Bruno Mars launches record five-show BC Place run with a two-hour party

Bruno Mars turned the first of five concerts at BC Place into a two-hour party on Wednesday, Oct. 14, with dazzling lights, tight choreography, accomplished musicianship, fireworks, flames, confetti and old-Vegas charm. The sold-out stadium’s sound was clear and decent as the show moved through funk, soul, Santana-like salsa, ballads, disco and guitar rock.

The run sets a record for concerts by a musical artist at the Vancouver stadium, surpassing Taylor Swift’s three shows there in 2024 and The Jacksons’ three in 1984. Produced by Live Nation, The Romantic Tour is Mars’s first full headline tour in nearly a decade. The Honolulu-born entertainer last toured with 2017’s 24K Magic World Tour. The other four BC Place dates this week are Friday, Saturday, Tuesday and next Wednesday, Oct. 21. Together, the five concerts are expected to bring close to 200,000 people through the venue.

The tour is among the most popular on the road. That has surprised some observers, including the reviewer, but not the crowds of devoted fans willing to pay hundreds of dollars per ticket; some travelled thousands of kilometres for the show. After opening night, the reviewer said the appeal made sense.

Mars led the party with his band, while he and many in the audience wore red, matching the romantic mood of October and sharing an atmosphere of mutual affection. Highlights included a set of dance-ready Silk Sonic songs with Anderson .Paak, a run of early hits played by Mars on piano, and the irresistible funk of his latest hit, “I Just Might.”

Gates opened at 5 p.m. Wednesday. A DJ set began at 7 p.m., London’s Raye was partway through her set by 8 p.m., and Mars took the stage at 8:45 p.m.

SkyTrain cars bound for BC Place were packed starting in Surrey, and Mars’s voice could be heard at the end of the commute. Through a collaboration between TransLink and Warner Music Canada, a special announcement featuring his voice will play periodically at Stadium–Chinatown Station on concert days from Oct. 14 to 21. TransLink said the advertising revenue will “help support transit service in Metro Vancouver.”

Merchandise tables inside and outside the stadium were busy selling T-shirts for $95. At Terry Fox Plaza, visitors can take a selfie with the giant illuminated “BRUNO” sign.

Concertgoers should check bcplace.com (https://www.bcplace.com/?event=bruno-mars) for venue rules. The website says BC Place is an open-air stadium whether its roof is open or closed and advises visitors to dress for the outdoor temperature.