The Weeknd tackled by stage invader during Melbourne show

The Marvel Stadium crowd was left momentarily stunned when a stage invader interrupted The Weeknd’s show, clambering onto the set and grabbing the singer in a bear hug.

Crowds waited a long time for The Weeknd’s Melbourne shows, but it was worth the wait. Picture: Rick Clifford

Melbourne crowds were left momentarily stunned when a stage invader interrupted The Weeknd’s Marvel Stadium show.

Security were slow to act when the man clambered onto the stage about an hour into the show and tried to hug the Canadian singer, who was seen nervously backing away from the invader.

The gatecrasher was eventually ushered off the elevated stage and the incident was quickly forgotten.

The Weeknd, a man of few words, continued the show like a pro.

@bbtravelss

i still have no idea how he jumped that stage #concert#theweeknd#melbourne#travel

♬ original sound - bri | solo female traveller

Throughout the much-anticipated performance, The Weeknd, who’s real name is Abel Tesfaye, commanded the full attention of the thousands gathered inside the stadium with the charisma of a preacher man.

The massive stage set up of the After Hours Til Dawn tour, finally here after a year postponement, is the fitting backdrop for a powerful delivery of non stop music.

Draped in a dark cape he appears out of his mysterious castle that’s set up halfway down the runway that runs almost the length of the field.

Starting with The Crowd and Wake Me Up, all eyes are glued to the castle and the screens.

As has come to be expected from the Canadian star there’s no shortage of smoke, lights and vibes.

The Weeknd commanded the crowd’s attention like a preacher. Picture: Rick Clifford

Crowd noise levels hit their peak after the singer finished I Feel It Coming. Picture: Rick Clifford

He made the odd comment and changed lyrics to ‘Australia’ and ‘Melbourne’ when the opportunity arose.

Of course there were the hits, Can’t Feel My Face, Die For You and the undisputed king of anthems, Blinding Lights.

He said it had been too long and “I’m breathing for Melbourne”.

After raising his arms to the crowd after his banger, I feel It Coming, the noise levels duly hit their peak.

“Think they can hear us in Sydney right now that’s f...ing loud. Let’s hear it,” he said.

He changed the lyrics in Die For You to “I will die for you Australia”.

The crowd was lapping up the fireballs, the lights, the images on screen including a full moon and the Arc de Triomphe at the start. It was a visual feast.

“Thank you Melbourne I f…ing love you,” he said as he threw kisses to the crowd.

Those gathered had waited a long time for the experience, and the flashy production was definitely worth the wait.