Bruno Mars pays loving tribute to his late mother Bernadette at Super Bowl by putting her name across a heart on his drum kit

By Colette Fahy

PUBLISHED: 22:53 EST, 2 February 2014 | UPDATED: 07:38 EST, 3 February 2014

His mother Bernadette was only 55-years-old when she passed away in June 2013 in Hawaii from a brain aneurysm.

And Bruno Mars – who was so close to his beloved mom that he had her name tattooed on his shoulder – paid a special tribute to her during his Super Bowl Halftime performance on Sunday. 

Opening the show with a rousing drum set, a closer looked showed his kit had Bernadette's name written across in large letters on a banner across a large red heart.

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Tribute: Bruno Mars paid tribute to his late mother Bernadette, writing her name across a heart on his drum kit at the Super Bowl on Sunday

Tribute: Bruno Mars paid tribute to his late mother Bernadette, writing her name across a heart on his drum kit at the Super Bowl on Sunday

It was a sweet gesture on the biggest night of the 28-year-old’s professional life as he followed in the footsteps of superstars including Beyonce, The Black Eyed Peas and Madonna.

 

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The mother-of-six's death last year came after it was first reported she had suffered a heart attack and was being treated at the Queens Medical Centre in Honolulu.

Never forget: The dedication to his mother was visible as Bruno kicked off his performance on the drums

Never forget: The dedication to his mother was visible as Bruno kicked off his performance on the drums

However, it was later revealed to be an aneurysm.

Bruno was obviously very close to the Philippines-born Bernadette, as were his siblings Eric, who is Bruno's drummer, and his four sisters Presley, Tahiti, Tiara and Jamie.

Tragic: Bernadette passed away in 2013 from a brain aneurysm leaving Bruno devastated

Tragic: Bernadette passed away in 2013 from a brain aneurysm leaving Bruno devastated

She was divorced from his father Peter Hernandez, who was of Puerto Rican and Jewish descent.
The singer previously opened up about his childhood to Rolling Stone, talking about his family's penchant for music and dressing as Elvis as a toddler.

'I wouldn't trade it for anything,' Bruno told the magazine of singing in a family band. 'Because I feel like I can enjoy this so much.'

Sometime to celebrate: Bruno's message to his mother came on the biggest night of his professional life

Sometime to celebrate: Bruno's message to his mother came on the biggest night of his professional life

When he was four he recorded a tune he penned titled I Love You Mom, an Eighties style synth ballad in which he repeats the title and calls her 'my favourite girl'.

'My mommy helps me with my voice / cuz a superstar singer is my first choice,' he rhymes.

Tribute: Bruno, pictured with Bernadette, his brother Eric and three of his four sisters at Christmas 2012, remembered his beloved mother on his special night

Tribute: Bruno, pictured with Bernadette, his brother Eric and three of his four sisters at Christmas 2012, remembered his beloved mother on his special night

In the song, the youngster, born Peter Gene Hernandez, also talks about chores and obeying his parents.

'My parents help me out cuz I know they love me / I just wish they buy me more toys and candy.
'I always brush my teeth cuz my mommy said / I do it in the morning and right before bed.'

Close family: Bruno (bottom left) grew up as one of six children to mother Bernadette (centre)

Close family: Bruno (bottom left) grew up as one of six children to mother Bernadette (centre)


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His mother was a gorgeous woman. RIP.

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Good move by Bruno Mars, a true artist and performer.

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Those dance moves of his reminded me of Chuck Berry in his hey-day.

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He showed us that it's possible to give a great performance without shoving naked butt in audience's faces, but then of course, he has talent and didn't need to resort to smoke and mirrors like Beyoncé and Miley.

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Class move and very retro. Fits with his style. Never saw him before. I was impressed and pleased that he wasn't similar to the so called halftime shows of the last few years.

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One of THE MOST TALENTED young music artists of his time. I just love him and his music. Just pure talent.

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So proud of you, Bruno Mars. I am even more proud of the love and respect you have for your Mother and siblings. But not surprised.

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Love Bruno Mars. Gutted I missed the performance as I was asleep, and I hope to catch it on YouTube. This man has a voice like liquid chocolate, it is quite simply exquisite.

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It was the best halftime performance I've seen in a long time. Loved it!

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Bless him, great performance. Made his mother proud I'm sure!

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