Thursday 2nd September was Bruno Mars debut solo show in the UK and it was a memorable one. The queue down at YoYo’s in Notting Hill grew heavy from 8pm. Often drawing a mixed crowd that enjoy all types of music, it was easy to spot the Bruno Mars fans dotted in the line, decked out in a mix of tan, light denim and fedora hats, alongside regular YoYo-ers.
Lucky enough to see the whole show, it was one of the best line ups I have seen in a while at YoYos, each artist held their own and not overshadowed at all by the American headliner.
Abi Ade opened the night with his clean production, comical rhymes and made sure he didn’t leave the mic without being sure we remembered his name. ” Abi Ade just in case you forget!”
Up next was jaunty indie soul from Liam Bailey who the ladies seemed to love. Girls were near enough ON the stage and partying in the middle of the dancefloor.
The final act to warm up the Bruno Mars fans, was Detroit based, Sony signed Mike Posner. Providing a lively set of modern day power ballads – “Save Your Goodbye”, mixed with dancier tracks like “Cooler Than Me”, which he smashed! By the time he finished his set with “Bow Chicka Wow Wow” (another one of Bruno Mars co-writing credits), he certainly had all the females loving him and all the fellas heads bopping. I think we will see more of Mike Posner next year over on this side of the Atlantic.
Finally, after a great prelude, Bruno Mars stepped on stage accompanied with his now-trademark hat, shiny guitar and a cheeky smile. The crowd roared and were more than ready. The fully live and plugged in band started with “Other Side” and serended all with his voice. Moving from guitar to playing the keys at times, dedicating a portion of his set to Guitar hero, Jimi Hendrix and playfully teasing the girls, I can understand how Bruno Mars has came so far at the young age of 23 years.
Knowing him for his chart toppers, such as K’Naan’s “Wave Your Flag”, he gave us his best solo rendition of his own extended lyrics from B.O.B “Nothing on You” and Travie McCoy “Billionaire”. Sung beautifully with a tight band Bruno Mars held his own and ended with latest offering “Just the way you are”.
Those that just got in, got there in the nick of time, but I felt for the many that were waiting outside. I left close to midnight and the queue was worse than when I arrived!
Bruno Mars is a talent in his own right and certainly more than a mere featuring chrous singer. Mars was the icing on the YoYo’s all male line up and I would say the verdit is in.
The first UK show was another hit to add to the never ending pile for Bruno Mars.
Tosin [PinBoard Gigs & Live Events Critic]
(Photography by Tosin)
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