Pitbull's Fans Embrace Clone Culture at Concerts Worldwide

London buzzed with excitement this week as fans of Pitbull flooded the streets, their distinctive attire making them hard to miss. Clad in white shirts, black ties, and sporting bald caps, these enthusiastic concert-goers were on their way to the O2 Arena, ready to experience the Miami superstar live.

However, a closer look revealed that the iconic Mr. Worldwide wasn’t actually in attendance; instead, a sea of clones had taken over the city. The goatees? Drawn on. The bald heads? Just clever headgear, not the result of a fresh shave.

With over two decades in the music industry, Pitbull has solidified his status as a party staple. Hits like "Hotel Room Service," "Timber," and "Give Me Everything" have become essential tracks for celebrations across the globe. The phenomenon of look-alikes began to emerge at his concerts post-pandemic, with fans increasingly embracing the clone culture.

"Maybe out of 20,000 people coming to the show, 30,000 coming to show, you'll see a thousand," he remarked about the growing trend.

But London marked a turning point. "We jumped the pond and we ended up in London and it was just something else," he shared after a recent performance. "It was definitely a whole new movement, took it to a whole new level."

This clone phenomenon has shifted from a quirky minority to a vibrant majority. Unlike typical celebrity look-alike contests that focus on physical resemblance, this movement emphasizes energy and spirit. Interestingly, most of those dressed as Pitbull at the concert were women, affectionately dubbed "Pitbelles."

On their way to North Greenwich, these fans danced outside the arena for hours before the show, grooving to a live DJ set. They snapped photos in front of a giant Pitbull poster and colored in goatees on each other’s faces before donning their sunglasses. Rebecca Petrie and Jamie Lee Hart traveled from Scotland for the event, noting that women seem more inclined to embrace the dress-up culture.

"Women are more brave," Hart stated, a sentiment that resonates with Pitbull. He values the presence of women in his audience, attributing it to lessons learned from his mother about being a gentleman who knows how to enjoy life.

Social media was abuzz with videos from Pitbull's London show in February, showcasing numerous look-alikes dancing to hits like "On the Floor" and "Fireball." When tickets for additional shows in June went on sale, fans understood the unspoken dress code: join in or risk standing out.

The arena floor transformed into a sea of bald caps, while the stands resembled an unconventional school trip with rows of mismatched formal attire. "If you're going to go to a Pitbull concert you need to really feel his energy and you can't do that without a bald cap and a suit," said attendee Keeley James Elliot, posing with inflatable globes inspired by Mr. Worldwide.

As Pitbull continues his tour through Europe with stops in Paris, Prague, and Poland before returning to the U.S., fans can expect similar scenes at each venue. His journey will take him to South Dakota, Las Vegas, and even the Iowa State Fair before heading to Australia in October. The 305 area code may represent South Florida, but its influence stretches far beyond.

Pitbull is not just an artist; he’s an admirer of his fans’ creativity and enthusiasm. "To have people out here feeling that good dressed up as me — man, unbelievable," he expressed, highlighting his appreciation for their spirited efforts.