# The Weeknd reverses retirement threat

> The Weeknd says he's not stepping away from music after threatening to retire his persona
- Title: The Weeknd reverses retirement threat · Billboard | Shortify
- Summary: The Weeknd says he's not stepping away from music after threatening to retire his persona The Weeknd has reversed his retirement comments, stating he'll keep…
- Keywords: the weeknd, abel tesfaye, gq hong kong, after hours til dawn tour, seattle, nfl, Weeknd, reverses, retirement, threat, Billboard
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/the-weekend-not-stepping-away-from-anything-reverse-retirement-1236343278
- Author: Gil Kaufman
- Published: 2026-09-18T13:13:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: the weeknd, abel tesfaye, gq hong kong, after hours til dawn tour, seattle, nfl
## Retirement threat
The Weeknd told Variety he was ready to retire his stage persona after 16 years.

> I never end until I end it
## Reverses stance
The Weeknd clarified he's not retiring but will focus on one project instead.

> I tested retirement a little bit, and I don't like the way it feels
## Hibernating
The Weeknd says he's hibernating, not disappearing, and will keep his music career active.

> I'm not stepping away from anything. I'm just hibernating
## 2020 story
The Weeknd completed a story from 2020 to now, saying it reached its conclusion.

> That story has reached its conclusion
## Tour schedule
The Weeknd is touring Asia with shows in Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
## Key takeaway

The Weeknd has reversed his retirement comments, stating he'll keep creating music for as long as possible