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The Weeknd launches Munich tour with dazzling spectacle and personal connection
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany /Culture & Society

The Weeknd launches Munich tour with dazzling spectacle and personal connection

From Sรผddeutsche Zeitung · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Weeknd kicked off his Munich concert with a visually striking performance featuring a giant golden android statue and dancers in golden masks.
  • The show included songs from his latest album "Hurry Up Tomorrow" and older hits like "After Hours" and "Starboy."
  • Abel Tesfaye removed his mask mid-performance, revealing himself to the crowd and emphasizing the importance of the Munich show for the German tour.

The Weeknd launched his first of three concerts in Munich with a grand spectacle at the Allianz Arena, presenting a towering, golden android figure named Sorayama, described as a female version of Star Wars' C-3PO. This figure, now over 13 meters tall, stood center stage, symbolizing themes of creation, crowns, downfall, and ego.

The Canadian artist, clad in black with a mask featuring glowing red eyes, emerged amidst smoke and pyrotechnics, accompanied by about 40 dancers in golden masks and red robes. The concert opened with a powerful electronic bassline and The Weeknd's signature falsetto, launching into three songs from his latest album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow": "Baptised in Fear," "Open Hearts," and "Wake Me Up." The latter song incorporates subtle nods to Giorgio Moroder's "Scarface" soundtrack and Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

You set the tone for the entire tour in Germany.

โ€” Abel TesfayeAddressing the audience in Munich, highlighting the importance of the concert for his German tour.

As the performance progressed, The Weeknd delved into tracks from his 2019 breakthrough album "After Hours" and revisited his earlier persona with "Starboy." During the song "Faith," he included a personal touch, singing that he found his faith in Munich. This moment marked a significant connection with the audience in the city.

Later in the show, Abel Tesfaye removed his mask, momentarily revealing his face to the cheering crowd. He expressed how long it had been since his last visit to Munich, assuring fans that no world tour would omit the city. He emphasized the significance of this particular concert, stating, "you set the tone for the entire tour in Germany." The atmosphere was overwhelmingly euphoric, reflecting the energetic start to his German tour.

It has been too long since I was here in Munich. I cannot skip this city on any world tour.

โ€” Abel TesfayeExpressing his connection to Munich and the significance of performing there.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Sรผddeutsche Zeitung in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.