The Weeknd Becomes 1st Black Artist to Pass $600M in a Single Tour











The Weeknd’s Historic “After Hours Til Dawn Tour” Redefines Live Music History

In a landmark moment for the music industry, The Weeknd has solidified his status as a global touring titan, reaching unprecedented heights with his “After Hours Til Dawn Tour.” The tour has not only broken multiple records but has also set a new standard for live music performance, particularly for a Black and R&B artist.

According to a recent report by Billboard, The Weeknd’s tour has officially grossed an astounding $635.5 million and sold just over 5 million tickets, making it the highest-grossing tour ever by a Black and R&B artist.3 This monumental achievement places The Weeknd in an exclusive class of touring legends.

The tour’s success is a testament to the immense and sustained global demand for The Weeknd’s music. Spanning multiple legs across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Australia, the “After Hours Til Dawn Tour” has been an artistic and commercial juggernaut since its inception in 2022.The tour, which has been expanded to support three of his albums—After Hours, Dawn FM, and the recently released Hurry Up Tomorrow—has consistently sold out stadiums, often with multiple dates at the same venue.

One of the tour’s most significant accomplishments is its surpassing of Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, which grossed $579.8 million in 2023.While Beyoncé still holds the record for the highest-grossing country tour with her recently wrapped Cowboy Carter Tour, The Weeknd’s tour has now taken the top spot for R&B, a major milestone for the genre and the artist.

The sheer scale of The Weeknd’s achievement is remarkable. He is the first Black artist since Tina Turner’s “Wildest Dreams Tour” in the 1990s to sell over 4 million tickets globally on a single tour, and he is the only Black artist to have a tour exceed $600 million in gross revenue and 5 million in ticket sales.8 This success shatters previous benchmarks and establishes a new paradigm for what is possible in the live music space.

The “After Hours Til Dawn Tour” is more than just a series of concerts; it is a meticulously crafted spectacle that combines theatrical stage design with The Weeknd’s signature dystopian, synth-heavy sound. The show’s production, which features a giant, glowing moon, a cityscape of ruined skyscrapers, and a runway that extends into the crowd, has been lauded by critics and fans alike. This immersive experience has created a powerful sense of community among concertgoers, further fueling the tour’s incredible success.

The financial and cultural impact of the “After Hours Til Dawn Tour” is undeniable. It showcases The Weeknd’s profound connection with his global fanbase and his ability to consistently deliver a high-quality, high-demand product. As the tour nears its final shows, industry experts predict its final gross earnings could approach a staggering $700 million with over 5.5 million tickets sold, cementing its legacy as one of the most successful and groundbreaking tours in history.

The Weeknd’s success serves as an inspiration and a powerful statement about the global appeal and commercial viability of R&B and Black artists in the touring world. His record-breaking tour is not just a personal victory, but a historic moment that will be celebrated for years to come.