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The devastating Los Angeles wildfires have led Grammy-winning artist The Weeknd to cancel his upcoming Rose Bowl concert and postpone his album release, as the city grapples with one of its most severe fire emergencies in recent history.
The singer, born Abel Tesfaye, announced via Instagram on January 13 that his January 25 concert at the Rose Bowl Stadium would not proceed. "Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, I am canceling the Rose Bowl concert," Tesfaye stated, adding that his new album "Hurry Up Tomorrow" would be delayed until January 31.
The Rose Bowl Stadium, traditionally a landmark entertainment venue, has been transformed into an emergency response center for the ongoing crisis. Pasadena spokesperson Lisa Derderian confirmed the facility's new role, stating, "The Rose Bowl needs to be priority for emergency vehicles coming from numerous states to help protect life and property."
The fires, which began in the Pacific Palisades on January 7, have since spread to multiple areas across Los Angeles County. The Eaton Fire, affecting Pasadena and Altadena, has burned 14,117 acres and was 33% contained as of Monday afternoon. The Pacific Palisades Fire has consumed 23,713 acres, stretching from the Pacific Coast Highway to parts of the San Fernando Valley.
The human toll has been devastating, with the L.A. County Medical Examiner reporting at least 24 deaths and 16 people currently missing. The Wall Street Journal has predicted these fires could become the costliest in United States history.
Ticketmaster has confirmed that concertgoers will receive automatic refunds to their original payment method within 14 to 21 days. Those who purchased tickets through third-party resellers are advised to contact their point of purchase.
The Weeknd emphasized his connection to the affected community, stating, "This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time." He added that his focus now remains on "supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild."
The fires' rapid spread has been attributed to a combination of factors, including lack of rainfall, dry vegetation, and severe winds. Multiple blazes - including the Hurst, Lidia, Archer, and Woodley fires - continue to challenge firefighting efforts across Los Angeles, while their exact causes remain under investigation.
The Weeknd has joined a growing list of entertainment industry figures responding to the emergency, highlighting the widespread impact of these devastating fires on both the cultural and social fabric of Los Angeles.
