‘A Warm Welcome Home’: 6 Best Moments From The Weeknd’s Night 1 Concert at Toronto’s Rogers Centre
‘A Warm Welcome Home’: 6 Best Moments From The Weeknd’s Night 1 Concert at Toronto’s Rogers Centre
As the first of four epic hometown shows, The Weeknd’s Night 1 at Toronto’s Rogers Centre was an emotional and cinematic victory lap. Here’s a fresh take on those six standout moments—plus a few updates from what’s come next.
🎤 1. Emotional Homecoming Unmasked
The show began in slow-building theatrics—dancers in red robes, brass-metal masks, and ominous haze. It wasn’t until Starboy that Abel removed his golden mask, revealing a radiant grin followed by visible emotion. “Well, that’s a warm welcome home, isn’t it?” he said, visibly moved by the crowd’s thunderous ovation .
🌆 2. CN Tower Glows for Toronto’s Own
As the dome retracted, the illuminated CN Tower appeared beside Rogers Centre, bathed in blue and green lights in homage to the artist. The Weeknd—calling it “Skydome,” the original name—spoke fondly about watching Blue Jays games there as a kid .
🎟️ 3. A Civic Salute
Days before the show, Toronto’s Mayor Olivia Chow presented Abel Tesfaye with the Key to the City, and officially declared it “The Weeknd Weekend” to honor his global success and philanthropic impact .
🔥 4. Visually Dazzling Spectacle
The stage was more than a platform—it was a sprawling dystopian set: broken skyline facades, dancers in “Handmaid’s Tale”‑style robes, majestic pyro blasts, and a futuristic golden statue reminiscent of Metropolis. Laser lights and LED wristbands pulsed in synchronicity with the music .
🎶 5. Nostalgia Meets Pop Bounce
Midway, The Weeknd shifted gears for fan favourites. During Out of Time and I Feel It Coming, he even handed the mic to fans, hugged a tattooed admirer, ran the barricades, and high‑fived the crowd—letting pure joy dominate those moments .
🎇 6. Grand Finale With Fireworks
The two‑hour, nearly 40‑song set closed with Save Your Tears, Blinding Lights, and Without a Warning, capped by a cascade of fireworks and flame bursts. He bid farewell by calling it “the best night of my motherf**king life” .
📰 What’s New Since Night 1
🎬 More Shows to Come
Night 1 set the bar, and the tour only intensified with three more sold‑out Rogers Centre shows scheduled for July 28 and August 7–8 .
🎶 Final Album Chapter
Touring behind Hurry Up Tomorrow, his most cinematic album yet, The Weeknd is delivering the final piece of his trilogy after After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022) .
🌆 A Transitional Moment
Critics note this era marks a transitional phase: guest appearances in film (Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Idol) received mixed reviews, and fans sense The Weeknd persona may soon yield to Abel Tesfaye’s next chapter—adding poignancy to each hometown spectacle .
📋 The Full Six Highlights At A Glance
| Moment | Why It Stood Out |
|---|---|
| Emotional unmasking | Genuine tears met hero‑like praise from Toronto. |
| CN Tower tribute | A literal skyline salute to hometown pride. |
| Key to the City | Official recognition of his impact on music and community. |
| Dystopian drama | Bold design, strobe lasers, and immersive choreography. |
| Fan‑centric pop set | Genuine interaction, sing‑alongs, and heartfelt applause. |
| Pyro‑powered finale | Grand visuals capped off with fireworks and raw energy. |
Night 1 at Rogers Centre was more than a concert—it was identity, artistry, and hometown pride wrapped into one unforgettable spectacle. As The Weeknd continues his After Hours Til Dawn run, it’s clear these Toronto shows are about legacy as much as the music.
Curious about setlists from later nights or reactions from other cities? I’ve got that too!
