Bruno Mars seals deal as more than just hitmaker at Rod Laver Arena

BRUNO Mars may have just won Album of the Year at the Grammy’s, but it is in concert where he really seals the deal as more than just a hitmaker. And his first Melbourne performance was no exception.

BRUNO Mars has barely been off the radio since his breakthrough cameo on B. O. B’s Nothing on You in 2009.

Nearly a decade on, Mars can virtually do a greatest hits arena tour after just three albums.

His most recent release, 24K Magic, just won Album of the Year at the Grammys and continues his quest to bring classic funk and soul back to the pop charts.

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However it’s in concert where Mars really seals the deal as more than just a hitmaker.

He’s like watching vintage Prince or James Brown in full flight; an old school R&B showman.

Bruno Mars on stage at Rod Laver Arena. Pic: Live Nation

But it’s not just Mars — his band are more brothers than band mates. They don’t let playing instruments and supplying sweet harmonies stop them from constantly joining in the slick, infectious choreography.

And unlike many of his contemporaries who rely on DJs or a large portion of their music being pre-recorded, this is a fully live, fully spontaneous show.

Mars has managed to shoehorn a stadium-sized stage in an arena, and while there’s massive production and regular blasts of pyro it’s all about those songs and his incredible performance.

American singer Bruno Mars on stage in New Zealand earlier this month. Picture: Live Nation

And the hits come fast and chunky, starting with the latest radio seducer, 90s New Jack Swing throwback Finesse setting the tone for the evening.

Treasure, Locked Out of Heaven and Just the Way You Are sit alongside newer material Versace on the Floor, That’s What I Like and 24K Magic — the latter filled with fireworks.

Mars, who has barred all media photographers, even asks fans to put their phones away and live in the moment instead.

Wow @BrunoMars has shoehorned a stadium-sized stage into @RodLaverArena and the production is massive pic.twitter.com/Zvnck9AYwu

— cameron adams (@cameron_adams) March 7, 2018

And just when you’re impressed enough Mars showcases his Prince-style guitar mastery on a revamped Marry You (which ends with the Purple Rain riff, just in case you missed the influence) and performs When I Was Your Man minus bells and whistles.

Mars was in Australia four years ago this week, and while there’s a new sporty look the staging has been elevated to a level that befits a seriously talented superstar.

Naturally it all ends with Uptown Funk, a rare song that is perfect to both start a party and close a concert because how do you top it? And it’s even better than you remember watching Mars and his band delivering it until there’s nothing left in the tank.

American singer Bruno Mars on stage at Spark Arena in New Zealand in March 2018. Pic: Live Nation

The only criticism was he could have easily done another few of the songs he’s put out to pasture (No.1 banger Grenade and Gorilla were in the set overseas last year as well as new song Straight Up and Down), but having too many hits for an intense, non-stop 80 minute show is a fine problem.

Mars, who has sold out four Rod Laver Arena shows, is joined down under by arguably the hottest female singer on the planet right now, Britain’s Dua Lipa.

Lipa’s opening slot showcases her impressive debut album and last year’s classic New Rules, as well as Be the One, Hotter than Hell, Scared to Be Lonely and newbie IDGAF.

Mars plays Rod Laver Arena again on Thursday night as well as Saturday and Sunday, crossing paths with the other superstar in town you can’t find a ticket for, Ed Sheeran.

Dang that @BrunoMars #24kMagicWorldTour sets the bar very high for 2018 - how good is Locked Out of Heaven pic.twitter.com/f0zDJRTVee

— cameron adams (@cameron_adams) March 7, 2018

Originally published as Bruno Mars seals deal as more than just hitmaker at Rod Laver Arena