March 19, 2026

A Global Empire: Bruno Mars and Avex Music Group Strike Major Publishing Deal

Bruno Mars has entered a global publishing partnership with Avex Music Group, linking up with a company that has been expanding its reach outside Japan. The agreement gives Avex the responsibility of managing the business of the songs Mars writes during the deal. This includes paying royalties and licensing the songs to different markets.

That role will begin once his current publishing agreement with BMG/Warner Chappell comes to an end. The setup allows both sides to move forward without interrupting any ongoing work tied to his catalog.

Avex’s Vision: Expanding the Mars Footprint

Executives see the partnership as a long-term move. CEO Katsumi Kuroiwa described Mars as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, pointing to a track record built on global hits. Avex Music Group CEO Brandon Silverstein shared a similar view, saying the company plans to support Mars' future releases while helping his songs reach more listeners worldwide.

The deal also reflects how Avex has been building its presence beyond its home market. The company runs its global music operations from Tokyo and Los Angeles, covering publishing, recorded music, artist management, and catalog deals. It works with hundreds of artists and represents a wide range of groups, showing the scale it has built over time

Billion-Dollar Backing and Chart-Topping Stats

Annual revenue has passed a billion dollar, supported by activities that include touring, merchandise, animation, and talent development. Large tours across Asia for artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber show how the company connects international acts with audiences in the region. That kind of setup matters when working with a global artist.

Mars enters this partnership with strong momentum. He has earned 10 No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including "I Just Might," which reached the top spot earlier this year. The track comes from his latest album The Romantic, his first full release since 24K Magic in 2016. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 186,000 units. Does a long gap between albums slow him down? The numbers suggest otherwise.

A major tour ahead

Recent collaborations have kept him visible across different audiences. His duet "Die With A Smile" with Lady Gaga became a global hit, while his feature on Rosé's "APT" picked up Grammy nominations for record and song of the year. These projects show how he continues to work across genres instead of relying only on solo releases. Why stick to one lane when you can reach several?

Plans for the Romantic tour add another layer to that momentum. The tour begins in April and is expected to be one of the biggest live events of 2026. Demand for those shows lines up well with Avex's experience in organizing large-scale tours, especially across Asia. And with that kind of demand, who wouldn't want a partner that already knows how to handle crowds at that scale?

Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars

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Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars
Followers: 80.3M

Born Peter Gene Hernandez in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bruno Mars is a 16-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and world-class showman. From his 2010 debut with Doo-Wops & Hooligans to hits like "Uptown Funk" and "24K Magic," he has redefined modern pop with a retro-soul flair. In 2026, he released his fourth solo album, The Romantic, featuring the #1 single "I Just Might." With over 200 million singles sold, Mars remains a dominant force in music.

Key 2026 Tour Dates 🏟️

The tour is visiting major stadiums throughout North America and Europe. Here are some of the key stops:

DateLocationVenue 
April 10-11Las Vegas, NVAllegiant Stadium
May 9-10Detroit, MIFord Field
May 16-17Chicago, ILSoldier Field
May 20Columbus, OHOhio Stadium
May 23-30Toronto, ONRogers Stadium
July 18-28London, UKWembley Stadium
Aug 21-26E. Rutherford, NJMetLife Stadium
Sept 23San Antonio, TXAlamodome
2.1 M

Bruno Mars’ next tour, The Romantic Tour, sold 2.1 million tickets in one day on Ticketmaster, breaking a record. The tour starts in April and ends in October. It will visit cities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the U.K. His new album, “The Romantic,” comes out on February 27, 2026. The first single, “I Just Might,” came out on Friday.

New Video. New Album. New Chapter
Trivia
Q? What is the real name of the wrestler who inspired Mars' stage name "Bruno"?
Bruno Sammartino as WWWF Champion
Bruno Sammartino as WWWF Champion
By The Numbers: The Bruno Mars & Avex Powerhouse
CategoryKey Metric / Detail
New Album PerformanceThe Romantic (2026) – Debuted at #1 on Billboard 200
First-Week Sales186,000 units (Highest solo debut since 24K Magic)
Chart Dominance10 No. 1 Hits on Billboard Hot 100 (including "I Just Might")
Tour Demand2.1 Million tickets sold in a single day for The Romantic Tour
Partner RevenueAvex Music Group annual revenue exceeds $1 Billion
Global ReachOperations spanning Tokyo, Los Angeles, and London
Recent HonorsGrammy Nominations for "Record of the Year" ("APT" with Rosé)
Strategic MarketsFocused expansion into Asia-Pacific and North American touring