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As Los Angeles grapples with devastating wildfires, the global music sensation The Weeknd has made a heartfelt decision to cancel his highly anticipated Rose Bowl concert and delay the release of his upcoming album,Hurry Up Tomorrow.
These actions reflect not only his deep respect for the city that has inspired him but also his commitment to standing in solidarity with its residents during this challenging time.
Keep reading for more details!
Cancelation and Postponement: A Thoughtful Gesture
On Monday, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, took to Instagram to share the news with his 76 million followers. The singer expressed his concerns for the people of Los Angeles County, stating,
“Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, the Rose Bowl show has been canceled and the album date has been postponed to 01.31.25.”
The Grammy-winning artist elaborated further in a subsequent post, acknowledging the profound inspiration he draws from the city. He emphasized his desire to focus on supporting recovery efforts for those impacted by the fires, a sentiment echoed in his closing note:
The Los Angeles fires have caused immense destruction, with officials reporting adeath tollof at least 24 and many more people unaccounted for. In light of these events, The Weeknd’s decision has been widely praised as a compassionate and responsible move.
Other artists, such as Rod Wave and Cody Fry, have also postponed performances to prioritize public safety and allocate resources toward recovery efforts. In addition to these individual acts of support, the Recording Academy has announced plans to incorporate wildfire relief into the upcoming 67th Grammy Awards.
The ceremony, scheduled for February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena, will feature efforts to raise funds for affected communities.
The Recording Academy, historically a point of contention for The Weeknd, has stepped up in response to the crisis.Harvey Mason Jr.and Tammy Hurt, leading figures in the Academy, revealed that the event will spotlight resilience and bravery in the face of adversity.
“This year’s show… will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders.”
To further their commitment, the Academy’s philanthropic arm, MusiCares, has pledged $1 million toaidindustry professionals affected by the blazes. Additional contributions have brought the total to $3 million, reflecting a strong commitment to the music community and the broader public.
A Trilogy Interrupted
The Weeknd’sHurry Up Tomorrowmarks the third installment in a trilogy following 2020’sAfter Hoursand 2022’sDawn FM.Fanshave been eagerly anticipating the album, which has already teased them with singles such asDancing in the Flames,Timeless(featuring Playboi Carti), andSão Paulo(featuring Anitta).
Despite the delay, the postponement reflects The Weeknd’s prioritization of empathy over commercial success. In addition to the album, a “musically driven psychological thriller” sharing the same title is set to debut in May, starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, with Trey Edward Shults at the helm.
This cinematic release is poised to complement the trilogy’s thematic depth and extend its narrative impact.
The Weeknd’s Journey with the Grammys
The Weeknd’s relationship with the Grammys has been fraught with tension. The artist famously criticized the Recording Academy as “corrupt” in 2021 after his albumAfter Hours, despite critical and commercial acclaim, received no nominations.
He described the snub as a call for justice rather than personal gain.“It’s not like, ‘Oh, I want the Grammy!’ It’s just that this happened, and I’m down to get in front of the fire, as long as it never happens again.”
Despite these past grievances, The Weeknd’s music continues to resonate globally. With Grammy wins forBeauty Behind The Madness,Starboy, and his collaboration onHurricane, he has solidified his place as a force in the music industry.
Federal and Local Response to Fires
While themusic communityrallies behind Los Angeles, the federal government has also pledged support. President Joe Biden has urged Congress to allocate billions of dollars for recovery, with plans to cover expenses for the next 180 days.
At a White House briefing, he commended firefighters and first responders as “angels” for their unwavering dedication. Vice President Kamala Harris echoed these sentiments, describing the aftermath as “truly heartbreaking.”
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued warnings about strong winds that could exacerbate the fires. Officials are working tirelessly to control the situation and support affected residents.
Resilience and Hope
The Weeknd’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and community during times of crisis. By postponing his album and concert, he underscores the significance of prioritizing human lives over entertainment.
His decision aligns with the broader efforts of the Recording Academy, the government, and countless individuals working toward recovery and rebuilding. As Los Angeles faces its challenges, the city’s enduring spirit shines through.
The upcoming Grammy Awards, featuring tributes to first responders and wildfire relief efforts, will highlight this resilience. The Weeknd’s trilogy, when completed, will undoubtedly stand as a testament to his artistry and the strength of the city that inspires him.
Los Angeles has long been a beacon for creativity, and even in the face of adversity, its ability to unite and persevere remains unparalleled. The Weeknd’s message of love and support resonates not only with his fans but with all who hold the city close to their hearts.
Together, Los Angeles will rebuild, and the music will play on.
Stakeholder
Actions/Responses
The Weeknd
Cancelled Rose Bowl concert and postponed album release to prioritize LA wildfire recovery efforts.
Recording Academy
Announced wildfire relief efforts for the 67th Grammys, raising $3M through MusiCares donations.
Music Community
Artists like Rod Wave postponed performances; collective solidarity shown for LA residents.
U.S. Government
Federal aid pledged; Biden and Harris praised firefighters and pushed for congressional recovery funding.
Local Authorities
Issued weather advisories and worked on controlling fires while supporting displaced residents.
Table: Overview of Actions and Responses
Conclusion
As Los Angeles faces its challenges, the city’s enduring spirit shines through.
The upcoming Grammy Awards, featuring tributes to first responders and wildfire relief efforts, will highlight this resilience.
The Weeknd’s trilogy, when completed, will undoubtedly stand as a testament to his artistry and the strength of the city that inspires him.
Los Angeles has long been a beacon for creativity, and even in the face of adversity, its ability to unite and persevere remains unparalleled.
The Weeknd’s message of love and support resonates not only with his fans but with all who hold the city close to their hearts.
Together, Los Angeles will rebuild, and the music will play on.
WHY THE WEEKND DELAYED HIS NEW ALBUM “HURRY UP TOMORROW”
Last Updated: January 19, 2025
