REVIEW: The Weeknd - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Written by: Maree Risteski

After what has felt like eons, The Weeknd finally landed in Melbourne for the first time on Friday night for his Legend of the Fall tour at Rod Laver Arena. As ticket-holders entered the sold-out venue, the feel-good vibe was infectious. Toronto rapper Nav entertained early-comers with popular tracks from his debut mixtape. French Montana then energised the crowd with old and new school hits including his multi-platinum single “Unforgettable”.

Rod Laver Arena suddenly went dark. The crowd screamed and loud, haunting noises could be heard. Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, walked on stage wearing his signature denim jacket. The heavy synths and polarising beat of “Starboy”, off the 2016 album of the same name, started playing. The opening of The Weeknd’s highly anticipated show was reminiscent of the title sequence out of the 80’s sci-fi film Tron. The stage set up seemed simple, however, it was anything but. A gigantic luminous triangle hovering above the stage moved and transformed with each song, creating different atmospheres as the night progressed.

The intro of “House Of Balloons/Glass Table Girls” played and quickly transitioned into “Party Monster”, a sonic example of the evolution of The Weeknd as an artist. Everyone in the arena had their arms in the air, dancing to the thrilling upbeat track. Abel’s ability to create songs that feel like a cinematic experience, rather than just music, is his metier. His gloomy and unorthodox lyrics, paired with eerie beats and hypnotising melodies have allowed him to pave the way for a new genre of music.

The Toronto native continued to take the energy of the Melbourne crowd to new heights by bringing out label mate Nav for the performance of “Some Way”. Abel then performed “Tell Your Friends”, a fan-favourite off his 2015 album ‘Beauty Behind The Madness’. His effortlessly smooth and elegant delivery of rather ostentatious lyrics is fascinating. The music then transitioned to the heartfelt ballad “Die For You”. The Grammy-award winner’s desire for artistic variety has cemented him as a daring and multi-dimensional artist with the Midas touch.

The Weeknd pleased his loyal day ones by performing “The Morning” and “Wicked Games” from his critically-acclaimed 2011 mixtape ‘House of Balloons'. The raw and powerful delivery of these songs was mesmerising and showcased Abel’s ability to emotionally connect with fans through quintessential vocals. His cult-like XO following passionately sang along to every word.

The Starboy showcased his dynamic vocal range with his performance of the 80’s inspired disco hit “Secrets”. Every member of the audience was dancing and singing along in unison with the Canadian musician. The party vibe continued with the lights turning pink, purple and yellow for the performance of “I Feel It Coming”, the chart-topping single that marks The Weeknd’s second collaboration with Daft Punk. Abel then thanked his band for their incredible performance and before walking off stage he gazed at the crowd with an appreciative look on his face, taking the moment in.

However, Melbourne Weeknd enthusiasts wanted more, chanting and stomping until he returned to stage. Tesfaye ended his memorable set with the dark and twisted mood music that is “The Hills”. The red lights and smoke machines intensified the haunted, dangerous feeling. The Weeknd waved goodbye to the crowd and walked off the stage. The Canadian artist, who initially shied away from touring, connected with each member of the audience and took them on a futuristic journey into the world of Starboy. Tesfaye’s innate ability to make a performance to over 10,000 people seem intimate is what separates him from the rest.

The evolution of The Weeknd has been phenomenal and I am looking forward to the next chapter in his story.

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