Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Live Nation
Abel Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, is preparing to retire his stage persona with the upcoming release of “Hurry Up Tomorrow” on January 24th. In a candid interview with Variety, the 34-year-old musician revealed his plans to step away from the musical identity that launched him to international stardom.
The album marks the final installment of a trilogy that began with “After Hours” in 2020 and continued with “Dawn FM” in 2022. Tesfaye describes this moment as more than just another album release—it’s a deliberate conclusion to a significant chapter of his artistic career.
“It’s a headspace I don’t have desire for anymore,” Tesfaye explained about his stage persona. He compared the music industry to a relentless “rat race” of chasing accolades, success, and chart-topping hits.
This isn’t a complete musical retirement. The artist emphasized he will continue making music, potentially under his birth name, but wants to move beyond the constraints of his current artistic identity. Fans might have noticed early hints, including mysterious billboards worldwide reading “The End Is Near” in late December.
A pivotal moment influencing his decision came during a challenging performance at SoFi Stadium, where he lost his voice midshow. Tesfaye interpreted this as a sign, saying, “You said what you had to say. Don’t overstay at the party.”
