OPINION | The Weeknd’s Tour Feels Like the End of an Era, I’m Not Ready to Say Goodbye

Photo courtesy of Variety

DALLAS, Texas (TXAN 24) — The first time I saw The Weeknd live was in Dallas in 2022. I remember the lights, the energy, the surreal feeling of being in the same space as the voice that had soundtracked so many moments of my life. It wasn’t just a concert — it was a world I didn’t want to leave.

Now, I’m planning to see him again on August 28th at AT&T Stadium. But this one feels different.

This is reportedly the final tour under “The Weeknd” name — the end of a persona that has evolved over a decade into one of the most iconic in music. As a longtime fan, that’s hitting harder than I expected.

The thing about The Weeknd isn’t just that he has hits. It’s how every part of what he does — from the music to the production to the visuals — is infused with emotion and intention. His voice alone can carry a song, but when paired with lyrics that tell deep, sometimes painful stories, it becomes an experience. There’s soul in everything he does. Passion in every note. And that’s rare.

Lately, my favorite has been “Niagara Falls,” but only when it includes the seamless transition into “Take Me Back to LA.” It’s one of those moments that makes you feel like you’re listening to one big cinematic piece — not two separate tracks. But if I had to pick all-time favorites, “The Morning” still holds the crown, followed closely by “The Hills.” Both of those songs bring me right back to who I was when I first heard them, and yet they still hit just as hard now.

The Weeknd’s music has been a safe place for me. In hard times, it helped me escape. When I needed to feel seen, it gave me something to relate to. In the car with friends, it became the soundtrack to late-night drives and fun singalongs. His artistry has been with me through heartbreak, healing, and joy. And I know I’m not alone in that.

He’s currently the top-streamed artist on Spotify (still true at the time of writing), but even if he weren’t, his impact would be undeniable. And live? He’s next-level. Some artists sound great in the studio and fall flat on stage. Not him. His shows are immersive. Visuals, vocals, energy — he delivers.

As we head toward his final performances in Dallas, I can’t help but feel emotional. I know this isn’t the end of Abel Tesfaye as an artist — but it is the close of a chapter. One I’ve grown up with. One that’s helped shape my love of music. And I’m not quite ready to say goodbye.

⸻

Planning to attend The Weeknd’s final Dallas shows on August 27 or 28? TXAN 24 will have continued coverage as the “After Hours Til Dawn” Tour wraps up this summer.