Bruno Mars thrills Birmingham O2 Academy

Saturday 20th August 2011, 8:25AM BST.

Bruno Mars

O2 Academy, Birmingham

words and pictures by James Watkins

Bruno Mars brought his exuberant and likeable character to a jam-packed O2 Academy, offering plenty of opportunities for a sing-a-long to the Midlands revellers lucky enough to have a ticket.

Since his last visit earlier in the year, Mars has clambered his way into the nation’s conscious with his infectious, vox-popping tunes.

Bouncing on stage with his trademark trilby hat and trainers, he played his way through Top Of The World, Runaway Baby and Nothin’ On You.

Acknowledging his raucous fans singing his name, he whet their appetites for his upcoming V Festival appearance on Saturday’s main stage by singing The Lazy Song and getting the crowd to join in with the chorus.

Other highlights included Grenade and the wax lyrical Count On Me, before a trio of mashed up hits.

The biggest cheers of the night came for the encore of Just The Way You Are, which saw the Academy erupt in full voice.