The madness started off with la flame, Travis Scott, providing the ultimate foreplay with hits from his debut album, “Rodeo,” and also classics from his early mixtape days.
During his set, a few memorable moments included: Scott yelling at security not to f**k with the kids while they were turning up to his 2011 hit “Don’t Play” and another came in the form of crowd participation after he had a young fan sing the lyrics “Nights like this / I wish I could do the impossible.” Travis Scott’s set didn’t last too long, but he definitely left an impression.
BANKS grew up in Los Angeles and she opened up for The Weeknd on her first tour. Things came full circle for her last night as she warmed up the crowd for the evening’s closing act.
December 9 marked the Weeknd’s second sold out show back to back at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The Canadian singer, born Abel Tesfaye, has been having a great year. From paparazzi pics with hot new girlfriend, Bella Hadid, to an impressive seven GRAMMY nominations. It seems like The Weeknd cannot lose.
In his own words, the Weeknd summed up the energy in the building. “Tonight is not just a concert, it’s a celebration for me and my fans.” And celebrate we did.
The Weeknd played all fourteen tracks from his latest album, Beauty Behind the Madness, as well as hits from his classic 2011 mixtape, House of Balloons.
The lights went out and the fans yelled out loud as he opened the show with “Real Life” before transitioning into “Losers” and ultra popular “Often”.
During “Shameless” I looked around at the crowd of cheering faces and couldn’t help but think this is what a young Michael Jackson concert would feel like. The Weeknd must have been thinking the same because before he went into his new single “In The Night,” he serenaded fans with a sultry rendition of MJ’s “Dirty Diana”.
Fans were in for a treat with when Miss Lana Del Ray graced the stage to perform their sexy track “Prisoner.”
The Weeknd closed the show with fire on stage, literally. As he twisted and turned and sung his heart out to “The Hills,” flames lit the stage and brought fans to their feet.
If that’s not a way to close a show, I don’t know what is! I’ll definitely be rooting for his Album of the Year GRAMMY. And you should too.
-Hakeem Animashaun
