Jeff Dingle has travelled the world and brushed arms with celebrities- all thanks to his career as a Bruno Mars tribute act.
The 40-year-old grew up in LA but he now calls himself as an “honorary Geordie without the accent” as he now resides in Gateshead.
He is regarded as one of the best Bruno Mars tribute acts in the UK and even appeared on the BBC tribute competition ‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’.
Jeff started his singing career as a wedding singer.
One day the bride asked him to sing Mars’ song ‘Just The Way You Are’ one day and he was scouted by a tribute artist agency.
Dingle is also a massive fan of Mars, adding: “He is an amazing talent who appeals to all ages. I just don’t think there are any other acts or bands out there that I could pay tribute to.”
Jeff has often been mistaken for the singer and people in the street would remark on how much he looked like him
Jeff added: “They would discreetly try and take a picture of me thinking I was actually him.”
He also remarked that the audience have high praise for his act- some even say this his performance is better than the real Bruno’s.
Jeff added: “This is something I can’t agree with as I don’t think anyone can top the real Bruno Mars- he is so talented.
“However, I’m very grateful for the compliment.”
Becoming Bruno Mars didn’t come easily. Jeff spent months studying the singer’s mannerisms and movements, even focusing on how Bruno angles his head during ballads.
He said: “If you’re going to be a tribute act, it’s important to make sure you look and sound the part- and also have the right moves as well.”
Jeff on stage (Photo: Instagram/@jeff_dingle)
He has had many notable experiences throughout his career as a tribute act, performing on both large international stages and smaller ones in Pontins and Butlins.
He was even a support act for singers Pixie Lott and Shane Ward.
Despite his extensive career, Jeff’s most memorable moments aren’t the free gifts or paid holidays, but the impact he has had on the younger generation.
He said: “Parents would tell me how I have inspired their kids to take up dancing and singing- I would class those little moments and memories as some of my favourites.
“To me it means I have done my job correctly.”
To view more about Jeff’s act- or to book him for yourself- visit pureentertainmentgroup.com.
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