Thomas: Prince, Mars Inspired My Stage Game

Leon Thomas has revealed that he learned a great deal about performing from his experiences touring with Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. Thomas, 33, joined Mars's "The Romantic Tour" for select dates earlier in 2026, observing and taking notes on their stagecraft. He noted Mars's "meticulous" approach, often repeating songs multiple times during soundchecks to perfect tiny details, which Thomas believes contributes to memorable performances.

Thomas also learned from performing for large crowds, adapting his movements and stage presence. He mentioned relatable stage dynamics as another key takeaway. The singer shared that he and Mars bonded over their mutual admiration for Prince, whom they both consider a primary inspiration for live performance excellence. Thomas sees Prince as setting the standard for how to command a stage while playing instruments and captivating an audience.