Bruno Mars: "'Billionaire' Was Inspired By UK Recession"

19 February 2012, 11:47 | Updated: 19 February 2012, 11:50

The 'It Will Rain' star claims the hit single was created from his experience of financial troubles in London.

Bruno Mars has confessed that his and Travie McCoy's hit song 'Billionaire' was inspired by the recession in the UK.

The 'Marry You' singer told The Sun that he was visiting London at the time and got a shock when he tried exchanging his money.

"I was in London and I wanted to exchange pounds. So I gave him $500 and he basically gave me back £200. I was like 'What?! How does this work?'

"This is how the 'Billionaire' thing started out. I started humming it on the streets. Travie came along later and put his verses on it and then it hit the charts," he admitted.

The star is currently back in the UK to prepare for Tuesday's (21st February) BRIT Awards at London's O2 arena where he will be performing live and is also nominated for International Male Solo Artist.

Last weekend, Bruno performed his track 'Runaway Baby' at the 54th annual Grammy Awards and dedicated the performance to the late singer Whitney Houston.