Bruno Mars Appointed as 2026 Record Store Day Ambassador
As he prepares for a monumental year defined by a new studio album and an expansive world tour, Bruno Mars has been officially named the global ambassador for Record Store Day 2026. The annual celebration of independent music retailers is set to take place on April 18.
The announcement, made on Friday (Jan. 30), positions Mars as the face of the event just as he readies the release of his highly anticipated LP, The Romantic, arriving February 27 via Atlantic Records. By taking on this mantle, Mars joins an elite lineage of previous ambassadors, including Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam, Paramore, and Post Malone.
Reflecting on the unique allure of physical media, Mars shared his passion for the record store experience. “There is something transformative about immersing yourself in a physical space dedicated to music,” he noted. “I love being surrounded by the tangible art—not just scrolling through a screen or hitting a download button. Seeing the craftsmanship of the covers and the rows of records inspires my own creativity.”
To celebrate the partnership, Mars is coordinating a massive nationwide event. On February 25, over 200 independent record stores across the United States will host exclusive listening parties for The Romantic, offering fans an early preview of the album two days before its official debut. The buzz surrounding the project is already at a fever pitch; the lead single, “I Just Might,” recently secured the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks, marking Mars’ tenth career number-one hit.
In addition to the album launch, Mars will contribute a special title to the 2026 RSD release roster: The Collaborations. This compilation highlights his most iconic joint efforts, featuring the global smash “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson, the chart-topping “Die With A Smile” featuring Lady Gaga, and his recent viral hit “APT.” with ROSÉ. This follows his history of RSD support, which includes the 2012 release of The Grenade Sessions and the first-ever vinyl pressing of his It’s Better If You Don’t Understand EP.
The ambassadorial duties come amidst a packed schedule for the superstar. Mars is slated to perform at the 2026 Grammy Awards on February 1, where he is a top contender for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. This follows a successful 2025 ceremony where he earned his 16th Grammy for his work with Lady Gaga. Shortly after Record Store Day, he will launch his Romantic Tour with a massive opening night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Fans can view the full list of participating retailers and upcoming special releases on the official Record Store Day website.
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