The Weeknd Discusses Mental Breakdown and New Album

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has revealed he experienced a mental breakdown after a concert in September 2022 when he suddenly lost his voice on stage at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. This incident, which he termed 'the last straw', prompted him to reconsider his public persona and the pressures of fame, as he felt 'defeated on the world stage'. He emphasized that the vocal failure, which his doctor confirmed was due to inflamed vocal cords, caused him to reflect deeply on his life and career, stating he needed to 'sit the f--- down and figure out' who he is. The pressure from extensive touring and the stress of filming his HBO series 'The Idol' contributed significantly to his mental state. This journey of self-discovery has inspired his upcoming album, 'Hurry Up Tomorrow', which he describes as a reflection of his experiences. Despite contemplating a departure from his stage persona, he reassured fans that he does not plan to quit music altogether.