Thirty Seconds To Mars has introduced biometric eye-scanning technology as part of a new ticketing initiative for their upcoming international tour. The band has partnered with World ID to utilize the “Orb“, a spherical hardware device designed to perform iris scans to verify identity and generate a distinct digital ID. The biometric integration, rolled out in tandem with Concert Kit technology, aims to eliminate automated ticketing bots and unauthorized scalping in the live entertainment industry.
To incentivize adoption, the group has allocated a limited number of 2-for-1 tickets exclusively for fans who complete the biometric verification process. These promotional tickets will be valid for select dates during the band’s spring 2027 tour across Europe and the United Kingdom, including scheduled stops in London, Manchester, Berlin, Munich, and Hanover.
Frontman Jared Leto, whose creative work often intersects with futuristic and sci-fi themes, commented on the decision to implement the biometric system:
“Live music is about connection, energy, and shared experience. Fans wait years for these moments, and too often bots get there first. We wanted to work with World to create something that helps protect the fan experience and gives real people a fair shot at being part of it.”
The Orb scanning device was developed by Tools For Humanity, a technology startup co-founded by Sam Altman. While initially designed to secure identity verification across various online services and prevent automated system abuse, the technology is now transitioning into live event logistics.
Thirty Seconds To Mars is not alone in evaluating the platform’s utility for live music ticketing. Last October, musician Kid Rock publicly endorsed the underlying technology of the Orb and World app, expressing frustration with the traditional ticketing market’s handling of ticket resale systems:
“Somehow, I got one of these world orbs, and that proves you’re a human. Comes with an app, World app, you download it, proof of human, proof of humanity. This thing would cut the bots out, cut the scalpers out immediately. Somehow, I got one in my f**king house. But the ticketing companies can’t figure this out. You know why? Because every time… if you buy a ticket and go to a concert, you are their worst customer.”
He continued: “They want that ticket to resell on their own platform so they can f**k everybody twice. They get the service charges. They get another whatever, 17% or something, on top all the other horse s**t they’re d**king you around with. I know this, none of the ticketing companies, are using it. Somehow I got one in my f**king house, but they can’t figure it out. They’re full of s**t. They could have stopped the bots years ago. They could have fixed this f**king problem, and they haven’t, because they’re greedy f**ks.”
The upcoming tour cycle will celebrate the anniversaries of two of Thirty Seconds To Mars‘ major studio albums: A Beautiful Lie and This Is War. The extensive arena run will commence in Lisbon, Portugal, on April 6, 2027, before moving through Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom.
Thirty Seconds To Mars 2027 European Tour Dates:
- April 06 – Lisbon, POR – MEO Arena
- April 08 – Madrid, SPA – Movistar Arena
- April 09 – Valencia, SPA – Roig Arena
- April 11 – Milan, ITA – Unipol Forum
- April 12 – Munich, GER – Olympiahalle
- April 14 – Vienna, AUT – Stadthalle D
- April 15 – Krakow, POL – Tauron Arena
- April 17 – Frankfurt, GER – Festhalle
- April 18 – Berlin, GER – Velodrom
- April 20 – Hanover, GER – Zag Arena
- April 21 – Cologne, GER – Lanxess Arena
- April 23 – Antwerp, BEL – Lotto Arena
- April 25 – Amsterdam, NET – AFAS Live
- April 26 – Paris, FRA – Accor Arena
- April 28 – London, UK – The O2
- April 29 – Manchester, UK – Co-Op Live
- May 01 – Dublin, IRE – 3Arena
