Live Review: Bruno Mars, Miguel

Mainstream music fans really do have a distinct look about them as is noted when we cruise the arena's foyer. Punters dress as if for a mid-week, daytime cinema outing – far from glam. Get on with it, Miguel! He leads a, “Feel good?”/”Real good!” call and response and there's lots of jibber-jabber when all we really wanna hear are those sultry, syrupy pipes.

Fluoro green illuminated 'Mars' sticks are available for $12 at the merch and as soon as the houselights are dimmed, it becomes apparent that not many of these have been purchased. This is a shame since a sea of green sabres would look effective. Remember AC/DC's red devil horn headbands flashing all throughout Etihad Stadium?  

Wonderfully kitsch black curtains decorated with glittery gold palm trees conceal equipment before it all tumbles down to reveal Bruno Mars plus band already in place on stage. There's something about cascading curtains that is so exhilarating and Moonshine kicks off our aural pleasure. Mars and co switch from freestyling to 'spontaneous' synchronised chorey at regular intervals, which adds interest and serves as a reminder that there's no way we could jump up there and do what they do. Mars' entire band dance like frontmen and the intricate chorey even sees them changing formation within quite elaborate patterning. NOOOoooooo! Mars leads an “Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!” chant! Enough! Who would've thought Ginuwine's Pony would transition so well into Michael Jackson's Rock With You? A genius musical moment that highlights MJ as Bruno Mars' primary influence. The doo-wop segment calls to mind Happy Days. An effective Venetian blind-style backdrop drops down. Marry You leads into a down-tempo section and Mars' soulful voice radiates as brightly as his smile.

Mars singles out a girl in the front row called Lisa and introduces us to a game where he and his smoooooothest bandmates take turns in wooing her, via rap or song, to decide “who got the most game”. When I Was Your Man (“Should've bought you flowers…”) sees Mars emerge as a clear winner and we all fantasise that this remorseful lyrical content exemplifies the feelings of dodgy exes. During a solo, Mars' pianist demonstrates jaw-dropping virtuosity. Just The Way You Are is as “amazing” and uplifting as anticipated. After this song, Mars introduces his band members, labelling his guitarist “pumpkin pants” as inspired by his choice of dacks. 

To kick off Locked Out Of Heaven, Mars is illuminated on the drum stool. He drums convincingly, pummelling out James Brown-esque beats (unlike when Bieber takes to the kit to display his basic skills during live shows). The Bruno Mars live experience is rehearsed to perfection. And the world's a miserable enough place without feeling compelled to bag stuff that makes you happy.