XXIV Magic World Tour Review

By Brianna Barefoot

​    On October 4, 2017, Bruno Mars performed at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. I had never seen a concert so exciting until I went to the 24 Karat Magic World Tour. The music, the lights, the props, the band, the singing, the dancing, and the crowd were spectacular. The entire backdrop of the stage design was controlled by a computer, which changed for each song and included flashing lights and lasers pointing out to the crowd. I was not disappointed. I had a perfect view of the whole stage and the two big screens on both sides of it. 

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​     As soon as the performance began, a big sign that said “XXIV” in gold lights slowly dropped from the top of the stage, and fire shot out of blackness, making the crowd go wild. The first song that Mars played was “Finesse” from his XXIV Karat Magic album. He and his backup dancers/band, The Hooligans, stood in a straight line, each having a different color light behind them, ready to perform. The Hooligans danced with Bruno Mars and played their instruments, which included a trombone, a bass, the drums, the guitar, the keyboard, the trumpet, and the saxophone. As the music radiated, all I could see were their silhouettes, each with a vibrant color behind him or her.
     Mars wasn’t even through with two songs when I started to notice I was losing my voice from screaming at the top of my lungs. And he kept surprising me as the night went on. Mars was able to sing the most energetic song, dance through the whole thing, and not lose his breath. Then, he was able to sing a slow song and still kill it despite having just ran around the stage.
     The one thing that surprised me the most was the fact that there was no intermission. For an hour and a half, Mars took only one break so he could change his shirt. If that is not impressive, then I’m not sure what is.
     The detail involved in the concert was noteworthy as well. A computer controlled every single light, background animation, and fire shot. The best part about the background was that it had changed for every song. This means the colors, the mood, and the type of lighting changed sixteen different times.
     The whole train ride home, all I could hear was: “He is phenomenal!” and “Bruno Mars is hands down one of the most talented artists out there right now!” Also, “How was he able to dance, sing, and play the guitar the whole time without stopping?” In my head, I was thinking the same. If the opportunity ever arises to see him in concert again, I will be there. I recommend that everyone go to a Bruno Mars concert at some point in his or her life!