Drake’s highly anticipated three-day stint at London’s Wireless Festival 2025 concluded on a disappointing note, as his final performance on Sunday night wrapped up after just 40 minutes. Despite a weekend filled with energy and surprise appearances, the finale left fans feeling let down, with many questioning what went wrong.
The Canadian superstar took to the stage at 20:45, 10 minutes earlier than expected, citing the venue’s strict 21:30 curfew as the reason for the early start. “I’ll keep going until they cut off my mic,” he told fans—setting the tone for a performance that felt rushed and incomplete.
Limited Guest Appearances and Rushed Setlist
Unlike Friday and Saturday nights, which featured long, guest-filled sets with multiple surprise performers—including 13 special guests on Saturday—Sunday’s show saw only three: Popcaan, Rema, and Vybz Kartel.
Drake opened the set with an unreleased collaboration with UK rapper Central Cee, who didn’t perform live but was seen mouthing lyrics from the front row, projected across the big screens. While the move sparked some excitement, it lacked the impact of a live performance and added to the audience’s sense of confusion.
He then launched into a medley of hits including Controlla, Find Your Love, and One Dance, reworked for 2025. However, these new versions felt hurried and unfamiliar, making it hard for fans to sing along.
A well-received surprise came when Rema joined Drake on stage, lifting spirits with hits like Calm Down and Fever. But it was a brief reprieve—after a quick appearance by Vybz Kartel, Drake had time for only two more songs before ending the set.
Confusing Setlist Changes and Fan Backlash
Adding to the frustration, Wireless Festival’s official schedule had originally listed Drake for two performance slots—one at 18:25 and another at 20:55. However, the earlier set mysteriously vanished from the programme, confusing fans and raising speculation about behind-the-scenes changes.
After Burna Boy’s performance, Drake entered unexpectedly, introducing himself with a somber tone that contrasted sharply with his upbeat energy from previous nights. From that moment, it was clear Sunday’s show would take a different turn.
Fans were left bewildered by the rapid pacing, sparse collaborations, and abrupt ending. While the artist made a heartfelt statement—“London, I will love you for the rest of my life”—as he closed the set, many felt those words did little to ease their disappointment.
Curfew Constraints and Accessibility Issues
The 21:30 curfew imposed by the venue proved to be a major obstacle throughout the weekend. On Friday, Drake and Lauryn Hill’s microphones were cut off mid-performance, with screens abruptly switching to travel information. Saturday fared better, with Drake managing to keep within time limits.
However, Sunday’s decision to start 45 minutes before the event’s close raised eyebrows. Was it a miscommunication, a strategic move, or a failed attempt to beat the clock?
The situation worsened as attendees tried to leave the venue. Reports emerged of chaotic scenes at the accessible exit, where fans, including those with disabilities, were prevented from leaving for over ten minutes. According to eyewitnesses, this led to panic and shouting, with people pleading for assistance and some clashing with security staff over restrictive holding measures.
Fans Express Anger and Disappointment
As crowds exited the festival grounds, the mood was one of widespread discontent. Many fans voiced frustration over the short duration of Drake’s performance, especially in contrast to the long queues they had endured to get inside. Others were unaware of the strict local curfews, which significantly impacted the artist’s ability to deliver a full set.
Social media quickly filled with posts criticizing the organization, and highlighting the lack of communication around schedule changes and curfew policies.
Organizers Yet to Respond
As of now, Wireless Festival organizers have not released an official statement addressing the issues surrounding Drake’s final show, nor the disturbing exit scenes.