The Weeknd May End It All Abel Tesfaye Is Ready to Retire His Iconic Persona
In a recent revelation, The Weeknd (real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye) has hinted that he may retire from his iconic stage persona, bringing an end to his music career under the The Weeknd name. His upcoming sixth album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, might just be his swan song under this widely recognized alter ego. The Canadian singer and songwriter revealed in an exclusive interview with Variety magazine that he is contemplating closing this chapter of his musical journey, possibly retiring the character and performing under his own name: Abel Tesfaye.
The Desire to Move On From the Persona
When prompted about his decision, Tesfaye reflected on how the persona of The Weeknd had evolved over time. “I would say my existence as The Weeknd. It’s a headspace I’ve got to get into that I just don’t have any more desire for,” he explained. His words indicated the pressure and constant competition that accompany such a widely acclaimed public identity. The rat race of accolades, success, shows, and awards took a toll on his mental health and left him questioning the pursuit of more fame. He candidly admitted, “It never ends until you end it.”
A Wake-Up Call During the 2022 Tour Incident
Tesfaye also discussed a pivotal moment during his 2022 After Hours Til Dawn tour that contributed to his shift in mindset. While performing at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, his voice faltered at the start of his show. Forced to cancel the performance and offer the audience refunds, he reflected on the experience. “Part of me was thinking, ‘You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say. Don’t overstay at the party—you can end it now and live a happy life,'” Tesfaye confessed. This incident left him pondering whether there’s ever a better time to walk away than at the height of success.
Retiring at the Peak: The Right Time to Step Away
For Abel Tesfaye, the idea of quitting while on top has never been more appealing. He expressed that there is a certain grace in leaving a successful career behind, especially when you’ve achieved so much. His reflection on the rat race and constant pressure suggests that there might be more satisfaction in retiring from the public eye while he’s still at his peak, rather than continuing to chase even more recognition and fame.
A New Era: Abel Tesfaye or The Weeknd?
As fans eagerly await the release of Hurry Up Tomorrow, many are questioning whether this album will mark the final time they hear from The Weeknd. The idea of returning to his birth name, Abel Tesfaye, signifies a potential new chapter for the artist—a move that would certainly change the direction of his career. Tesfaye’s reflection on overstaying his time in the spotlight resonates deeply with both his fans and critics, as the music world continues to evolve.
This decision has left fans wondering: Could The Weeknd be ready to walk away from his larger-than-life persona and step into the shadows of a more personal, grounded life as Abel Tesfaye? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: if he does retire, he’ll do it on his own terms.
