The following video was made from footage shot during 30stm’s worldwide tour and was directed by Leto (under the pseudonym “Bartholomew Cubbins,” a character from Dr. Suess). I cannot help but like the song and the energy both in the band in the crowd. It reminded me not a little of a P.O.D. concert I attended in Atlanta.
What stands out for me, as a follower of Christ and watcher of culture, is the interview snippets before, during and after the concert footage. Kids who want violence to end, kids who are confused or dead in the eyes, kids who’s entire life’s meaning is wrapped up in their ability to listen to music. “Some people believe in God; I believe in music. Y’know? Some people pray; I turn up the radio,” says one young lady. “Music is. Ev. Ry. Thing. To. Me.,” emphasizes a young man.
The desire to completely immerse one’s self in music is at least as old as the first instrument. You’d be hard pressed to find a person who has never just turned up the radio to drown out the pressures of the day, or to join singing with whoever is resounding through the nearest speaker system. More than could be counted attended Woodstock, dropped acid and did things they certainly did not want their kids to find out about. Ever. And the parents of those 60’s and 70’s rebels were the sock-hopping kids of the 50’s.
What I see in this video is not new; but it reveals what is still true. People of all ages are looking for something with which to identify. Somewhere to hang their hat. A tribe to call their own.
This video should be shown at every conference for pastors and youth pastors for the next year. Forget about the pink mohawk or whether you prefer your lead singer to wear a shirt that fits. Or a shirt. People everywhere need to know the peace and grace of God.
