Bruno Mars has an unexpected opening before Wembley party starts

Bruno Mars has an unexpected opening before Wembley party startsImage source, Daniel RamosImage caption, Bruno Mars performs at Wembley stadium at the first night of six nights ByLola SchroerPublished14 minutes agoBruno Mars appeared determined to lift the nation's mood during the first of his six nights at Wembley Stadium.His last UK performance came in July 2018, shortly after England had been knocked out of the men's World Cup semi-finals. Eight years later, history had repeated itself.But wearing an England football scarf, Union Jack bucket hat and clutching a Paddington Bear, the showman energised a 75,000-strong, multi-generational crowd.After nearly a decade away from UK audiences, Mars proved why fans had snapped up tickets in record numbers, external.'London, it's time to party'The show began with a pre-recorded video of Mars praying in a church for a good performance, before he emerged beneath visuals of a stained-glass window in a red suit bejewelled with roses.It was a suitably theatrical opening to a two-hour, 15-minute set. But for those who had avoided spoilers, Risk It All, a slow R&B ballad from Mars' latest album, The Romantic, was perhaps an unexpected opener. Any surprise was short-lived. Within minutes, Mars sat behind a pair of bright red congas for Cha Cha, signalling the start of a set that moved between R&B, funk, Latin influences and pop. It was an early glimpse of what was to come as he declared: "London, it's time to party."The crowd quickly accepted the invitation. From then on, neither Mars nor his fans stood still. 24K Magic and Treasure prompted one of the night's biggest singalongs. As Mars sang "put your pinky rings up to the moon", thousands of little fingers rose into the air. Image source, Daniel RamosImage caption, Bruno Mars wears a cape on stage that says 'The Romantic'The opening run of songs showed why Mars has remained one of pop's most relia...