Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez, is on tour and Detroit welcomed him with open arms. The 11 time Grammy Award Winner Bruno Mars returned to Detroit on May 9th and 10th after a long awaited 8 years. Originally only set for one date at Ford Field, the show was in such high demand Mars added a second date. Both shows sold out even after adding additional limited view seating the second day.
The singer and songwriter released his fourth major studio album called The Romantic back in February and it is his first solo studio project in almost a decade. The album, which is a mix of funky-dance bops to ‘from the bottom of the heart’ ballads, which emulates two of the traits fans love the most from Bruno Mars. This time around Mars indulged in what makes the heart yearn while simultaneously bringing out the dancer in you. The album not only showcases Mars’ talent and musical range but also incorporates some of his Latin roots. Though born in Hawaii, Mars’ father is a Puerto Rican Percussionist and his late mother a Filipina Singer/Performer.
The Romantic Tour has two openers. The evening started with a zestful set by Anderson Paak’s alter ego–DJ Pee Wee. The 35-minute dance party crafted by DJ Pee Wee set the tone. From songs like La Chona by Los Tucanes de Tijuana and We Found Love by Rihanna, attendees were already on their feet and dancing. After, fans took a trip into a hip-hop and alternative R&B drive by Leon Thomas, having audience members on their feet and captivated by the art. He also performed his most streamed song ‘MUTT’ which was a crowd favorite.
Then, a chapel-esque scene video of Mars praying took over the attention of the audience, the lights went black, smoke began to appear, a giant electric red sign lowered that read ‘The Romantic.’ Within seconds the mariachi-style horns filled the stadium and Mars appeared singing the second single from his recent album “Risk It All” which has that Latin-inspired flare to it.
The show was filled with a massive lightshow for almost every song, fireworks and flames synced to the beats and rhythm of songs, groovy dance moves, and elaborate wardrobe changes. From bedazzled rhinestone-suit jackets to hip-hugging flared pants, Mars’ energy filled every crevice of Ford Field.
And the people danced. Every sold-out seat in Ford Field was filled with fans moving, shaking, and singing all night. Song after song Detroit matched that Bruno Mars energy.
Fans travelled from all over the mitten state and surrounding areas dressed to impress to bare witness the talent of the ‘I’d catch a grenade for you’ superstar.. The looks ranged from novela-esque attire to replicated Bruno Mars outfits from music videos. Though Grenade wasn’t on the setlist, Mars played songs from almost all of his discography; including songs from his Musical Duo Silk Sonic with Anderson Paak, who also joined him on stage. The two led an elaborate and comedic funky-bit to highlight just a little bit of the vibe Silk Sonic brings to the table.
Mars thanked the Detroit audience before introducing the song that changed his life forever. The sweet, soft melody of Just The Way You Are from Mars’ debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010) took over the field, fans swayed from side to side singing every lyric like they were impossible to forget and the show ended.
Or so we thought.
The red-lighted The Romantic Sign lowered one final time for the evening and Mars stepped out with guitar in hand while wearing a star-studded white suit paired with a matching white cowboy hat closing the show performing Dance With Me and a famed guitar solo giving the audience an encore they’ll never forget.
