Shannon Leto

Infobox musical artist 2


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caption = Shannon Leto in concert
Name = Shannon Leto
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Img_size = 20px
Birth_name = Shannon Christopher Leto
Born = birth date and age|1970|3|9
Origin = Bossier City, Louisiana, U.S.
Instrument = drums
Genre = Alternative rock| Occupation = Drummer

Photographer

Actor
Associated_acts = 30 Seconds to Mars

Shannon Christopher Leto (born March 9 1970) is an American drummer and an occasional actor. Shannon Leto was born in Bossier City, Louisiana. He has been playing drums since 1977, and currently plays in the band 30 Seconds to Mars, whose singer is his younger brother Jared Leto. Some of Shannon's favorite drummers include John Bonham, Stewart Copeland, Keith Moon, Nick Mason, and Lars Ulrich, all of whom he notes as influencing his own playing style.

With the band, he practices six to seven hours a day. In an interview with "Modern Drummer" magazine in February 2006, he stated: "Rehearsing that much has helped to build up my stamina and make my playing more precise". He has also said that he doesn't like playing to tape or to a loop, and prefers the more organic way of doing things, experimenting with electronics the band creates on their own . [http://sleto.tripod.com/shannon_leto/shannonSept132005.jpg1]

Bob Ezrin, who helped produce 30 Seconds to Mars' 2002 debut album, "30 Seconds to Mars", called Leto "one of the most inventive drummers I've worked with. He isn't satisfied with simply adding a beat; his drum parts are an integral part of the orchestration of the record. He's also a great live drummer who is lots of fun to watch, with a presence and energy level that are mesmerizing". ("Modern Drummer" Vol. 30, no 2)

Leto describes his band's music as having the grandiosity of Pink Floyd and the energy of The Sex Pistols.Fact|date=October 2007 His other musical influences include The Cure, the first two albums from Metallica, Led Zeppelin, The Who, early The Police, and Steely Dan. He appeared on a few episodes of "My So-Called Life" with his brother Jared before forming 30 Seconds to Mars in 1998 with the addition of bass player Matt Wachter and later by joined by friend Tomo Miličević on guitar.

Leto is also a guitar and piano player. He also expresses interest in writing, Abstract art, progressive rock, self-interpretation, and practices photography.

For his drums he uses Sabian Cymbals, Vic-Firth 5an drum sticks, Remo Pinstripe heads, Sonor Drums, And DW Hardware.

Shannon was recently signed to DW hardware.

Leto played a small role in "Highway", in which his brother starred.

External links

*imdb name|0504720
* [http://www.thirtysecondstomars.com Official site]
* [http://www.jaredleto-germany.de/ Jared Leto/30 Seconds to Mars Fansite]
* [http://jaredleto.bplaced.net/shannon/ Shannon Leto Portal - Wallpapers, Signatures, Icons]