The Weeknd brought his After Hours til Dawn Tour to Wembley Stadium for the first of five dates, delivering a two-hour, 39-song performance marked by dark drama and spectacle. The show opened with massive pyrotechnics, despite an emergency phone alert warning against fire risk earlier in the evening.
Post-apocalyptic stage and android centrepiece
The stage was designed as a post-apocalyptic cityscape, with a 40ft golden android rotating at the centre of a crucifix-shaped walkway. Around 30 cloaked and masked dancers performed ritualistic choreography, adding to the show's theatrical atmosphere.
Abel Tesfaye, known for his nihilistic themes and existential dread, has made this the highest-grossing tour ever by a male solo artist. Despite retirement rumours, he has already mentioned returning for a further 10 dates.
Highlights and crowd favourites
Highlights included the Daft Punk co-write Starboy, which stole the show, and Blinding Lights, which has amassed 5.5 billion Spotify streams. The Hills was accentuated by giant fireballs and red LED wristbands from the audience, while 60,000 fans sang along to House of Balloons, a track that interpolates Siouxsie and the Banshees.
Support act Playboi Carti joined Tesfaye for two features during the set. Some hits like Creepin' and Often were reduced to short snippets, giving a sense that the performer was spreading himself thin at times, but when songs were given full treatment, they caught fire.
