Bruno Mars, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham - review
If you picture a Bruno Mars live show, chances are you will envisage a production with all the glitzy trimmings – bright lights, excessive levels of swagger and slick footwork.
He delivered on all those fronts at Birmingham's Barclaycard Arena last night, and still managed to give a little bit more.
Love or loath Mars, you can't deny he's at the top of his game with stellar showmanship to boot, having the audience eating out of the palm of his hands for 90 minutes.
His third and latest album 24K Magic carried the bulk of the show, with new favourites including 'That's What I Like', 'Chunky', 'Versace on the Floor', which he managed to deliver while moving across the stage, looking and sounding like he isn't even breaking a sweat, and never missing a beat or move.
His band The Hooligans are equally impressive, synchronised and slick throughout, and Mars' chemistry with the band is fun to watch.
As the show went on, we were treated to some of his older numbers including 'Marry You', 'Runaway Baby' and the super slushy 'When I Was Your Man', which he sang beautifully.
Mars has evolved hugely from his first and second album, and these days it's rare to see him with his guitar or piano, so it was good to see him dust off the strings and remind us that he's a true all-rounder, treating us all to some rip-roaring guitar solos.
From start to finish, Mars and the band were a class act, showing no signs of flagging whatsoever, and after such a high-energy performance, what could possibly polish it off? We all know the answer to that one – his biggest hit to date – Uptown Funk, which guaranteed everyone was on their feet and cementing Mars' status as a true, sensational performer.
By Naomi Penrose
