The Weeknd is putting retirement rumors to rest. More than a year after suggesting he might eventually leave his famous stage persona behind, the singer says he has no plans to step away from music anytime soon.

In a new cover story with GQ Hong Kong, the 36-year-old artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, explained that his idea of “disappearing” was never about abandoning his career. Instead, he wants to slow down and concentrate on one project at a time after years of nonstop creative work.

Over the past five years, Tesfaye has released four concept albums, made numerous music videos, worked on a television series and a feature film, and embarked on a massive world tour.

“I’m not stepping away from anything,” he told the outlet, describing his current approach as “hibernating.”

The singer also reflected on how his creative identity has evolved throughout his career. He said the story he began telling in 2020 has now reached its conclusion, but that does not mean his artistic journey is over.

If anything, Tesfaye says he has recently felt more inspired than ever.

At one point, he considered what life would be like if he simply stopped making music. But after experiencing a glimpse of retirement, he realized that walking away was not what he wanted.

“I can’t let that happen,” he said, adding that continuing to create is a privilege he remains deeply grateful for.

Tesfaye had previously teased the possibility of retiring The Weeknd persona in January 2025, following a period of intense reflection after he lost his voice during a 2022 concert in Los Angeles.

At the time, he questioned whether Hurry Up Tomorrow represented the right moment to close that chapter and move forward under a different identity.

More recently, however, he has made his position clear. During an August concert in Stockholm, he told fans that he had “tested retirement” but did not like how it felt.

The Weeknd is currently continuing his After Hours til Dawn Tour in Asia, with the tour scheduled to conclude in Kuala Lumpur on Nov. 5.

For now, rather than saying goodbye, Tesfaye appears to be taking a pause between chapters — with plenty more music and creative projects still ahead.

Source: Compiled from various sources.