The Weeknd is gearing up for a night to celebrate his monumental achievement of having the most songs reach one billion streams on Spotify. The Canadian singer-songwriter is set to perform at the first-ever Billions Club Live concert on December 17, 2023, at the exclusive Barker Hangar outside Santa Monica Airport, Los Angeles. This event is not just another concert; it will be reserved entirely for The Weeknd's most dedicated fans on Spotify.
With 24 songs under his belt reaching the iconic billion mark, including hits like "Starboy," "Save Your Tears," "Blinding Lights," and "I Feel It Coming," anticipation is high for the concert's setlist. According to Monica Damashek, Spotify’s head of artist and label partnerships, "Spotify’s ability to connect artists with their fans is unmatched. When the idea first struck to bring the Billions Club to life, we knew we wanted to celebrate both the artist and the fans simultaneously. The Weeknd was the ideal choice – he’s the artist with the most songs in the Billions Club and has an unwavering global fanbase. This is truly going to be a one-of-a-kind event."
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, remains connected to his audience through his music and performances. Known affectionately as "Abel" by his fans, who he refers to as his XO Gang, he has maintained intimate interactions with his listeners, contrasting the larger-than-life presence he holds on stages such as stadium tours and during his Super Bowl halftime show. This December concert is expected to be both personal and grand, focusing on The Weeknd's legacy and relationship with his fan base.
Creative Director La Mar C. Taylor explained the thought process behind the venue choice, stating, "We wanted to create something intimate...the venue definitely added to the allure of the evening. How many people can say they attended a concert in a private hangar?" This emphasis on exclusivity reflects The Weeknd’s desire to pay back his fans, many of whom have supported him throughout his career.
The preparations for the Billions Club Live concert began months prior, with Spotify collaborating closely with The Weeknd's creative team. "It's been so much fun and so much work [to bring this to life]," remarked Ashley Graver, Spotify's Head of Artist Partnerships. She highlighted The Weeknd's unique position as the most significant artist on Spotify. "He’s really particularly about the things he puts on for his fans, and he just made perfect sense for this."
Graver also noted The Weeknd’s broad appeal has expanded over the years: "He's been able to dominate [for so long] because he spans across so many different genres. He's constantly pushing creative boundaries, and he's so leaned on culture and underground scenes of dance music, of hip-hop, of R&B and then takes inspirational leads to develop new soundscapes."
Notably, this celebration also highlights The Weeknd's contentious relationship with mainstream awards like the Grammys. The artist opted out of participating after feeling snubbed for his 2020 album "After Hours," one of the biggest-selling projects of the year. Through his Billions Club Live performance, The Weeknd affirms his ability to transcend industry recognition, proving his connection with fans remains his top priority.
The event coincides with his preparations for his upcoming album "Hurry Up Tomorrow," set for release on January 24, 2024. It will be the concluding chapter of his trilogy, which includes "After Hours" and "Dawn FM." Following the concert, The Weeknd plans to debut live performances for the new album at the Rose Bowl on January 25, anticipated as another landmark event. Tickets for this show sold out within hours after going on sale.
The Weeknd's future plans are ambitious. He announced on social media, "New album, new tour, new movie… new everything" by 2025. This forward-looking statement suggests the artist is not resting on his laurels; instead, he aims to continue advancing his career and music, keeping the expectations high as ever.
The Billions Club Live concert is set to be more than just another day on the tour schedule. It's poised to be a historic moment celebrating The Weeknd's unmatched achievements on Spotify, honoring the relationship he shares with his fans, and establishing the groundwork for his future endeavors.