The Weeknd review: "The Stadium Spectacular"

Editor Stephen Hill 12th June 2026

The Weeknd delivered an unforgettable performance at Manchester's Etihad Stadium on Thursday night, captivating over 40,000 fans with his highly acclaimed After Hours Til Dawn Tour. This visually stunning spectacle, which has become a hallmark of the tour, marked another triumphant return for the artist, also known as Abel Tesfaye. 

Since the first show in Philadelphia last July, the tour has proven to be a remarkable success, recently crossing the $1 billion dollar mark in revenue and selling over 7.5 million tickets across 153 shows, making it the highest-grossing tour by a male solo artist to date.

The elaborate production set the stage for an immersive experience that echoed a post-apocalyptic theme, featuring a backdrop of golden ruins and intricate golden rings suspended from ramps. A striking centerpiece was a colossal gold statue, inspired by Hajime Sorayama's robotic artwork and enhanced with dramatic lighting effects, which dominated the staging and added to the show's grandeur.

From the very beginning, The Weeknd's performance drew the audience into his dark, theatrical world. He opened the show donning a long, black trench coat and a mask that obscured his eyes, launching into the haunting "Baptised in Fear." Accompanied by a troupe of 30 dancers clad in red robes and glowing masks, the performance set an electrifying tone for the night.

As the concert progressed, a palpable energy filled the air, particularly during the euphoric medley that had fans singing along to hits like "After Hours," "Starboy," and "Heartless." The artist's charisma shone through as he removed his mask to thunderous applause, eager to connect with his audience. "First show of the tour, we need to set the tone tonight, right?" he confidently asked, igniting a wave of enthusiasm throughout the stadium.

The setlist was nothing short of impressive, featuring 37 tracks that spanned his career. The Weeknd's vocal deliveries remained consistently powerful, even as he moved around the extensive stage, engaging with fans in every corner of the venue. Highlights included a dance-inducing performance of "How Do I Make You Love Me," a gripping rendition of "The Hills," and a dynamic collaboration with Playboi Carti on "Timeless." As fireworks lit up the Manchester skyline, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch, encapsulating the celebratory spirit of the night. The Weeknd's After Hours Til Dawn Tour is not just a concert; it's a breathtaking experience that showcases his artistry and commitment to delivering an unparalleled show. Fans are undoubtedly left wanting more as the tour continues with even more performances to come.