The Weeknd is one of the most popular R&B and pop artists today. His concerts are highly anticipated events that attract tens of thousands of passionate fans. But how long can fans expect The Weeknd’s concerts to last? Let’s take a look at some key details surrounding his live shows.
Typical Setlist Length
For his current After Hours Til Dawn tour, The Weeknd has been performing massive setlists spanning his entire discography. His shows typically include around 30 songs, which is quite lengthy compared to other major pop acts. This allows him to touch on hits from throughout his career.
Here’s an example setlist from a recent show in Chicago:
Alone Again |
Gasoline |
Sacrifice |
How Do I Make You Love Me? |
Can’t Feel My Face |
Take My Breath |
Hurricane |
The Morning |
Starboy |
Heartless |
Low Life |
Or Nah |
Often |
Crew Love |
Blinding Lights |
In Your Eyes |
Save Your Tears |
I Feel It Coming |
Is There Someone Else? |
I Can’t Feel My Face |
Wicked Games |
Call Out My Name |
The Hills |
Die For You |
Earned It |
House of Balloons |
Blinding Lights (Remix) |
As you can see, his setlists are jam-packed with smash hits and fan favorites spanning his catalog. He aims to give concertgoers a career-spanning musical journey.
Average Set Length
With so many songs to get through, The Weeknd’s concerts routinely last around 2 hours and 15 minutes. The setlists above would take about that long for him to perform fully with brief breaks between songs.
Some shows have edged closer to 2 and a half hours as he’s added or extended certain songs. But 2 hours and 15 minutes seems to be the typical benchmark for his current tour’s set length.
Factors Impacting Show Length
Several factors may cause the length of The Weeknd’s concerts to vary slightly in either direction:
- Crowd engagement – If the audience is highly energetic, he may feed off that vibe and extend certain songs or add surprises.
- Tour milestone shows – For special concerts like tour openers or homecomings, he may make the show extra memorable with a longer setlist.
- Technical issues – Any unforeseen production problems could force the show to start late or require pauses, resulting in a shorter overall runtime.
But under normal circumstances, fans can count on being on their feet for over 2 thrilling hours of Abel Tesfaye’s hit-packed show.
Set Design and Production
The Weeknd concerts are just as much a visual feast as an audio one. No expenses are spared to make his live shows a fully immersive theatrical experience.
Lighting
Dynamic lighting is essential to the mood of The Weeknd’s moody R&B concerts. His stage lighting contains effects like:
- Lasers that pierce through smoke to accentuate intense beats.
- Neon and ultraviolet lights that give an edge to uptempo songs.
- Simple white spotlights that isolate him during emotional ballads.
- Backlit LED panels shifting colors along with the music.
As the set progresses through highs and lows, the lighting transforms accordingly to match each song’s vibe.
Video Displays
Massive high-definition LED video walls amplify the visual intensity behind The Weeknd. The screens display custom-made content including:
- Abstract swirling graphics during instrumentals.
- Montages of nighttime cityscapes.
- Clips and names from his music videos.
- Extreme close-ups of his face as he sings intensely.
These vivid video elements take the audience inside the dark world of his music.
Pyrotechnics
Fiery pyrotechnic effects punctuate The Weeknd’s biggest anthemic bangers. Bursts of flames and fireworks synchronize perfectly with songs like “Blinding Lights” and “The Hills” for explosive results. Fans in the front rows can feel the heat from these immersive fire effects.
Other Elements
The Weeknd also utilizes other special effects to create a memorable arena spectacle:
- CO2 cannons blast freezing carbon dioxide vapor for dramatic effect.
- Confetti showers rain down on cheering fans at climactic moments.
- Dancers join him during upbeat songs to supply choreographed routines.
- Hydraulic platforms lift him above the crowd for iconic songs.
Every minute detail is by designed to amplify the concert experience and transport fans into his one-of-a-kind musical universe. The production levels match his soaring vocals.
Band and Crew
In order to pull off a massive arena tour, The Weeknd travels with a talented crew that operates behind the scenes.
Band Members
While The Weeknd’s vocals are the centerpiece, he’s backed by an excellent live band that brings extra energy and instrumentation. The musicians play instruments like:
- Guitar
- Bass
- Drums
- Keyboard
- Synthesizer
- Percussion
These skilled performers recreate the lush sonic textures of his hit records, allowing the songs to truly come alive.
Dancers
A troupe of approximately 12 dancers joins The Weeknd during certain songs to supply synchronized choreography. Their smooth moves complement his charismatic stage presence.
Crew Members
Behind the scenes, dozens of hardworking crew members make sure the complex concert production runs smoothly:
- Lighting technicians – Operate state-of-the-art lighting rigs and effects.
- Set builders – Assemble the elaborate stage and video systems.
- Sound engineers – Mix live audio and ensure optimum sound quality.
- Stage managers – Oversee the crew and coordinate timing for the show.
- Security team – Maintain safety procedures for massive crowds.
The tireless work of these professionals results in a high-caliber arena concert experience for The Weeknd’s fans.
The Weeknd Concert Experience
After absorbing all this information, you’re probably wondering – what’s it actually like to attend one of The Weeknd’s concerts? Let’s summarize the elements that make his shows such a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.
Electric Energy
From the instant The Weeknd takes the stage, a palpable jolt of energy ripples through the arena. The crowd roars in screams and applause as they welcome their idol. When he launches into smash hits like “Blinding Lights,” the energy becomes truly electric. His shows have the feel of epic celebrations.
Dramatic Theatrics
The Weeknd uses the massive scale of stadium venues to create a sense of theater and drama. Dazzling lasers cut through the air, explosions rock the room, and huge video projections transport you inside the music. Every song sounds and looks larger than life.
Nonstop Hits
With his catalog of iconic songs spanning an entire decade, The Weeknd delivers hit after hit to satisfy fans. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a lull in the show, as one anthem seamlessly transitions to the next. Stadium-sized renditions of smashes like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “Earned It” will give you chills.
Soaring Vocals
Above all, The Weeknd’s legendary voice ties the show together. His angelic falsetto and smooth tone translate beautifully live. When he reaches for sky-high notes to climax a song, it’s truly goosebump-inducing. His raw vocal talent shines.
Personal Connection
Seeing photos or videos of The Weeknd on tour can’t compare to being there. During his deeper album cuts and more sensual jams, he’ll forge an intimate bond with the crowd. It feels like he’s singing directly to every individual fan.
Conclusion
The Weeknd has arguably become one of the strongest live performers in pop music today. With his strong catalog of hits, stunning production values, and one-of-a-kind voice, he creates an unforgettable experience for concertgoers. His talents keep fans fixated and transported for over two nonstop hours of entertainment. Attending one of his shows represents the ultimate opportunity for fans to connect with their idol and immerse themselves in his captivating world. Based on his level of artistry and work ethic, The Weeknd will likely only continue honing his live skills and raising the bar for future tours.