As devastating wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, Grammy Award-winning artist The Weeknd announced Monday on social media the cancellation of his upcoming Rose Bowl concert and postponement of his new album release, citing his commitment to supporting affected communities.
“Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, I am canceling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25th,” said the artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye. “The city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time.”
The sold-out concert at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, which sold out in less than an hour in December, was meant to coincide with the scheduled January 24 release of his new album “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” The album’s release will now be delayed until January 31.
The decision comes as the Los Angeles area grapples with multiple concurrent blazes, including the Eaton Fire and the Pacific Palisades Fire. The Eaton Fire has consumed 14,117 acres and stands at 33% containment. The fires have claimed 24 lives, with 16 people still missing, and forced more than 150,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
The Rose Bowl Stadium, where the concert was to take place, has become an essential hub for emergency response efforts. “The Rose Bowl needs to be a priority for emergency vehicles coming from numerous states to help protect life and property,” said Lisa Derderian, a Pasadena spokesperson. “It never was an official drop-off site; it snowballed into this.”
The wildfire crisis has caused widespread destruction, with more than 12,000 structures reported damaged or destroyed. The scale of devastation has prompted an outpouring of support from celebrities and organizations, including Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD charity, Paris Hilton, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
“My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild,” Tesfaye said in his statement.
Concert ticket refunds will be issued automatically for tickets purchased through Ticketmaster, according to the singer’s website. Fans who purchased tickets from third-party resellers are advised to contact their point of purchase directly.
The one-night-only concert and album release postponement, announced at 8:57 p.m. PT on Monday and updated at 9:26 p.m. PT, reflects The Weeknd’s decision to prioritize community recovery efforts over promotional activities.
