The Weeknd & Playboi Carti Kick Off After Hours Til Dawn Tour in Arizona: 8 Best Moments

A 100-degree day in the desert was the scene to kick off the After Hours Til Dawn Tour in Arizona on Friday night (May 9). The Weeknd and Playboi Carti matched the heat and brought the fire to the State Farm Stadium stage, setting the tone for the 43-date North American trek.

60,000 of the 00XO faithful attended the sold-out show that lasted over four hours, including synth God Mike Dean’s opening set.

The Weeknd embodies everything fans should want out of a modern-day pop star: smash hits, epic live performances, high-profile relationships, and an edgy pop culture persona that’s mysterious enough to play out in shows like The Idol or his upcoming Hurry Up Tomorrow movie.

“The first night’s always the best night,” Abel said, which sent the Glendale audience into a frenzy.

The Toronto singer spared no expense on the production and design side of the set, which included the burning buildings from his 2022 tour, the giant golden Sorayama statue, and oval rings that made Abel look like he was singing in a tunnel as the catwalk stage extended the length of the football field to give fans a good view from wherever they were standing.

Neon laser beams shot throughout the crowd, who were handed light-up bracelets, as a giant X was also radiating from the roof of State Farm Stadium.

More than 15 years into his career, The Weeknd is still finding ways to raise the bar. The trek will go on a two-week hiatus as Abel gears up for the release of his Hurry Up Tomorrow film — named after his February album — and he’ll be sitting on The Tonight Show couch for the first time next Thursday (May 15).

Billboard was on the floor for an electric opening night, and here are our eight favorite moments from the After Hours Til Dawn Tour stop in Zona.