To listen to a Bruno Mars composition is to experience a generational distillation of the music so many of us have grown up with over the decades. And to watch him perform live in concert is to experience an audience excitement perhaps matched only by Michael Jackson or Elvis Presley in their time. It’s a huge reason his concerts feature so many age ranges: Some acts simply eclipse categorization. It’s the energy they radiate, the inner rhythms they engender, the combination of freshness and familiarity. And no current act fills this niche more than Mars.
And in the case of Las Vegas specifically, Mars is also the closest connection we have to the days of the Rat Pack, made famous not only by the antics and music of Frank, Sammy and Dean, but the after-hours shenanigans they’d get into at clubs into the wee hours. Mars is acutely aware of this, as he put his name on a Bellagio hot spot, The Pinky Ring. It’s not just a possibility you’ll find him there having fun after one of his Dolby Live shows; it’s one of the few sure winning bets on the Strip.
When it comes to solo albums, Mars is hardly prolific—he’s had only three since splashing down with Doo-Wops & Hooligans in 2010. But it’s the in-the-margins work that keeps him a vibrant force in today’s entertainment industry. Whether it’s teaming up with Anderson .Paak to create Silk Sonic, duetting with Lady Gaga and Rosé, or being featured on Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk,” Mars has successfully remained top of mind for millions of his fans.
And he’s remained a force in Las Vegas since performing at MGM Grand in 2013. His ongoing residency at Park MGM remains one of the hottest tickets in a city filled with premier music superstars, a testament to Mars’ strong songwriting that’s produced classics like “Grenade,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Marry You,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” “That’s What I Like” and so many more.
It may take Mars awhile to release a new album, but it simply doesn’t matter. His music is here to stay—and so is he.
Park MGM, Aug. 31, Sept. 3 and 5-6, starting at $360 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com
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