, belonging, and a touch of mysticism.
