The Weeknd has decided against retiring from music, reversing earlier intentions to alter his name and explore ventures outside the music industry.

During a recent conversation with GQ Hong Kong, released on Thursday (September 17), Abel addressed his earlier statements about stepping away from music, which he discussed in a 2025 interview with Variety.

“At one point I thought, ‘What if I just stopped?'” he confirmed. “But then I realized what a waste all of that inspiration would be. I can’t let that happen. I had a glimpse of what retirement looks like, and it isn’t for me. It’s a real privilege to do what I do.”

He added, “There’s nothing else like this job. The gratitude I’ve felt over the last year has been overwhelming. I’m going to keep doing this for as long as I possibly can. The Weeknd isn’t going anywhere.”

Elsewhere in the conversation, he did say he’d be taking a hiatus, but made sure to clarify it is strictly just a break.

The Weeknd Is Not Going Anywhere

“Disappearing simply means finally taking some time to focus all my energy on one project instead of juggling multiple things,” he explained. “This past five years for me has been creating four concept albums, countless music videos, a TV show, a feature film, and I’m still out here on a massive world tour spanning years. I think disappearing for a little while is well earned.”

“I’m not stepping away from anything,” he added. “I’m just hibernating. I’m not going anywhere. My fans know I’ve shed my skin multiple times throughout my career. I was telling one story from 2020 until now, and that story has reached its conclusion. But that’s only the 2020 story.”

Fans can expect something great when The Weeknd is ready, though, as he promised, “I haven’t felt this inspired since the beginning of my career. I’m going to put incredible care into whatever I create next.”

The singer is traveling to Tokyo for the concluding part of his “After Hours Til Dawn Tour” in Asia.