The Weeknd brought his highly anticipated After Hours ‘til Dawn Tour to the DMV this weekend with an incredible performance at Northwest Stadium. The Canadian singer and actor is touring in promotion of his sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which he released in January. Born Abel Tesfaye, The Weeknd has become one of the most popular stars of the decade, with hits including “Blinding Lights” and “Starboy”. The After Hours ‘til Dawn Tour began in 2022 after facing delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and has continued through the release of two additional albums. Tesfaye has begun phasing out the use of the name “The Weeknd” and has hinted in interviews that this tour could be the last tour under the moniker.
The After Hours ‘til Dawn Tour features opening performances by producer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Dean and Playboi Carti. Mike Dean began his career in the 1980s, working with artists including Selena and Scarface. He performed a brief DJ set to kick things off. His musical style used heavy synths and had a futuristic, sci-fi feel to it. Playboi Carti continued the night with a highly energetic set. Despite getting off to a late start, Playboi Carti had the crowd on their feet during his time on stage. Performing five songs, his set was on the shorter side, but he reappeared during The Weeknd’s set to perform two of their songs together.
The Weeknd emerged in a sea of red-clad dancers donning metallic masks. The Weeknd also wore a metallic mask, but his eyes were obscured with glowing lights in their place. The beginning of the show incorporated uncanny valley elements with the costuming and choreography, offset by his melodic, soulful singing.
The stage spanned the length of the arena, with wings extending to the sides in a cross shape. Tesfaye performed at various points across the stage, allowing everyone in the stadium to see him up close. The center of the stage featured a gilded statue of a woman, which rotated to face Tesfaye as he moved to each wing of the stage. Tesfaye shouted out the DMV several times throughout the evening, making sure to equally acknowledge fans from DC, Maryland, Virginia and even Delaware.
One of several stadium tours traveling the country this summer, The Weeknd’s After Hours ‘til Dawn Tour is a masterclass in scaling up a show for a larger crowd while still connecting with fans on a personal level. Expert visuals and incredible vocals made for a truly unforgettable evening. The After Hours ‘til Dawn Tour will continue the fifth and final leg of tour through September.
Final grade: A+
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