The Weeknd’s “After Hours Till Dawn Stadium” Tour Attracts Millions, Including Students

One of the most anticipated concerts of the year, The Weeknd’s “After Hours Till Dawn Stadium” Tour welcomed thousands of fans to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium to experience an unforgettable night. After a three-year break, The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye, returned to Miami to perform with some additions from his new albums, Dawn FM and Hurry Up Tomorrow, released after his first visit.

By the time the doors at the Hard Rock Stadium opened on Aug. 16th and 17th, fans were buzzing with excitement, wearing “XO” merchandise and shiny outfits matching The Weeknd’s night aesthetic. The Weeknd’s performance, paired with the guest performances and elaborate costumes, highlighted the three-hour show through The Weeknd’s extensive discography.

The night began with a set by artist Mike Dean, a long-time collaborator of The Weeknd and the lead producer of the album Hurry Up Tomorrow. Besides Dean, the concert featured a passionate guest performance by Playboi Carti. An elaborate light show, along with hit songs like “Sky,” Timeless, and “FE!N” warmed up the crowd for The Weeknd’s entrance soon after the opening event, which prepared fans to experience the next performance.

“I think it was very worth going because I was able to see Playboi Carti, Future and the Weeknd, which for that price was amazing,” junior Chase Samole said.

When the clock struck 9 p.m. , the lights dimmed, and the first songs began playing, marking the start of the experience. The setlist was made out of hits like “Heartless,” “The Hills,” “Die For You,” “I Feel It Coming,” and other songs that composed his 41 song setlist that included many songs throughout his career as The Weeknd.

Students who have followed The Weeknd’s career over the years were able to finally see him in concert and did it just in time, as this is one of his last performances under the stage name “The Weeknd.”

“I have always liked the Weeknd so I was really happy to be there and it was my first time seeing him in concert so I enjoyed it,” junior Charlotte Levinger said.

“For me it was my first ever concert and it was really exciting because he is my favorite artist, and I think it’s just the amount of effort he puts in because for him, it’s a three and a half hour show and he barely takes any breaks and I think he really does try hard for the fans and I think that’s what really makes it special,” junior Chase Samole said.

“I would say the set was really interesting with the dancers, it had its own personal style which I thought was cool that other artists might not necessarily have,” junior Charlotte Levinger said.