The Weeknd Cancels Rose Bowl Concert, Postpones New Album 'Out of Respect and Concern' amid L.A. Fires
“This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time," the singer said
The Weeknd will no longer be performing at the Rose Bowl later this month and has also pushed back the release of his upcoming album as Los Angeles continues to battle and recover from multiple wildfires.
The “Starboy” singer, born Abel Tesfaye, 34, announced the update via social media on Monday, Jan. 13.
“Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, I am canceling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25th,” a post on his Instagram account read.
“This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time. In light of this, I have also decided to push the release of my album to January 31st," he continued, referring to his new album Hurry Up Tomorrow. "My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild."
He signed the message, “With love, Abel.”
Related: L.A. Fires Live: 24 Dead and at Least 23 Missing, Officials Say, as High Wind Event Threatens Region
According to Ticketmaster, the company will “issue a refund to the original method of payment used at time of purchase.” Refunds should be available within 14 to 21 days. For tickets purchased from a third-party reseller (StubHub, SeatGeek, etc), customers are advised to reach out to the point of purchase.
The Rose Bowl Stadium, located in Pasadena, Calif., was temporarily transformed into a t center following the deadly Eaton Fire, which affected areas in Pasadena and Altadena, Calif.
On Friday, Jan. 10, Pasadena spokesperson Lisa Derderian said the stadium was being used as an emergency response center for Pasadena Police and Fire, per the Los Angeles Daily News.
“The Rose Bowl needs to be priority for emergency vehicles coming from numerous states to help protect life and property,” Derderian said. “It never was an official drop off site; it snowballed into this.”
Related: 'It's Like an Inferno': What to Know as Palisades Fire Burns Through More of Los Angeles
“We appreciate it, it’s heartfelt, but please wait until we have a plan in place,” Derderian added.
As of Monday afternoon, the Eaton Fire had burned 14,117 acres, and was 33% contained.
Since the wildfires began in the Pacific Palisades Tuesday, Jan. 7, several other fires — such as the Hurst Fire, the Lidia Fire, the Archer Fire, the Woodley Fire and more — began in surrounding parts of Los Angeles, per Cal Fire.
The exact cause or origin remains under investigation. Elements like a lack of rain and dry vegetation created the perfect environment for flames to grow, while severe winds helped fan the blazes at unprecedented speeds.
According to the L.A. County Medical Examiner, there have been at least 24 deaths so far in connection to the wildfires. There are also at least 16 people who are currently missing.
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As for the Pacific Palisades Fire, which The Wall Street Journal predicted to be the costliest in United States history, the blaze has stretched from the Pacific Coast Highway, threatening parts of the San Fernando Valley with 23,713 acres burned as of Monday.
Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.
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