The Weeknd, one of the most successful and influential artists of the modern era, has announced plans to retire his iconic stage name following the release of his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. However, fans can rest assured that his creative journey in music is far from over.
In a candid new interview with Variety, the singer explained that “The Weeknd” has become a persona he no longer connects with. “I am closing the chapter on my existence as The Weeknd,” he shared. “It’s a headspace I’ve gotta get into that I just don’t have any more desire for. It comes with so much… You have a persona, but then you have the competition of it all. It becomes this rat race: more accolades, more success, more shows, more albums, more awards, and more No. 1s. It never ends until you end it.”
The decision to move on from the name was partly influenced by a pivotal moment in 2022, when The Weeknd lost his voice mid-performance during a Los Angeles concert. Reflecting on the incident, he revealed, “Part of me actually 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.’ You know? Put the bow on it: Hurry Up Tomorrow? Now we’re here. When is the right time to leave, if not at your peak?”
While he’s putting The Weeknd persona to rest, the artist clarified that he’s not stepping away from music entirely. “I don’t think I can stop doing that,” he said. “But everything needs to feel like a challenge. And for me right now, The Weeknd, whatever that is, it’s been mastered. No one’s gonna do The Weeknd better than me, and I’m not gonna do it better than what it is right now.”
The Weeknd hinted that this shift will allow him to explore new artistic frontiers, including his burgeoning career in film. “I think I’ve overcome every challenge as this persona, and that’s why I’m really excited about this film. I just want to know what comes after. I want to know what tomorrow looks like.”
Hints of this change first surfaced in May 2023, when the artist referenced retiring the stage name on Instagram. Fans have also noted the symbolic undertones of his recent work, particularly performances like his 2021 Billboard Awards rendition of “Save Your Tears,” where he walked unfazed down a road as cars sped dangerously close behind him—a metaphor for his calm resolve in the face of risks and change.
As Hurry Up Tomorrow approaches, it’s clear that The Weeknd is bidding farewell to a chapter defined by monumental success while stepping boldly into the unknown. For fans, the promise of “what comes after” is just as thrilling as everything he’s accomplished so far.
