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5 Shocking Facts About Eric "E-Panda" Hernandez: The Drumming Brother Who Keeps Bruno Mars' Beat

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Few musical partnerships are as tight-knit as a family bond, and in the world of pop and R&B, no duo exemplifies this more than Peter Gene Hernandez (better known as Bruno Mars) and his older brother, Eric Hernandez. As of late 2025, Eric "E-Panda" Hernandez remains the rhythmic backbone of Bruno Mars’ sound, holding down the drum kit for the Grammy-winning band, The Hooligans, and performing in the highly anticipated Las Vegas residency shows scheduled well into the new year. This dynamic professional relationship, built on decades of shared musical history, is far more than just a family favor; it's a foundation for one of the biggest acts in modern music.

While Bruno Mars commands the spotlight with his charismatic stage presence, it is the powerful, precise, and funky drumming of his brother that drives the energy behind hits like "Uptown Funk" and "24K Magic." Eric's unique blend of classic funk, R&B, and rock influences has cemented his status as a world-class percussionist in his own right, proving that talent runs deep in the Hernandez family. His story is a fascinating look at a professional musician who achieved success not just alongside his famous sibling, but through a dedicated, lifelong commitment to his craft.

Eric "E-Panda" Hernandez: A Complete Biography and Profile

Eric Hernandez, known professionally as "E-Panda," is an accomplished American drummer, musician, and the elder brother of global superstar Bruno Mars. His career is intrinsically linked to his brother's phenomenal success, yet his own musical journey began long before The Hooligans were formed. He is celebrated for his tight groove, dynamic stage presence, and his crucial role in defining the live sound of Bruno Mars' music.

  • Full Name: Eric Michael Hernandez
  • Nickname/Moniker: E-Panda
  • Date of Birth: 1976
  • Age (as of 2025): Approximately 49 years old
  • Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: Puerto Rican and Filipino descent
  • Parents: Peter Hernandez (Father) and Bernadette San Pedro Bayot (Mother, deceased)
  • Siblings: Peter Gene "Bruno Mars" Hernandez, Jaime Kailani, Tiara, Tahiti, and Presley Hernandez.
  • Primary Instrument: Drums/Percussion
  • Signature Gear: PDP Eric Hernandez Signature Snare Drum (4x13 inch)
  • Current Role: Drummer for The Hooligans (Bruno Mars' band)
  • Key Projects: All Bruno Mars studio albums (Doo-Wops & Hooligans, Unorthodox Jukebox, 24K Magic), Super Bowl Halftime Shows (2014, 2016).

The Hooligans' Rhythmic Core: Eric's Professional Journey

Eric Hernandez’s path to becoming an internationally recognized drummer was paved with years of dedication in Hawaii, where he grew up in a highly musical environment.

A Family of Musicians: The Hernandez Legacy

The Hernandez family is a musical dynasty. Their father, Peter Hernandez, was a percussionist and a major influence on Eric and Bruno. Their mother, Bernadette, was a hula dancer.

Eric started playing drums at the remarkably young age of four, soaking up the diverse musical styles that permeated their home.

Before Bruno Mars became a global phenomenon, Eric was already a professional drummer, playing in various bands and honing his craft in Los Angeles. This early experience gave him a professional discipline that was invaluable when his younger brother’s career took off.

The family's musical talent extended to his sisters—Jaime Kailani, Tiara, Tahiti, and Presley Hernandez—who formed their own girl group, The Lylas, for a period.

The Birth of The Hooligans and the "E-Panda" Persona

When Bruno Mars began forming his backing band, The Hooligans, Eric was the natural choice for the drum seat. His rhythmic versatility was the perfect match for Bruno's eclectic sound, which fuses pop, R&B, funk, soul, and reggae.

The moniker "E-Panda" came about early in his career and has stuck, often used to refer to his signature drumming style—a tight, powerful, and groovy beat that is instantly recognizable on tracks like "Treasure" and "Locked Out of Heaven."

Eric's role is more than just a drummer; he is a key collaborator and a trusted confidant, providing a stable, familiar presence for Bruno on the road and in the studio.

The Modern Drummer: Eric's 2025 Career and Signature Style

Unlike many session musicians who rotate projects, Eric Hernandez's career is defined by his unwavering commitment to Bruno Mars and The Hooligans. His current activity is centered on the continuation of Bruno Mars' high-profile residencies and exclusive performances.

Current Status: The 2025 Las Vegas Residency

As of late 2025, Eric "E-Panda" Hernandez is actively performing with Bruno Mars in his long-running Las Vegas residency at the Dolby Live at Park MGM.

The residency, which has been consistently extended due to popular demand, includes a series of shows scheduled throughout 2025, with dates in May, August, and even New Year’s Eve.

This continuous, high-energy performance schedule showcases Eric's enduring stamina and his ability to deliver a flawless, high-impact show night after night. His presence on stage is a guarantee of the authentic Hooligans sound.

Signature Gear and Influences

Eric's sound is heavily influenced by funk and R&B drumming legends. He is known for his signature tight snare sound and his use of a hybrid acoustic-electronic drum setup.

He is so dedicated to his specific sound that he collaborated with Drum Workshop to create his own signature snare drum: the PDP Eric Hernandez Signature Snare Drum, measuring 4x13 inches. This small, shallow snare is key to achieving the sharp, cracking backbeat heard on many of Bruno Mars' biggest hits.

His use of electronic pads, such as the Roland SPD-S Sampling Percussion Pad, allows him to trigger samples and effects, seamlessly blending traditional drumming with modern pop production. This hybrid approach is a hallmark of the 24K Magic era sound.

5 Facts That Define Eric "E-Panda" Hernandez

  1. He is Bruno Mars’ Older Brother: Eric is the eldest of the six Hernandez children, predating Bruno Mars (Peter Gene Hernandez) by several years. This seniority often places him in a protective and leadership role within the family and the band.
  2. He Was a Professional Drummer First: Eric’s career was established before Bruno’s solo fame. He had been playing professionally and doing session work, bringing a wealth of experience to The Hooligans from day one.
  3. He Has a Signature Drum: Eric has a signature snare drum with PDP, a testament to his distinct and influential drumming style. The 4x13-inch size is crucial for the tight, high-pitched funk sound he favors.
  4. He is The Hooligans’ Only Constant Drummer: Since the band’s formation, Eric has been the sole drummer, a rarity for a band that tours and records constantly at a global level. His consistency is key to the band's recognizable sound.
  5. He Co-Founded The Lylas: Along with his sisters—Jaime, Tiara, Tahiti, and Presley—Eric was involved in the early stages of their girl group, The Lylas, showcasing his deep commitment to supporting his family’s musical ambitions, even before The Hooligans took off.
bruno mars brother
bruno mars brother

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