You’ve seen them. Even if you don’t know their names, you know their faces because they are everywhere Bruno Mars is. They’re the guys in the matching silk shirts, the ones hitting every choreographed step with terrifying precision, and the ones who look like they’re having more fun than anyone else on the planet. People always ask, who are the members of the Hooligans, thinking they’re just a backup band. But if you talk to anyone in the industry, they’ll tell you that’s a massive understatement.
They are a brotherhood. Honestly, they’re closer to a street gang of musical geniuses than a hired backing group.
In a world where most pop stars hire session musicians who sit in the shadows and collect a paycheck, Bruno did something different. He built a squad. Most of these guys have been with him since before "Just the Way You Are" was even a demo. They’ve gone from playing dive bars to headlining the Super Bowl twice. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the chemistry that makes a live show feel like a massive party you were lucky enough to be invited to.
The Core Lineup: More Than Just Musicians
To understand who are the members of the Hooligans, you have to start with the man who has been there since day one. That’s Philip Lawrence. If Bruno is the engine, Phil is the fuel. He’s not just a backup singer; he’s a co-writer on almost every hit and a founding member of The Smeezingtons. You’ll recognize him by his infectious energy and the way he plays the perfect hype man.
Then there’s Phredley Brown. This guy is a musical chameleon. He’s the musical director, which basically means he’s the one making sure the horns hit at the exact right millisecond. He plays the keys, he plays the guitar, and he sings. Most people don’t realize how much of the "Bruno Mars sound" is actually Phredley’s arrangement work.
Jamareo Artis handles the bass. If you’ve ever felt your chest thumping during "Uptown Funk," that’s Jamareo. He won P. Diddy’s Making His Band back in the day, so the dude has serious pedigree. He’s the rhythmic backbone.
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The Rhythm and the Brass
You can't talk about this group without mentioning Eric "E-Panda" Hernandez. Fun fact: he’s actually Bruno’s older brother. It’s rare to see a family dynamic work this well on a global stage, but Eric has been drumming for Bruno since they were kids in Hawaii doing Elvis impersonations. His timing is legendary.
The horn section—often called the "Hooligan Horns"—is what gives the band that vintage, soulful punch.
- Kameron Whalum: Trombone and incredible vocals. He comes from a massive musical lineage in Memphis (his uncle is Kirk Whalum).
- James King: Trumpet. He brings that sharp, piercing high end that defines the 24K Magic era.
- Dwayne Dugger: Saxophone. He’s the one providing those smooth, sultry riffs that bridge the gap between funk and pop.
Rounding out the guitar is Jimmy King. Don't confuse him with James; Jimmy is the one shredding while simultaneously doing a choreographed slide across the stage.
Why the Hooligans Are Different from Backup Bands
Most touring bands are a revolving door. You hire the best guitarist available for a six-month run, and then they go play for Taylor Swift or John Mayer. Bruno doesn't play that way. The Hooligans are a brand. When you search for who are the members of the Hooligans, you’re looking for a specific set of personalities that have remained remarkably consistent for over a decade.
This stability is why their choreography is so tight. They aren't just reading sheet music. They’re performing. They have a "no ego" policy that’s pretty rare in Hollywood. You’ll see the horn players doing the same dance moves as the lead singer, often while playing their instruments. It’s physically exhausting. It’s high-stakes. It’s also why they’re widely considered the best live band in the world right now.
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The Smeezingtons Connection
It’s worth noting that the Hooligans didn't just appear out of nowhere. The foundation was laid by The Smeezingtons—the production trio consisting of Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, and Ari Levine. While Ari usually stays in the studio, the spirit of that production team lives on in the live band. They aren't just playing songs; they are creators who understand the DNA of the tracks.
Life on the Road: The Hooligan Lifestyle
What’s it actually like being in this group? By all accounts, it’s intense. Bruno is a notorious perfectionist. There are stories of the band rehearsing single dance steps for hours until everyone’s feet are in the exact same position. But the payoff is the chemistry.
If you watch their behind-the-scenes footage or catch them on a casual night in Vegas during their residency, you’ll see they actually hang out. They play cards, they roast each other, and they celebrate together. This isn't a manufactured boy band; it’s a group of session-quality musicians who happened to become superstars in their own right.
Dealing With Change
Occasionally, members shift or new faces join for specific tours. For example, during the Silk Sonic era (Bruno’s collaboration with Anderson .Paak), the lineup expanded to include different percussionists and background textures to fit that 70s soul vibe. However, the "Originals"—Phil, Phred, Eric, and Jamareo—remain the pillars.
People sometimes confuse the Hooligans with the members of Silk Sonic. While there is overlap, Silk Sonic is a specific project. The Hooligans are the permanent army.
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How to Spot a Member of the Hooligans
If you’re at a show and trying to figure out who are the members of the Hooligans on stage, look for these cues:
- The Uniform: They are almost always coordinated. Whether it’s tracksuits, 90s-style oversized jerseys, or tailored 70s suits, they move as a unit.
- The Vocals: Almost every member of the band provides backing vocals. This is why Bruno’s live shows sound so full—there aren't many backing tracks used. It’s all live.
- The "Hooligan" Swag: There’s a specific way they carry themselves. It’s a mix of old-school Motown professionalism and modern-day cool.
The Legacy of the Band
There’s a reason why the Hooligans have a massive fan base of their own. They’ve humanized the "pop star" image. When Bruno stands in the middle of the stage, he isn't a lonely figure spotlighted in the dark; he’s the leader of a pack.
They’ve influenced a whole new generation of musicians to realize that being in a backing band doesn't mean you have to be invisible. You can have personality. You can be a character. You can be a Hooligan.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Musicians
If you’re looking to follow the journey of these individual musicians or learn from their success, here is how you can dive deeper:
- Follow the individual socials: Most people only follow Bruno, but the Hooligans like Jamareo Artis and Philip Lawrence post incredible behind-the-scenes content regarding their gear and rehearsal processes.
- Study the arrangements: If you're a musician, listen to the live versions of "Runaway Baby" or "Perm." Notice how Phredley Brown rearranges the studio tracks to give them more "meat" for a stadium setting.
- Look for solo projects: Many of these guys have their own music. Jamareo Artis, for instance, has released solo funk and rock material that shows off a different side of his artistry.
- Watch the "24K Magic Live at the Apollo" special: This is the gold standard for seeing the Hooligans in their element. It’s a masterclass in stage presence and musicality.
The Hooligans aren't just employees. They are the heartbeat of the show. Without them, a Bruno Mars concert would still be great because of his voice, but it wouldn't have that "lightning in a bottle" feeling that keeps people coming back tour after tour. They are the proof that in the music industry, who you surround yourself with is just as important as the notes you play.