Bruno Mars Encounters Highs and Lows
Fresh face on pop charts – so far – runs into the biggest news of his career; both good and bad.
When Bruno Mars was profiled in the Oct. 14 issue of ROLLING STONE, his song “Just the Way You Are” began sailing its way up the Billboard Hot 100. A week later after the RS article, that single “Just the Way You Are” rose from #3 to #1; ending the “Teenage Dream” streak of Katy Perry.
Born Peter Hernandez, Mars, has a lot working in his favor him now. He’s proven to be a talented singer/songwriter; responsible for hit singles like Flo Rida’s 2009 smash “Right Round,” Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire,” B.o.B’s “Nothin’ on You” and Cee Lo Green’s viral hit “F*** You.” As part of the L.A. production team The Smeezingtons, Mars is easily becoming the go-to guy in the industry. With a new album that dropped October 5th (Doo-Wops & Hooligans), Mars plans to step from behind the shadows and into the forefront as a competitor in the pop marketplace. His new album – a play of old school grooves and new school freshness – represents his “neo-retro vision” of blending Frankie Lymon soul, Coldplay grandeur and Bob Marley’s easygoing vibe.
In the meantime, with all the success being accredited to him, Mars has encountered a major setback with an arrest now on his record. On September 19, Mars was busted for possession of narcotics in Las Vegas. Authorities reveal that he had two and a half grams of crack cocaine on him when he was asked to empty his pockets by Hard Rock security after spending questionable periods in a Las Vegas bathroom. Celeb blogger Perez Hilton claimed he “pulled a Lohan.” RememberLindsey Lohan was arrested for almost the same reasons and was in the same predicament. After working out a plea agreement, she will only be on probation, suffer no jail time and will do a few hours of community service. Experts believe the same will be expected from Mars.
His spokesman, according to MTV at press time, was not able to be reached for comment.
On his Twitter page, Mars never addressed the bizarre incident; only reporting a tweet about his performance at the Hard Rock in Vegas and then his next one being in Dallas, Texas for a few radio spots and on-air live performances.
Obviously, Mars wants to pull all of this behind him as he rides his ascent to the top of the charts. For now, the good news trumps the bad.
