The anticipation in the air was palpable as fans gathered (5 October), buzzing with excitement after three amazing openers of the night: Anna Lunoe, Chxrry22 and Mike Dean. Fans were even more excited after the support acts for The Weeknd to arrive onstage.
With his last visit to Australia being more than five years ago, and this current tour having being rescheduled due to undisclosed circumstances, it was a concert that had been highly anticipated and waited by many for months!
The show's production was insanely beautiful, resembling a theatrical performance. The colour palette of red and blue as well as alluring background visuals fitting perfectly with The Weeknd's album themes and music, creating a stunning visual feast.
The subtle haze in the air added to the atmosphere, giving the stadium a sense of balance and depth that made the experience even more immersive. The stage was a huge catwalk from one end to the other – to make sure each corner of the stadium had the best view possible.
The Weeknd - image © Rick CliffordFinally hearing so many of The Weeknd's hits performed live with a full band was definitely an experience that gave me goosebumps, that's for sure. Performing his smash hits from his career and fan favourites, including 'Starboy' and 'Can't Feel My Face', he created an unforgettable atmosphere.
Setting the tone right for the rest of the show, he started off strong with his single 'Take My Breath', beginning with a slow verse that captivated the audience. As the beat slowly rose, the crowd embraced The Weeknd right in front of their eyes, creating an electric connection that filled the stadium.
Throughout the night, The Weeknd interacted beautifully with the crowd, making each person feel like they were part of something special. At one point, he managed to get every person jumping to the music, and I felt the floor shake like an earthquake! It was a moment of pure joy and unity, as thousands of fans danced together, immersed in the rhythm of the night.
His vocals were absolutely superb. I was shocked at how well he performed live, especially in front of thousands of people in a stadium with a capacity of 50,000-plus. Each note he hit resonated with the audience, and it was clear he poured his heart and soul into every performance. The energy in the stadium was infectious, and I found myself singing along and dancing to every song, lost in the moment.
'Blinding Lights' is another hit of The Weeknd's the audience and myself were looking forward to hearing. He did not disappoint. The crowd immediately began cheering as loud as was possible as the first seconds of the song came on.
When he performed his new song 'Dancing In The Flames', which was released in September, the energy reached new heights! The anticipation for this song was unmistakable, and as he sang the catchy chorus the entire stadium erupted with excitement, singing along with every word. It was a moment that truly showcased his growth as an artist and left fans buzzing with energy, making the night even more memorable.
The Weeknd - image © Rick CliffordThe Weeknd's ability to connect with his audience is truly remarkable. He shared moments within songs to mention how much he's enjoyed being with everybody, giving fans a glimpse into his life and the inspiration behind his music. This personal touch made the concert feel intimate, despite the massive venue.
The way he engaged with the crowd, encouraging them to sing-along and dance, created a sense of community that is often hard to find at stadium concerts. As the night drew to a close, The Weeknd left us with a powerful message of love and connection, reminding everyone he will be back very soon.
The encore was a breathtaking finale, with stunning visuals and an unforgettable performance that had everyone on their feet. It was a night to remember, and I left the stadium feeling exhilarated and grateful for the experience.
The Weeknd's concert was not just a show; it was an experience that showcased his incredible talent and ability to connect with his fans. Along with the stunning production to the powerful vocals, every aspect of the night was unforgettable, solidifying his status as one of the best performers of our time. It was clear everyone in attendance felt lucky to witness such a remarkable show.
