Bruno Mars seeks advice from Lionel Richie.

The "Grenade" hitmaker is a big fan of the 63-year-old singer and after going to see one of his live shows, he asked the "Hello" star for tips on career longevity. "The new generation are discovering that guys like me can do melodies. Bruno Mars is a killer for melodies and lyrics, and he came to my show. He asked me afterwards: 'Can you tell me how you do it?' and I said, 'Don't worry, you're doing just fine.' These new guys are hungry for longevity. Daft Punk's album shares some of that R&B sound, and they know it's all about writing great songs," Richie said.

Lionel admitted he never expected his songs to stay relevant and was worried about becoming a "laughing stock" with some of his material in the 1970s and 80s: "The words of 'Three Times A Lady' apply in 2013 just as they did in 1978, but at the time disco was happening and I was worried about being a laughing stock."

It was announced yesterday that Lionel will perform at Heart in the Park, the final night of the 10-day music, art and sport spectacular British Summer Time Hyde Park. He will be joined at the London show by artists including Jennifer Lopez, Nile Rodgers, Eliza Doolittle and Stooshe. Speaking about the gig, Lionel said, "Hyde Park is as big as it gets, and you'll have total hit power on that stage."