Live Review: Bruno Mars, DJ Leggo My Fueggo

With two huge international acts colliding, Bruno Mars at Qudos Bank Arena and Ed Sheeran playing his final show at ANZ stadium, Sydney Olympic Park was absolutely packed with music fans. 

English pop sensation Dua Lipa was scheduled to perform as Bruno Mars' support act but unfortunately had to back out to have her wisdom teeth taken out. There was considerable disappointment amongst fans as they realised the chart-topping singer would not be making an appearance, but DJ Leggo My Fueggo was there to take her place. Fueggo was able to hype the crowd back up with an airhorn sample filled set of '90s R&B and hip hop classics with some new hits thrown in, along with four amazing dancers and a cameraman willing to showcase his Magic Mike-style moves to Ginuwine's Pony.

A huge curtain decorated with a crown rose to reveal Mars' colourful '90s-inspired set, which would transform constantly throughout the show, and Mars himself, opening strong with his Cardi B collaboration Finesse. The Hawaiian singer was accompanied by a band of horn players, a guitarist and a bassist, all of which tripled as skilled dancers and back-up singers, as well as an incredibly talented pianist and drummer. 

A huge lit-up XXIV sign lowered to the stage with explosive, on-the-beat pyrotechnics enhancing an already dynamic performance of 24K Magic. "Welcome to the 24K Magic show, we've been waiting a long time to come sing for you," Mars exclaimed, telling fans it was up to them to set energy level standards on night one of his five Sydney shows.  

After throwing it back to his 2012 album Unorthodox Jukebox with an energetic performance of hit Treasure, he picked up an electric guitar and showcased another one of his many talents with an impressive solo during Perm. Mars is undoubtedly an incredible performer and a total showman and danced across the stage the entire night. He displayed his comedic side, bringing out a retro mobile phone during Calling All My Lovelies and acting out a call with an ex-lover who he "took on vacation to Mount Druitt when she just wanted to go to Paris".

Incorporating the 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie' chant into That's What I Like Mars somehow made it sound smooth and melodic with Boyz II Men-style harmonies and dance moves. He continued to play through his extensive catalogue of hits, with a saxophone solo opening Versace On The Floor before picking up his sunburst Stratocaster for Marry You, which had the whole arena on their feet. 

"This song means a lot to me," Mars declared before wowing his audience with an emotional rendition of When I Was Your Man, accompanied by just piano and his fans singing along to every word. This was the first song of the night performed without a full band, choreography and stage theatrics, providing a moment to really take in and appreciate the exceptional voice Mars possesses.  

He dedicated Just The Way You Are to every single person in the audience and answered encore requests with Uptown Funk, fireworks ceasing to rain down as men dressed as firefighters took to the stage to 'extinguish them' - another appreciated theatrical novelty.

Mars was able to leave a diverse, all-ages crowd satisfied with his funk and soul-infused pop and proved to Sydney fans how capable he is of putting on a fun, entertaining arena show.