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The Weeknd in Toronto: A Four Night Homecoming to Remember
The Weeknd in Toronto is more than just a concert. It is a homecoming spectacle that takes over the Rogers Centre for four unforgettable nights. This was my first time covering a show in Toronto and the energy was something else entirely. From the moment I stepped inside the massive venue, the scale of the stage design was jaw dropping with new details revealing themselves every time I looked.
I had been invited to cover the show and I was not about to miss it. The production quality was on another level and not something we see often back home in Ottawa. During the short break between the first two and last two nights, Abel received the Key to the City, a remarkable achievement for any hometown artist. That honor set the tone for what was about to be a celebration as much as it was a performance.
Setting the Mood with Mike Dean
The night began with the legendary Mike Dean stepping onto the stage in a dramatic Sith Lord style robe. I had never seen him perform live before and the anticipation was high. Known as a master of multiple instruments, Mike started slow, carefully layering sounds and building the mood. The smoke drifted around him as the lights shifted and he locked into a deep creative groove.
His fingers moved across the keys while guitar riffs echoed through the stadium. Each sound was purposeful and each note felt like a prelude to something massive. The vibe in the Rogers Centre transformed from curiosity to complete engagement. By the time Mike was done, the audience was ready for whatever came next.
Kaytranada Turns Up the Heat
Just weeks earlier I had watched Kaytranada work his magic at Bluesfest in Ottawa. Seeing him take over a stage this size was something I had to witness. Picking up right where Mike Dean left off, he wasted no time turning the atmosphere electric. Pyro blasted from either side of his setup as the beats thumped and the crowd moved in unison.
At one point, Kaytranada raised a glass of wine to toast the Toronto crowd. It was a short moment but one that perfectly captured his effortless charm. Then it was straight back to the music, weaving grooves that had everyone locked in. His set was equal parts precision and fun, building excitement for the headliner.
The Weeknd Brings the Story to Life
When The Weeknd finally appeared, the place erupted. Cloaked figures surrounded him, moving in sync like a ritual while the first notes rang out. The set design told its own story and every moment was crafted to keep eyes darting from one visual to another. From the very start I was curious about the towering twenty foot robot and when it finally came into play, the crowd exploded in cheers.
The dome roof of the Rogers Centre was open, letting the night sky add to the spectacle. Fans sang every word, from deep cuts to massive hits. Hearing Starboy live for the first time was unforgettable. This was more than just a playlist of songs; it was a cinematic performance with each track unfolding like a chapter in a much bigger narrative.
Closing Thoughts on a Legendary Night
Being invited to cover The Weeknd in Toronto was an experience I will not forget. The Rogers Centre staff made the night smooth and welcoming while the performers delivered top tier entertainment. The stage design was a masterclass in storytelling and the pacing between acts kept the energy high from start to finish.
The opening sets by Mike Dean and Kaytranada set the perfect foundation for The Weeknd to deliver a flawless homecoming show. It is no wonder he was honored with the Key to the City. This was Toronto embracing one of its own in the grandest way possible. I will absolutely be back for more unforgettable nights like this.
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