The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour thrilled Vancouver fans at B.C. Place with fire, lasers, and massive hits in a sold-out stadium show.
Electric Energy Fills B.C. Place as The Weeknd Takes Stage
Vancouver pulsed with anticipation as fans poured into B.C. Place on a warm summer night, July 14, for the first of two shows on The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour. Nearly every seat in the stadium was filled. The air was thick with excitement—and smoke, as pyrotechnics signaled the arrival of Canada’s most enigmatic pop export, Abel Tesfaye.
A Visual Spectacle from the Moment It Began
The show opened with surreal visuals: a golden humanoid statue towering over the stage, crimson lighting washing over a faux-apocalyptic skyline, and dancers in red veils moving like shadows through flame. As lasers carved through the air and flames erupted from the stage, The Weeknd emerged wearing his now-iconic mask, ready to take the crowd on a 40-song journey through his musical evolution.
An Icon’s Soundtrack to the End of the World
Performing hits like Starboy, and Blinding Lights, The Weeknd wove his signature synth-laced, R&B-drenched sound through an immersive visual story. His live vocals were sharp and ethereal, and during emotional tracks like The Hills, the crowd’s chorus echoed through the stadium. He frequently shouted out “Vancouver” between songs, feeding off the deafening cheers and creating a loop of electric energy.
Setback Turns to Spotlight as Opener Misses Show
Originally slated to open the night was rapper Playboi Carti, who missed the performance due to border-related issues. That left The Weeknd with the full spotlight—and he didn’t waste a second. From the side runways to the flaming center stage, he pushed harder, delivering solo what usually takes two to electrify.
The Story Behind the Starboy
Born in Toronto to Ethiopian immigrant parents, The Weeknd began releasing music anonymously on YouTube in 2010. His moody, genre-blurring sound quickly attracted Drake and major labels. Over the years, he’s become a global phenomenon, selling out stadiums, winning Grammys, headlining the Super Bowl, and now, potentially retiring his musical persona. Rumors swirled during the show, as visuals hinted at an ending or transformation—smashing through walls, burning cities, and moments of eerie stillness amid chaos.
Mixed Moments but Undeniable Talent
Though some mid-tempo tracks dragged and his newer material received a lukewarm response, highlights like Take My Breath and Less Than Zero jolted the crowd to their feet. The ’80s-inspired synth solos and fire-timed beats brought dancers and fans into one collective rhythm. Still, a few listeners seemed restless during slower numbers like Heartless.
The Future of The Weeknd.
As Tesfaye has hinted that this could be his final tour as The Weeknd, the show in Vancouver may be remembered not just for its firepower, but for marking the end of an era. If that’s the case, his exit is nothing short of spectacular. For now, fans await night two at B.C. Place—and whatever rebirth might follow.
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