The Weeknd delays new album 'out of respect and concern for the residents of Los Angeles' | The Weeknd
The Weeknd has postponed the release of his new album Hurry Up Tomorrow and canceled a one-time show at the city's Rose Bowl venue on January 25 “out of respect for the people of Los Angeles” due to the California wildfires. of respect and concern for the “county”.
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” was originally scheduled to be released on January 24th. It will now arrive a week later, on January 31st. The musician, who goes by the name Abel Tesfaye, said in a statement posted on Instagram: “This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me and my heart goes out to those affected during this difficult time. Everyone affected.”
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” is The Weeknd's sixth album and the final part of the “After Hours” and “Dawn FM” trilogy. It is also said to be the last album under the stage name Tesfaye.
“As the Weeknd, I've said everything I can say,” Tesfaye told W Magazine in 2023. “I'll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as the Weeknd. But I still want to kill the weekend. I will. Eventually. I'm really trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”
The album will feature appearances by Playboi Carti, Anitta, Max Martin and Pharrell Williams, among others.
Tesfaye's focus now “remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and helping their incredible people rebuild,” he wrote in a statement. Tesfaye's XO Humanitarian Fund has previously donated $4.5m (£3.7m) to hunger relief efforts in Gaza.
As Los Angeles firefighters prepare for dangerous winds to return and further fuel catastrophic wildfires, Beyoncé has also postponed an announcement originally scheduled for January 14.
“I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families who have suffered trauma and loss,” she said in a statement. “We are so blessed to have the brave first responders who continue to work tirelessly to protect the Los Angeles community.”
The musician is asking people to join her BeyGood Foundation in supporting fire victims, after donating $2.5 million to firefighting efforts.
Meanwhile, Recording Academy Group CEO Harvey Mason Jr confirmed that the Grammy Awards, originally scheduled for February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, will go ahead as planned.
“However, this year’s show will bring a new sense of purpose,” said Mason Jr., “raising more funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours. “
Universal Music Group said it would cancel all of the label's Grammy-related events, including artist showcases and parties, and redirect resources to support those affected by the fires.