Global stadium run crosses the $1 billion threshold

The Weeknd’s blockbuster After Hours Til Dawn world tour has become the highest-grossing tour ever by a male solo artist, surpassing $1 billion in ticket sales. More than 7.5 million tickets have been sold across North America, Europe, Latin America, the U.K. and Australia. Newly added 2026 dates in Mexico and Brazil pushed the tour past the symbolic milestone, placing it among the most profitable live events in modern music history.

Analysts say the success highlights the growing dominance of stadium tours in the streaming era. As recorded-music revenues flatten, live shows have become key financial engines for global superstars. Fans have praised The Weeknd’s immersive staging, futuristic visuals and narrative arc that links his After Hours and Dawn FM eras. At the same time, high ticket prices and resale markups have renewed debates about concert affordability.

Impact on touring and local economies

Promoters say the tour’s model—extended routing, dynamic pricing and strong merchandise partnerships—will influence how future global tours are structured. Cities hosting the shows reported spikes in hotel bookings, transport demand and local spending, reflecting the economic ripple effect of blockbuster tours. The Weeknd has also expanded humanitarian initiatives through the XO Humanitarian Fund, adding a philanthropic dimension to the tour’s global footprint.

With more shows scheduled for 2026, the final revenue tally may climb even higher. For now, the tour stands as a defining post-pandemic achievement in live music, reinforcing the star’s status as one of the most influential performers of the decade.