By: Julia Peterson
Los Angeles, CA, (The Hollywood Times) 7/6/23 – “The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium” HBO special had all the makings of a mesmerizing experience, but unfortunately, my anticipation quickly turned into disappointment as I sat through the 1 hour and 37 minutes of the show. This review dives deep into the missed opportunities and the overall underwhelming impact of the special on fans and the music industry.
“The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium” initially promised a visually stunning display, and it did deliver on that front. The stage design showed potential in enhancing the overall experience, but regrettably, it fell short of fully captivating the audience. While the production had its moments, it did not sustain, leaving viewers unengaged and yearning for more. The presence of the dancers, who seemed out of place and disconnected from the theme of the songs and visuals, proved to be more distracting than complementary. The whole time I was like what exactly is going on here. It left me wondering what their purpose was, missing an opportunity to create a cohesive narrative.
The Weekend’s musical performance highlighted the undeniable energy and passion that fans have come to expect. His stage presence was explosive, but upon closer observation, there was a disconnect between the energy he portrayed and the reality of his performance. While the setlist consisted of familiar hits that pleased his devoted fans, there were no surprises or unique arrangements, resulting in a lack of excitement and anticipation. Sadley, I knew most of the songs but now I hate that fact about me but that is just something me and my therapist will have to figure out together.
Despite lacking creativity, “The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium” did receive help from a visually striking backdrop, with lighting and visual effects being the redeeming quality of this otherwise lengthy and tedious special.
The special lacked any real depth and did not explore meaningful themes. The performance appeared superficial, devoid of any significant messages or emotional resonance. It was also very strange the way the dancers were dressed and used in the performance because it never made sense for the whole theme. The Weeknd missed an opportunity to use its platform to engage with thought-provoking narratives and make a lasting impact on the audience but again this is the Weeknd. Hopefully, he will spare us next time he wants to do another HBO special.
“The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium” garnered a mixed response from fans and some critics. While there was certainly appreciation for The Weeknd’s vocal prowess and the enduring popularity of his songs, it was crickets on social media, which meant the special was a flop overall. The special failed to inspire or leave a lasting impact on the music industry and is likely to be forgotten amidst the myriad of more memorable celebrity specials.
While “The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium” may have fallen short of expectations, it still serves as a testament to The Weeknd’s undeniable talent. For dedicated fans, the special may hold some appeal, especially when shared with friends during a casual gathering. However, its overall impact and potential for lasting resonance remain limited. Perfect special if you ever stranded on an island with just this special on courtesy of course by HBO.
Trailer Link below
Video Link: HBO
The Weeknd – Live At Sofi Stadium Trailer (HBO Concert Special)
