The Weeknd has postponed the release of his highly anticipated album, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’, out of "respect and concern" for the victims of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Originally set for release on 24 January, the album – which marks the final chapter of his trilogy following ‘After Hours’ and ‘Dawn FM’ – will now come out on 31 January. Additionally, a planned performance at Los Angeles' Rose Bowl on 25 January has been canceled.
A Statement of Support
In a heartfelt statement, the 34-year-old musician, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, expressed his solidarity with those affected by the wildfires:
"This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time. Out of respect and concern for the people of LA County, my plans are on hold."
He added that his focus is now on supporting recovery efforts and helping the affected communities as they begin to rebuild their lives.
Previous Philanthropic Efforts
The Weeknd’s decision to delay his album aligns with his history of humanitarian efforts. Through his XO Humanitarian Fund, he has previously donated $4.5 million to hunger relief efforts in Gaza, showcasing his commitment to aiding communities in crisis.
Other Artists Show Support
The Weeknd is not the only artist putting plans on hold in light of the Southern California wildfires, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands.
- Beyoncé, 43, delayed a major announcement scheduled for 14 January, saying:
"I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families suffering from trauma and loss. We are so blessed to have brave first responders who continue to work tirelessly to protect the Los Angeles community."
The End of The Weeknd?
‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ is expected to be The Weeknd’s sixth studio album and, notably, his final release under the stage name The Weeknd. In a recent interview with W Magazine, Abel revealed his intention to move on from the persona he has embodied for over a decade:
"As the Weeknd, I’ve said everything I can say. I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill the Weeknd. And I will. Eventually. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn."
A Trilogy Completed
The album serves as the closing chapter of a trilogy, following the critically acclaimed ‘After Hours’ (2020) and ‘Dawn FM’ (2022). Fans eagerly await this final installment, which promises to tie together themes and sounds that have defined The Weeknd’s iconic career.
With the release now set for 31 January, The Weeknd has once again demonstrated his commitment to using his platform responsibly and prioritizing compassion during times of crisis.
