The Weeknd in Chicago at Soldier Field: A Futuristic Fever Dream of Sound, Light, and Soul

Written and Captured By | Elexis Vasquez

The Weeknd brought his After Hours Til Dawn tour to Chicago this past weekend, delivering a show that was not only visually stunning, but musically captivating. Two nights in a row at Soldier Field with over 60,000 people in the audience, it was nothing short of an interstellar spectacle.

The night began with prominent record producer Mike Dean, who is not only The Weeknd’s producer, but also makes his own music. He got the audience hyped through his beats, distinctive sound and use of synths. Dean is also known for playing various instruments, during his set he brought out his saxophone as the crowd cheered him on.

Next, Playboi Carti‘s opening set was a chaotic burst of energy that both hyped up and polarized the crowd. From the moment he stepped on stage, the energy shifted. Carti, known for his mosh-pit-inducing performances, wasted no time in igniting the crowd with his signature ad-libs and heavy basslines. racks like “FINE SHIT” and “EVIL JORDAN” had pockets of the audience jumping and thrashing, creating mini-earthquakes throughout Soldier Field. To top it all off, he unexpectedly brought out rap sensation Travis Scott and the crowd erupted into a frenzy. Travis played top hits such as “Goosebumps” and “Fien”. It succeeded in injecting a shot of adrenaline into the crowd, setting a high-energy tone for the night. But it also highlighted the divide between Carti’s niche appeal and The Weeknd’s broader, more accessible sound. Carti and Travis’ performances were undoubtedly a memorable and talked-about part of the evening.

Finally, Abel Tesfaye, the man behind The Weeknd, commanded the stage with an energy that was both raw and refined. The stage, a futuristic cityscape, pulsed with life as dancers moved with robotic precision, complementing The Weeknd’s haunting vocals. His voice, effortlessly transitioning between smooth falsetto and powerful belts, filled every corner of Soldier Field. Hits like “Blinding Lights” and “Starboy” ignited the crowd, turning the stadium into a sea of flashing lights and synchronized dancing. Beyond the music, the visual elements were stunning, with lasers slicing through the night sky and pyrotechnics punctuating each beat.

But what truly set this concert apart was its emotional depth. The Weeknd not only got emotional himself multiple times on stage while looking out to the hundreds of thousands of people who showed up for him, but he also has the unique ability to connect with his audience on a profound level, and this show was no exception. During “Call Out My Name”, the entire stadium seemed to hold its breath, captivated by the vulnerability in his voice. It was a reminder that behind the dazzling lights and catchy hooks, there’s a real person sharing his story. The Chicago show was a testament to The Weeknd’s artistry and his ability to create an immersive, unforgettable experience.