The Weeknd ignites Miami with 'After Hours Til Dawn' Tour

MIKE DEAN

Mike Dean started the night with a moody, synth-driven set. The legendary producer, who began making music in the early 90s, has worked alongside Kanye West, Travis Scott, and The Weeknd himself.

Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti followed with a 30-minute set of making the long runway stage his playground. Opening with ‘EVIL J0RDAN’ and backed by intense strobe lights, pyrotechnics, and a very hyped crowd, Carti displayed the cover of his recent album ‘I Am Music on the big screen.’ His cover of the Weeknd’s song, ‘Timeless’ sent the crowd into an excited frenzy as they sang along.

THE WEEKND

Then came The Weeknd. This was the first of his two-night stop in Miami, and he made sure it felt like an event. This year's stage props? A golden cityscape that served as a backdrop to go along with the runway that extended deep into the stadium with a massive gold statue of a naked woman and giant LED rings to walk through. Abel slowly emerged in a shiny, reflective gold mask with lasers for eyes between a group of dancers cloaked in red to “The Abyss” from his latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which was released in January. When he finally removed the mask after the first few songs, the release of energy from the fans was electric. This crowd may have been one of Miami’s loudest crowds I’ve heard in a while.

It was a 43-song marathon, performing hits like “Starboy,” “Feel My Face,” and “The Hills.” which drew massive singalongs. Playboi Carti returned for their two recent collaborations “Timeless” and “Rather Lie.” Immediately after, Future’s surprise appearance on “Low Life” marked one of the night’s biggest eruptions from the crowd. Both of them performing together was certainly a peak moment in the evening.

An ambitious setlist, fireworks, pyro and closing the night with a “Moth to Flame” somehow left a roaring crowd still hungry for more. I’m sure many will return for night 2.

Coverage by Viviana Franco // Instagram: @viviana.ttl

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