Before the lights fully came up, Bruno Mars — real name Peter Gene Hernandez — was already leaning into his Latino and Chicano roots, setting the tone for a night that felt like more than just a performance.
The audience reflected that energy, with thousands of people dressed in red and roses seen throughout the stadium. DJ PeeWee opened the night with a mix of lowrider oldies and classics from Selena Quintanilla, setting the tone early and pulling the crowd into a familiar, nostalgic atmosphere. The Glendale crowd embraced it immediately, with people of all ages dancing and singing along.
Mars made his entrance following a prerecorded video of him praying in a Catholic church decorated with roses, aligning with the Romantic Tour theme. In the video, he asks God to help him give the audience a show they will never forget — a moment that added a personal and cultural layer before he even stepped on stage. When he appeared, he wore a red mariachi-inspired outfit, further tying into the night’s celebration of Latino culture.
The crowd itself was diverse, but what stood out most was the number of families experiencing the concert together.
Nancy Hernandez, who attended with her family, shared, “It reminds me of the good old days. I love the nostalgic feeling — it makes me feel happy and want to dance.”
Pauline Canez, who came with her cousins, reflected on Mars’ performance, saying, “He had a great upbringing, and it definitely shows in his music. He plays with his heart, body, and soul.”
Mars closed the show with “Uptown Funk,” bringing the energy in the stadium to its peak before briefly leaving the stage.
He returned for an encore, asking Glendale to “dance with us one more time,” where he performed a new song from his Romantic album, leaving the crowd wanting more.
By the end of the night, it was clear this wasn’t just another tour stop for Mars.
Through lowrider oldies, nostalgic visuals, and a crowd that felt just as much a part of the show, Bruno Mars created a space that celebrated Latino and Chicano culture. The show Wednesday night didn’t just entertain — it connected generations, memories, and culture all in one night.
