On a scorching day in Munich, fans braved tropical temperatures to witness a spectacular performance by Canadian R&B sensation The Weeknd (“Can’t Feel My Face”) at the Allianz Arena. The singer held no pity for the heat, delivering an astonishing two-hour show packed with 40 songs, along with an impressive display of pyrotechnics. Those fortunate enough to find the strategically placed water fountains in the partially filled arena managed to fill their cups for free amidst the heat.
In a rather autumnal appearance—complete with long pants, boots, and a military vest, initially accompanied by a mask—Abel Tesfaye, as he is known offstage, had his own method of coping with the intense heat: he rented an entire air-conditioned cinema room. Inside the Cinema-Filmtheater on Nymphenburger Straße, Tesfaye and his crew played the Japanese video game “Persona 3 Reload” on the big screen to unwind before the show.
Futurism on Stage: The Weeknd Rocks Allianz Arena
The stage design reflected a darkly futuristic aesthetic, featuring a colossal, gold-chromed female sculpture by illustrator Hajime Sorayama. This chrome-clad android exuded a cool, erotic elegance, intermittently spewing laser beams and fog. At the feet of this towering figure, 30 dancers emerged from mirrored ruins, appearing quite enviable in their golden masks and flowing red robes. During the song “Open Hearts,” they surged onto the vast, cross-shaped stage amid a black fog, reminiscent of an occult ritual. At that moment, it wouldn’t have been surprising if a new Pope had been elected right there.
The 36-year-old artist is poised to set an arena record with his three consecutive mega-shows in Munich. However, fans who had attended his last concert at the Olympic Stadium three years prior might have felt somewhat disappointed. Despite some changes to the setlist—including hits from his new album “Hurry Up Tomorrow”—the night largely followed the same formula as past shows, resembling a bakery that serves “yesterday’s good.” The “After Hours Til Dawn” tour, encompassing over 170 stops, felt flawless to the point that adjustments or innovative surprises seemed unnecessary.
Refreshing Hits Amidst the Heat
These “refreshing hits” were indeed highly enjoyable, thanks to an array of global radio hits like “Blinding Lights” (the world’s most streamed song) and “Save Your Tears.” The Canadian artist’s signature blend of dark R&B and nostalgic ’80s synth-pop consistently revolves around familiar themes: toxic love affairs, wild party nights, substances, and the melancholy of fame.
The man’s vocal prowess was evident as his voice rang crystal-clear and highly emotional during the ballad “Call Out My Name.” To ensure the sound reached even the top tiers of the stadium, the crew had installed additional speakers under the roof. After an initial bout of booming bass, the sound settled nicely after about ten songs.
Fan Fede and her friends lined up outside the arena at six in the morning. Before the show, they distributed thousands of white balloons, which the audience released into the Munich night sky at 11 PM, just before the song “House of Balloons.” This effort proved rewarding, as Fede even managed to meet her idol. “He is incredibly down-to-earth and so sweet. He personally thanked us multiple times for the balloon action,” she reported to AZ.
Pyrotechnics Galore at Allianz Arena
During “São Paulo,” the pyrotechnics team unleashed everything they had, instantly erasing any momentary relief brought by the evening breeze. As the night progressed, “Take My Breath” had Tesfaye energizing the crowd, encouraging everyone to jump in unison. Breathers only occurred when the star, with crossed arms, smiled into the audience, soaking up their enthusiastic applause. He even paused to grant autographs to two stunned fans during “I Feel It Coming,” and sang into the face of one ecstatic attendant during “Out of Time.”
However, those expecting a traditional pyrotechnic finale after the hit “Moth To A Flame” were in for a disappointment: the concluding fireworks were canceled due to the risk of damaging the arena’s delicate air-filled roof.
As for whether this performance marked the last appearance of the megastar in the city, a cryptic line added to “Save Your Tears” hinted at a potential farewell: “Just one more year, then I disappear,” he sang while ominously pointing at the camera. Fans eager to catch the Canadian before what could be his last show should act quickly; some tickets remain for the second and third concerts.
