entertainment

Bruno Mars throws towel at model for using phone at Japanese concert; she mistakes it as a gift

36 Comments
By Oona McGee, SoraNews24

Japan has welcomed a lot of international stars to its shores over the years, most recently with English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran playing gigs in Osaka and Tokyo earlier this month, followed this week by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars.

Despite many of their Japanese fans not being able to speak or understand English at a fluent level, that doesn’t stop them from attending superstar concerts in droves, and that’s exactly what happened during Mars’ recent four-night stop at Saitama Super Arena, which completely sold out its April 11-15 tour dates.

One lucky fan, who was in the front row at one of the performer’s concerts, had a great night at the show, capped off with her taking home a towel used by Bruno Mars himself. The only thing is, the towel she was so thrilled to receive wasn’t actually intended as a gift, as fellow concertgoers say that Mars threw the towel at her in exasperation after she refused to put her cell phone down to enjoy the show.

Take a look at the chain of events here:

The clip shows that the fan, who is actually a Japanese model with thousands of followers on social media, had been taking selfies of herself and her friend while they were in the front row, directly in front of the Grammy Award-winning singer. According to the YouTuber who posted the model’s clip online, Mars threw the towel at her in exasperation after having to perform to the back of her head throughout much of the show.

Mars is well-known for asking fans to put their phones down and enjoy the concert live, as shown in this video compilation from 2014.

If Mars really wants fans around the world to follow his requests to put down their cell phones, he might have to learn how to say it in different languages to get his message across, given that the front-row fan who had the towel thrown at her in Japan was thrilled to receive it, captioning the moment with “OMG!!! I GOT THIS!!!!”

The force and accuracy of the throw seems to suggest something else entirely, with Mars’ Japanese fans berating the fan for disrespecting the singer, especially while enjoying the show from the privileged front-row position. One fan had this to say about the incident on Twitter:

“How many tens of thousands of genuine Bruno Mars fans do you think there are behind you? What are you doing while we’re showing our joy and gratitude? You’re in the very front row. You’re in his line of sight. Because of your actions, the country’s image takes a dive. More than anything, Mars himself had been telling you to stop.”

Still, ignorance is bliss, so for the short time after the show, before her misunderstanding went viral on Japanese YouTube, the model may just have become Mars’ number one fan. After the realisation, however, who knows what became of that sweat-soaked towel? Hopefully it acts as a bittersweet reminder for her to stop and enjoy life in the moment, without having to look at it through the screen of a cell phone.

Source: My Game News Flash

Images: YouTube/ちゃんねるばい

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© SoraNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

36 Comments
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Airheads.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

Everyone at that concert depresses me, both the audience and the performer.

-1 ( +13 / -14 )

Despite many of their Japanese fans not being able to speak or understand English at a fluent level,

"Try despite most" first of all.

Good for him. She thought she was the star and not him. This kid has come a long way from living on the streets basically with his parents in Hawaii.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

A model taking selfies of herself in the front row of a Bruno Mars gig has upset the singer? Errmm, is he expecting some other kind of fan base.?

15 ( +18 / -3 )

I've been to about three concerts in the last fifteen years, but I used to go to loads when I was younger. Rather than being just performances, the best concerts are celebrations of the music. If I had to pay what concerts cost now, and not the four pounds I paid to see (drop lots of names), other people standing there recording terrible sounding footage would really pee me off. People making "look at me" selfie videos would just crank it up further. It is simple bad manners. She's even doing it during "Uptown Funk", his biggest number and the probable highlight of the show. SMH.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

kohaku, I agree with you. I used to go to the Roundhouse and the Marquee when I was in my teens. But in the year 2018, with artists such as Bruno Mars earning income from modern day social media, he cannot really complain about fans taking selfies. If the artist is serious about this, then ban mobile photos in the arena (almost impossible). If youre a modern day artist embracing Twitter, FaceBook etc you cant really get upset about live concert selfies.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Bruno who?

Oh, I get it. He's not making any money off of the amateur videos, so he berates his fans. Classy.

-11 ( +6 / -17 )

Just make it a condition of sale of the tickets that anyone caught using a cellphone for any reason will be thrown out by a very large security guard; then do it.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Harry, it would be virtually impossible to enforce. Plus, how many times are the fans bombarded with Twitter selfies and social media from the likes of Bruno Mars trying to sell their records?

5 ( +7 / -2 )

This is 2018 Bruno.

People do selfies ya know, get off your high horse.

-6 ( +7 / -13 )

these idiot girls really get on my nerve‼️

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Bruno Mars has loads of talent -- he can do all sorts of genres and styles -- but unfortunately he appeals to more of a pop-music fan base. So, while he is asking for the kind of respect you'd get from a more mature, respectful crowd, he's dealing with mostly screaming kids. That's not a bad thing, but just clearly not what he expects, nor do I think is what he deserves. Perhaps a little down the road.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

these idiot girls really get on my nerve‼️

Indeed. But Bruno Mars got exposure to thousands of her social media followers for free. She was essentially endorsing him and now she's being dissed.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

I'm with Bruno, enjoy your life rather than focusing on recording it!

9 ( +11 / -2 )

The girl is such a narcissist! You're at fricken concert and all you're going to is film yourself dancing. Might as well just stayed home to do that crap...idiots!

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Anyone who gets their phone out at a gig should be thrown out. Self absorbed morons.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

fxgai: "I'm with Bruno, enjoy your life rather than focusing on recording it!"

Just playing devil's advocate here, as I wouldn't be behaving like these people at all and sticking to my phone, but what if that's how they enjoy their lives? Who is to tell them how they can or can't do it, unless it is a rule or law. Mars should say he will not allow recording and/or photos during a concert if it perturbs him that much, and than those in there, who want to stay, will know better or get kicked out.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

I understand the frustration, but these girls got their tickets somehow - doubt they paid themselves. So, the people who provided the tickets will never do that again. They will be in the nose-bleed seats from now on and paying their own money.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Quality performers receive audience attention because the show warrants attention. Posers with little talent have temper tantrums to get attention.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Even if you don't like Bruno Mars or respect his musical output, lots of artists with lots of cred in the bank have had serious issues with people using phones, Prince (RIP) for one. Prince loved playing so much he would have semi-secret gigs all the time. He didn't do it so people could take rubbish videos.

Whatever promotion Bruno Mars gets from social media merely replaces what he would have got in the past from radio, which no-one listens to any more, and MTV, which now thinks bad reality shows make for better viewing than music. I don't think any musician using social media in itself justifies doing others the same during that musician's performances. There is no equivalence.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

It's all about me

1 ( +1 / -0 )

should've had her removed or camera confiscated until end of show - artists should have 'no cameras please' warnings before show at entrances

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Terrible! I like BM but after reading this news I am turned off a bit. We all have our own ways to enjoy a show, some people love to just listen and watch without recording, but what is wrong with capturing that special rare moment of watching your favorite performer on stage!? Can we ban cameras on Graduation ceremonies? Pre-school theater performances? etc.? Just enjoy the show right? If the purpose of recording is just for personal use and will not be uploaded on-line or be intended for piracy, then what is wrong? Throwing a towel to someone who paid for your bills and made you famous is really an arrogant way to pay back in return.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

fxgal

I'm with Bruno, enjoy your life rather than focusing on recording it!

Can you say this to parents who capture videos while watching theater plays , sports competition, graduation ceremonies of their kids in school ? And how sure are you that recording that special moment and watching it again at home and sharing it with some of her friends or family won't give her happiness?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

macv

should've had her removed or camera confiscated until end of show - artists should have 'no cameras please' warnings before show at entrances

should've had her removed or camera confiscated!? what is that a catholic school on tour? why do fans have to compromise for that simple thing? remember the fans are Bruno's clients, they paid for his bills. It's arrogant to say that he only get paid to sing and that's enough when the fans gave him millions of dollars and good life and all she wants is a simple amateur video clip for remembrance. Bruno became the typical arrogant mainstream celebrity.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I understand his annoyance because of this point in the article

"Mars threw the towel at her in exasperation after having to perform to the back of her head throughout much of the show."

The Model was basically instagramming the whole show live. That is a bit excessive in the vanity of it like sure a pic or a selfie, or a video here and there is understandable, but when you are doing it for the majority of the show (seeing the youtube video and her instagram.) it is a bit much and vain.

Also Some concerts and comedy shows do have those air lock pouches for cellphones in U.S.. So banning them is possible. But not sure it is the right answer.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I haven't been to a concert for years but when I see them on TV, I see nothing but a sea of arms recording the concert. No way I would go to a concert with someone's arm in my face. Like when I see European concert festivals with men holding their girlfriends on their shoulders without any care who is behind them.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

These concerts are no cameras allowed - DSLRs, Go-Pros, etc (unless authorized press which has its own rules). But mobile phones/smartphones are not included in that for a multitude of reasons - people will still bring them, venue/promoter doesn't want to be responsible for damage/loss of 1000-20,000devices, etc.

But if it enrages Bruno that badly (or any other artist), he could easily signal the production manager, or someone from his staff to direct security to remove them. It's done all the time.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The fact that he felt a need to throw something at a female in the audience shows what kind of 'man' he is. Bruno could have made a comment or some other non aggressive gesture. I'm not surprised this thought is lost on most commenting here.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

I agree with Bruno here. There are some good DVD releases that artists or record labels put out. The point of a show is to enjoy it. There are lots of bootleg video recordings of shows and they're not done professionally and they SUCK in quality. If Bruno asks that you put your camera down you should respect his wishes. Can you imagine the mayhem if we had these cameras back in 1966 at a BEATLES show? Crazy, man. CRAZY!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

starpunk

I agree with Bruno here. There are some good DVD releases that artists or record labels put out. The point of a show is to enjoy it.

The reason why they are filming is because they are enjoying the show. So after paying an expensive ticket, the labels want to milk the fans with more money again by selling their overpriced DVDs, why can't fans bring atleast some free remembrance with them? If the purpose of the filming is just for remembrance why can't Bruno give that in exchange to the millions of dollars and good life he got from his fans? Ok instagraming or uploading it on line is not good, but what if the fan is just filming a short clip just for remembrance? A simple short clip taken from the live concert won't lose Bruno Mars Millions of dollars.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

oldman_13

The fact that he felt a need to throw something at a female in the audience shows what kind of 'man' he is. Bruno could have made a comment or some other non aggressive gesture. I'm not surprised this thought is lost on most commenting here.

I totally agree. There are still some nice ways to stop the woman from filming than throwing something at her. But it's Bruno Mars so everyone is okay with it. Imagine if a bouncer doing that instead, I bet to see Women Rights activists going bereserk here... But, it's Bruno Mars so he get the sympathy more.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

what is her name?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

noypikantoku

So after paying an expensive ticket, the labels want to milk the fans with more money again by selling their overpriced DVDs, why can't fans bring at least some free remembrance with them? If the purpose of the filming is just for remembrance why can't Bruno give that in exchange to the millions of dollars and good life he got from his fans?

I can see wanting to have some remembrance - absolutely. However in this case you have 2 girls mugging to show themselves at a show and that could cause a trademark issue for whoever maybe filming the performance for a future DVD release. The Rolling Stones have been releasing 2 CD/1 DVD sets of remastered professionally recorded performances for the past number of years up the yinyang. Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead have also been digging into their vaults and long after those bands broke up they still exist as business entities and their legacies go on. RUSH has been doing the same lately. But these are professional recordings.

This video footage seems to be focused mostly on 2 girls here. Bruno Mars, like all performers - have a job to do and that's to ENTERTAIN. In order to do that you need to be focused on your JOB. What's why when women come up and start huggy-kissy on a performer the security takes them off the stage. Performers need to be focused and they need to concentrate in order to play at their best. A RUSH show is VERY tightly done because they are doing everything THEMSELVES and they don't have much time for talk. It's the same for Bruce Springsteen, for Alice Cooper and Peter Gabriel with all their theatrics involved - everyone. They want to play their BEST. The Beatles Anthology shows how crazy and even dangerous it gets from being Fab.

At least Bruno didn't swear or belittle these girls. Elvis had a 'towel man' at his shows and he threw them to the crowd too! Then again, people made Elvis into a god anyway.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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