The Weeknd Announces Shocking Retirement I’m Done with The Persona It’s Time to End the Party
Abel Tesfaye, known globally as The Weeknd, has hinted that his latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, might mark the final chapter of his musical journey as “The Weeknd.” In a rare interview with Variety, the pop sensation opened up about his reasons for stepping away from the persona that has defined his career. Could this be the end of an era in the music industry?
“It Never Ends Until You End It” – The Weeknd Reflects on His Career
When asked about the upcoming album, The Weeknd explained that Hurry Up Tomorrow serves as a significant point in his life, representing the conclusion of this iconic phase. “It’s a headspace I’ve got to get into that I just don’t have any more desire for,” he confessed, noting the emotional and mental toll of constantly being in the spotlight.
The singer, known for chart-topping hits and unforgettable live performances, shared his thoughts on the pressures of fame: “You have a persona, but then you have the competition of it all. It becomes this rat race: more accolades, more success, more shows, more albums, more awards, and more No. 1s.” For The Weeknd, this constant cycle has become unsustainable. “It never ends until you end it.”
A Decisive Moment: Losing His Voice Was a Wake-Up Call
A pivotal moment in his life came during a 2022 performance when The Weeknd lost his voice, which he viewed as a sign. “You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say,” he recalled. “Don’t overstay at the party—you can end it now and live a happy life.” This realization about the fleeting nature of fame reinforced his belief that it’s time to walk away from the persona that has brought him so much success.
“Put the bow on it,” he added, suggesting that leaving while still at his peak could be the perfect way to exit. For The Weeknd, understanding when to leave is just as important as the music itself. “Once you understand who I am too much, then it’s time to pivot.”
A Bold New Direction: Not Leaving Music, But Evolving
Despite the potential end of his Weeknd persona, Tesfaye is not abandoning music altogether. “I don’t think I can stop doing that,” he said with passion. However, he emphasized that every creative endeavor needs to feel like a challenge, and for him, the Weeknd persona has become something he’s mastered. “No one’s gonna do the Weeknd better than me, and I’m not gonna do it better than what it is right now,” he acknowledged.
For Tesfaye, this journey has been about growth and evolution, and now he feels that he’s achieved all he can with this identity. The next step is about discovering what lies beyond his music career.
The Weeknd Eyes New Challenges: A New Career in Acting?
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Weeknd’s future is his interest in acting. Despite the mixed reviews of his 2023 TV series The Idol, Tesfaye is forging ahead with plans for a Hurry Up Tomorrow film, continuing to explore this new creative avenue. “But I just want to know what comes after. I want to know what tomorrow looks like,” he said, hinting at his excitement for what’s next.
It seems that the pop star’s next act will be as much about exploring new territories as it is about pushing boundaries and seeking fresh challenges.
The Countdown Begins: Hurry Up Tomorrow Release Date
With Hurry Up Tomorrow set to drop on January 24, 2025, the world eagerly awaits what could be The Weeknd’s final album as we know him. Fans and critics alike are already considering it one of the most anticipated releases of 2025, as Tesfaye begins to close the door on one of the most legendary careers in modern music.
Will the world of The Weeknd come to an end? Or will Abel Tesfaye’s journey take us on an even greater adventure? We’ll find out soon enough, but the anticipation is undeniable. Stay tuned for the album of the year.
