The Weeknd Shocks Fans Cancels L.A. Show and Delays Highly Anticipated Album Amid Wildfire Crisis
The Weeknd has made significant changes to his plans in response to the ongoing wildfires affecting Los Angeles County. In a statement shared on his Instagram, the artist announced that his highly anticipated album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, will now be released on January 31, 2025, rather than its original January 24 release date. This decision was made “out of respect and concern for the people” of the region facing the devastating fires. Additionally, the January 25 concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, has been canceled.
City of Angels as an Inspiration
In his post, Abel Tesfaye, the artist behind The Weeknd, shared his deep connection to the city, stating that Los Angeles has always served as a profound source of inspiration for his music. “My thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time,” Tesfaye expressed. He emphasized that his primary focus now is on supporting the recovery of the people of Los Angeles, who are working tirelessly to rebuild their communities in the wake of the wildfires.
Album Pushback: What Fans Can Expect
The delay of Hurry Up Tomorrow is not the only development keeping fans on edge. The album, which was originally intended to wrap up a trilogy of LPs including After Hours and Dawn FM, will now arrive on January 31, 2025. Three singles have already been released to fans since September 2024: “Dancing in the Flames,” “Timeless” featuring Playboi Carti, and “São Paulo,” which features Brazilian superstar Anitta. The latter track, alongside the eerie horror-themed video, is already making waves. A fourth song, “Open Hearts,” is currently available exclusively through the Apple Vision Pro.
The Weeknd’s Cinematic Ambitions
In a move to continue his artistic expansion, The Weeknd is also working on a musical film that will act as an extension of Hurry Up Tomorrow. The film, written and directed by Trey Edward Shults, is described as a “musically driven psychological thriller” and stars Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan alongside Tesfaye. Tesfaye shared some behind-the-scenes insights, including a memorable moment when Ortega improvised a scene, leading to what he called an unbelievable performance. “Jenna brought so much depth to the character,” he said, adding that some of his own reactions were completely unrehearsed and authentic in the scene.
Global Release of The Weeknd’s Film
Lionsgate has secured worldwide distribution for the film, set to hit theaters on May 16, 2025. The Weeknd has written the score for the movie alongside Oneohtrix Point Never’s Daniel Lopatin, signaling that his talents as a musician will continue to resonate not just in the recording studio but on the big screen as well.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As the world waits for Hurry Up Tomorrow to drop, fans are also eagerly anticipating the release of The Weeknd’s film, which will no doubt bring even more attention to his already expansive career. With an album that promises to cap off a trilogy and a film that pushes his creative boundaries, 2025 looks set to be a monumental year for the artist.
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” and More
Though the delay might be disappointing for many, it’s clear that The Weeknd’s decision was made out of a deep sense of responsibility and respect for those affected by the wildfires. His efforts to support the community, combined with the highly anticipated album and film, are sure to keep his fans eagerly awaiting what’s next. So, as the wildfires rage on, we can only hope that the music and film world will be there to offer solace and entertainment when Hurry Up Tomorrow arrives on January 31.
