The Weeknd Cancels Rose Bowl Concert, Delays New Album Amid LA Wildfires: “Out of Respect and Concern”

In an emotional and heartfelt decision, The Weeknd has announced the cancellation of his upcoming Rose Bowl concert and the delay of his much-anticipated new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, due to the ongoing devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires. His actions reflect a deep respect and concern for the community facing this tragic crisis.

A Heartfelt Message to LA

The “Starboy” singer, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, 34, took to Instagram on Monday, January 13, to share the difficult news.
“Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, I will be canceling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25,” he wrote.

He continued, “This city has always been a deep source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone affected during this challenging time.”

In a touching gesture, the artist also announced a delay in the release of his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which was initially set to drop on January 25. Instead, the release has been pushed to January 31.
“I remain focused on supporting the recovery of these communities and helping the incredible people rebuild,” he concluded, signing the post: “With love, Abel.”

Supporting Recovery Efforts

The Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, has temporarily shifted its purpose, becoming an emergency response center following the deadly Eaton Fire, which has ravaged areas of Pasadena and Altadena.

On Friday, January 10, Pasadena spokesperson Lisa Derderian confirmed the stadium’s role in aiding disaster relief.
“The Rose Bowl is being prioritized for ambulances and emergency responders from multiple states to safeguard lives and property,” Derderian stated.

She expressed gratitude for The Weeknd’s understanding, adding, “We appreciate his heartfelt message, but specific plans are still in development.”

The Ongoing Crisis

Since the wildfires began in Pacific Palisades on January 7, multiple fires—including the Hurst Fire, Lidia Fire, and Archer Fire—have erupted across Los Angeles County. According to Cal Fire, the flames have been fueled by dry vegetation, a lack of rainfall, and powerful winds, creating a catastrophic scenario.

To date, at least 24 people have lost their lives, with 16 others still missing. The Pacific Palisades Fire alone has burned over 23,713 acres and threatens to become the costliest wildfire in U.S. history, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Refunds and Future Plans

For those who purchased tickets to The Weeknd’s Rose Bowl concert, Ticketmaster has confirmed that full refunds will be issued, with processing expected to take between 14 to 21 days. Fans who purchased through third-party sellers (like StubHub or SeatGeek) are advised to reach out directly to their point of purchase for refunds.

In a message that transcends the typical artist-fan relationship, The Weeknd’s decision to delay his album release and cancel his concert serves as a reminder of his deep connection to Los Angeles. As he stated:

“This city’s resilience inspires me, and I’m committed to doing what I can to support its recovery.”

In a time of unimaginable loss, The Weeknd’s gesture of compassion and solidarity shines through. As Los Angeles continues to recover, his actions highlight that, even in the face of tragedy, community support and kindness can help pave the way for a brighter future.