Jared Leto is known for his daring roles and performances, but he took his adventurous spirit to a new level on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, when he climbed outside of the Empire State Building in New York City. The actor and singer, who is the frontman of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, made the feat to promote his band’s upcoming world tour, which will run from March to September 2024.
Leto, 51, started his climb from the 86th floor and ascended to the 104th floor, reaching the base of the building’s famous antenna. He wore a red jumpsuit and a harness and was secured by ropes as he scaled the sharp edges of the skyscraper. The entire climb took him about 20 minutes, and he completed it as the sun rose over the city.
Leto is the first person to ever legally climb to the top of the Empire State Building, officials for the landmark confirmed TODAY. He said he did it to fulfill a longtime personal goal and also to celebrate the launch of his band’s new album, It’s The End Of The World But It’s A Beautiful Day.
Leto showed off his bloody hand and shared his excitement after the climb
Leto spoke to TODAY in an exclusive interview after his climb and showed off his bloodied left hand, which he sliced open during the ascent. He said he was more excited than nervous, but admitted that the climb was harder than he expected.
“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,” he said.
He also said he was moved by the view of the city that has inspired him since he was a kid.
“It’s incredible to watch the sunrise 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. As a young kid, I wanted to be an artist, and New York was the place where I came to be an artist. And the Empire State Building was always that symbol for me,” he said.
He added that he was surprised to see his mother in the window of the 80th floor, which gave him an emotional boost.
Leto announced his band’s world tour and new album on social media
Leto also used his climb as an opportunity to announce his band’s world tour and new album on social media. He posted a video of himself on top of the Empire State Building, holding a sign that read “2024 Seasons World Tour”.
He captioned the video, “In 1933, King Kong climbed the Empire State Building. In 2023, Jared Leto took his place.”
He also shared a photo of himself holding the band’s new album, which features a cover art of a burning globe. He wrote, “It’s the end of the world but it’s a beautiful day. Our new album is out now. Link in bio.”
The band’s website lists the dates and venues of their tour, which will kick off in Los Angeles on March 1, 2024, and end in London on September 30, 2024. The tour will also visit cities in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Leto is an avid climber and a fan of urban climbing
Leto is not only an artist but also an avid climber. In 2016, he directed a five-part documentary called Great Wide Open, in which he explored national parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone. He is also good friends with Free Solo star Alex Honnold.
While he loves nature, Leto told TODAY that what he enjoys is urban climbing. He said he has scaled the side of a Berlin hotel wall without a harness, and that it’s a fun thing to do.
He also joked that after climbing the Empire State Building, his next destination is his bed.
