Bruno Mars performed at the Inuit Dome Aug. 15 to launch his 2024 tour. The concert,  attended by over 18,000 fans, marked his spectacular return to the stage after a five-year hiatus and included a surprise duet from pop icon Lady Gaga. 

The show was a resounding success, showcasing Mars’ exceptional talent. The setlist featured a diverse mix of his greatest hits, from heartfelt ballads like  “Talking to the Moon” and “When I Was Your Man,” to high-energy songs like “24K Magic” and “Locked Out of Heaven.” When Bruno Mars’ music comes to mind, I think of catchy melodies and memorable verses that build up to a dramatic chorus reveal. This anticipation is one of the reasons I was so thrilled to attend the show. Each song on the setlist was a “good one” in which I was eager to sing along to, despite the wide range of musical styles he performs. The joy Mars’ music brings only intensified in the live performance. 

As someone who has always wanted to experience Bruno Mars’ music live, he did not disappoint. I could not take my eyes off the stage and although I am an avid concert filmer, I refrained from reaching for my phone. Mars’ reputation as a brilliant performer is undoubtedly correct. His vocals remained clear and precise. His vocal runs, characterized by their jazzy flair, showcased impressive skill and technique. 

Besides his vocals, when it comes to stage presence, Mars is in a league of his own; Busting out synchronized choreography with his crew, he not only made the concert visually captivating but also created an atmosphere that encouraged everyone to join in. He commanded the audience’s moods by shouting encouragements to the audience to sing or dance. The audience was frequently asked questions, prompting enthusiastic responses and boosting the crowd’s energy and excitement. There was no break for the audience to feel boredom and I, personally, did not sit down once. 

 Mars and his band were very intentional with involving the audience and encouraging audience participation, especially during “Treasure” and “Marry You.” Mars’ irresistible stage presence and infectious energy brought the crowd’s excitement up during “Marry You,” where he created a lively atmosphere by interacting with the audience, encouraging them to sing along and dance. Audience members were shown on the big screens during “Treasure,” dancing and singing with their family and friends. The montage of audience members shown on screen while the lyrics “pretty girl, pretty girl, pretty girl, you should be smiling” or “honey, you’re my golden star, you know you can make my wish come true” played made the experience feel both wholesome and unique. 

The concert was visually impressive, with lights, fireworks, and confetti creating effects that complimented Mars’ choreographed performance. The saturated visuals of the big LED light screens that displayed close-ups of the stage coupled with the special effects ensured that the audience remained engaged and energetic, dancing until the show’s end at midnight. 

In a stunning finale, Mars introduced Lady Gaga.  She made a dramatic entrance in a ’70s-inspired  cowboy outfit. The pair performed their new single “Die With a Smile,” which was released just 30 minutes before the concert.  The song’s combination of tenderness and passion was executed with impeccable skill, delivering a beautiful duet.

As I walked out of the concert venue, I was surprised to feel rejuvenated rather than tired after the performance. I felt fortunate to have witnessed Mars make history in California. The opening night of Mars’ tour  proved to be an unforgettable performance, setting the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary tour.