The Weeknd Backtracks: 'Imma Be Here Forever' — Why He Reversed Retirement Plans

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The Weeknd Backtracks: 'Imma Be Here Forever' — Why He Reversed Retirement Plans

News (2 / 1) 10.08.2026 23:06 / Günter


Why he considered retiring

In a January 2025 Variety cover story, he explained how losing his voice at a 2022 Los Angeles show left him feeling defeated and prompted deep reflection. Tesfaye described that period as a kind of mental breakdown and said the experience shaped his new album and his talk of ending the Weeknd chapter.

Still committed to music

Earlier, in May 2025, he told PEOPLE he couldn’t fully retire while on tour and remained guarded about the emotions tied to a name change. He also made clear he isn’t quitting music — rather, he’s seeking fresh challenges beyond the persona’s competitive cycle.