Background
Shannon Leto was born in Bossier City, Louisiana on March 9th, 1970. He has been playing drums since he was 5 years old. He’s Jared’s older brother. Besides being a stunning drummer, Shannon has interests in photography, acting, writing, abstract art, progressive rock and self-interpretation.
Shannon was the one who shot the 30 Seconds To Mars S/T photoshoots, besides having had a few photo sessions with his brother in the past.
Shannon has also had some small roles in movies and TV series with his brother, such as the My So-Called Life series or the Highway movie where Jared was the protagonist.
Shannon taught himself into drumming, and he says some of his favorite drummers are John Bonham, Roger Taylor, Dan Lamirand, Stewart Copeland, Keith Moon, Nick Mason, and Lars Ulrich, all of whom he notes as influencing his own playing style.
With 30 Seconds To Mars, Shannon practices drumming six to seven hours a day. In an interview he stated: “Rehearsing that much has helped to build up my stamina and make my playing more precise”.
For his drums he uses Sabian Cymbals, Vater Nude 5AN drum sticks, Remo drumheads, Sonor Drums, and DW hardware. His drums are decorated with RockenWraps Skin artwork that features over 400 Echelon photos.
In 1999, Shannon has participated in two The Wonder Girls songs, Drop That Baby and Let’s Go All The Way.
In late 2009, or early 2010, Shannon joined the DJ Antoine Becks in his band CB7, which got to tour with 30 Seconds To Mars, and started working on a new project, entitled SLetoABecks, where they played shows worldwide in clubs and parties with Antoine DJing and Shannon drumming. This partnership has although come to an end in the Summer/Fall of 2012.
