The Weeknd declares Vegas as muse behind ‘After Hours’ trilogy at sold-out Allegiant Stadium show

Las Vegas, NV – In a moment that sent 65,000 fans into a frenzy at Allegiant Stadium on July 5, The Weeknd dramatically removed his signature mask to reveal himself as Abel Tesfaye, then delivered a confession that resonated throughout the venue: Las Vegas was the creative catalyst behind his acclaimed album trilogy.

A transformation before their eyes

The revelation came during “Faith,” a deeply personal track chronicling the artist’s struggles with addiction and heartbreak. As the song reached its emotional peak, The Weeknd modified the lyrics from “I lost my faith” to “I think I found my faith in Nevada,” before peeling away the sleek mask that had concealed his identity throughout the opening performance.

The response was immediate and overwhelming – perhaps the loudest ovation in Allegiant Stadium’s five-year history. The artist appeared genuinely moved, covering his ears and bowing repeatedly to acknowledge the crowd’s thunderous appreciation.

“That’s a warm welcome, Las Vegas. That’s a very warm welcome,” he said, visibly taken aback by the reception. “You guys know how special Las Vegas is to me, man. You guys know.”

Vegas as creative inspiration

What followed was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the city’s role in shaping his artistic journey over the past five years. The Canadian superstar credited Las Vegas as the driving force behind his interconnected album trilogy – 2020’s “After Hours,” 2022’s “Dawn FM,” and the recently released “Hurry Up Tomorrow.”

“If it wasn’t for Vegas, there’d be no ‘After Hours.’ Just so you know. There’d be no such thing,” The Weeknd told the audience. “There’d be no ‘After Hours Til Dawn’ tour. It’s all because of Las Vegas, and I love you guys so much. Thank you for the inspiration.”

The connection runs deep – the “After Hours” era drew aesthetic inspiration from Vegas-centric films like “Casino” and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” while the album’s narrative explored themes of excess, heartbreak, and redemption that mirror the city’s dual nature as both paradise and purgatory.

A spectacle worthy of the Strip

The concert itself was a visual feast that rivaled any production on the Las Vegas Strip. Thirty masked dancers draped in flowing red robes accompanied The Weeknd throughout the performance, creating an otherworldly atmosphere enhanced by pyrotechnics and cutting-edge lighting design.

A field-length walkway extended from the main stage to a secondary platform at the stadium’s north end, where a 24-foot chrome sculpture titled “Sexy Robot” by Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama served as a striking centerpiece. The production values matched the scale of the venue, with flame projectors positioned strategically across both stages.

More than 40 songs spanning a career

The setlist heavily featured tracks from the trilogy albums while incorporating earlier hits that have defined The Weeknd’s career. Fan favorites like “Starboy,” “The Hills,” “I Feel It Coming,” and “Die for You” were woven seamlessly between newer material, creating a comprehensive journey through his discography.

A particularly touching moment occurred during “Out of Time” when The Weeknd paused his stroll along the walkway to interact with fans. Spotting someone dressed as the elderly version of himself from the “Dawn FM” album cover, he exclaimed, “I love this: This is great!” He then shared his microphone with both the costumed fan and someone celebrating a birthday, distributing hugs that sent nearby sections into a frenzy.

A promise to return

Throughout the night, The Weeknd’s connection with the Las Vegas audience was palpable. “You guys are amazing,” he told the crowd during one of many interactions. “You already know there is no question: Every tour, I’m coming to Las Vegas. Every tour.”

The commitment feels genuine given the artist’s history with the city. Beyond serving as creative inspiration, Las Vegas has been the setting for some of his most challenging personal moments – including a 2015 arrest at the Cromwell that he referenced in “Faith.” The city represents both his darkest periods and his artistic rebirth.

The end of an era?

Speculation has swirled that this tour might mark the end of The Weeknd persona, with the artist potentially transitioning to perform under his real name, Abel Tesfaye. At his tour-opening concert in Chicago, he reportedly closed by saying, “Chicago, Illinois, I go by the name of Abel Tesfaye, and I love you.”

However, his Las Vegas farewell took a notably different tone: “Las Vegas, I go by the name The Weeknd, and I… love you.”

Whether this signals that The Weeknd persona will live on or was simply a nod to the city that birthed this artistic chapter remains unclear. What is certain is that Las Vegas has left an indelible mark on one of music’s biggest stars, and the feeling appears to be mutual.

Looking ahead

As The Weeknd continues his massive stadium tour in support of the complete trilogy, the Las Vegas performance stands out as more than just another tour stop. It was a homecoming of sorts – a return to the source of inspiration that sparked a creative renaissance resulting in some of the most acclaimed music of his career.

For the 65,000 fans who witnessed this spectacular evening at Allegiant Stadium, they weren’t just attending a concert. They were part of a love letter to Las Vegas, delivered by an artist who found his artistic salvation in the city’s neon-lit embrace.

Image Source: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2025/jul/14/the-weeknd-salutes-las-vegas-for-its-role-in-after/

Category: Nightlife, Culture
Subcategory: Entertainment
Date: 07/15/2025