
The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) is embracing a period of deep self-reflection following a mental health struggle that has heavily influenced his upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow. In a recent Variety cover story, Tesfaye opened up about a “mental breakdown” that prompted him to reassess his life and music career. This pivotal moment led to a reevaluation of the pressures he had placed on himself and the intense stress tied to his success.
Tesfaye traced this turning point back to his 2022 tour, particularly when he lost his voice during a performance at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, which forced him to reschedule a show. He described this as “the last straw” and a moment of personal defeat, as it made him confront the expectations and stress of his career.
In light of this, Tesfaye even considered stepping away from his The Weeknd persona, contemplating retiring at his peak. He questioned when the right time to leave would be, reflecting on the idea of exiting on a high note. However, he clarified that while he is evolving beyond his Weeknd identity, his passion for music remains intact. He explained that he still feels driven by challenges and is seeking new ways to engage with his craft.
His latest work, Hurry Up Tomorrow, is set to be released on January 24, 2025, and will serve as the final chapter in his trilogy of albums. This marks a significant shift for Tesfaye, who seems to be stepping into a new phase of his artistic and personal journey.