Bruno Mars once again proved why he’s often mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jackson, not just for his showmanship, but for his deep respect for musical history and genre-blending brilliance.
At a recent private Eldridge Industries party held at The Capitol Theatre in New York, Mars delivered a show-stopping rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana,” backed by an all-time rock lineup: Guns N’ Roses legends Slash and Duff McKagan, alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers powerhouse drummer Chad Smith. The performance instantly set social media ablaze, with fans celebrating the collision of MJ’s legacy and rock royalty.
The night itself was nothing short of historic. The exclusive holiday gathering brought together an extraordinary mix of artists, including Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Brandi Carlile, Yungblud, and producer Andrew Watt. What began as an industry event quickly turned into a once-in-a-lifetime jam session.
Mars didn’t stop with Michael Jackson. He tore through rock classics like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire,” and The Police’s “Roxanne,” effortlessly moving between genres while commanding the stage like a seasoned rock frontman.
Fans were especially struck by the symbolism of the moment. Slash, who famously collaborated and toured with Michael Jackson during the Dangerous era, once again found himself playing MJ’s music, this time alongside Bruno Mars, an artist many view as a modern torchbearer of Michael Jackson’s influence.
“Omg thank you for the Bruno crumbs. Love hearing his rock covers,” one fan wrote on X, while others declared Mars firmly back in his “rock era.” A recurring sentiment across fan reactions was clear: Bruno Mars needs to make a rock album, now.
The event also highlighted the cultural pull of Eldridge Industries, a major investment firm deeply involved in sports and entertainment. The guest list reflected that reach, with even Orlando Bloom in attendance, sharing clips of Mars’ performance on social media.
More than just a jam session, the night felt like a celebration of musical lineage, where Michael Jackson’s genre-defying spirit lived on through artists who continue to blur boundaries and honor the King of Pop’s enduring influence.
