Music Biz Headlines: Toronto's FIFA Fan Fest No Longer Free, Industry Debate Rages About Fake Buzz for Geese
Also this week: Live Nation loses U.S. antitrust trial, Liam Gallagher reflects on Oasis joining the Rock Hall of Fame and the National Music Centre turns 10.
Musical guest Geese performs as musical guest during "Saturday Night Live" on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Justin Bieber's record-setting set at Coachella on the weekend dominated the headlines and earned a truckload of kudos while reaffirming that the Biebs is back.
Elsewhere Katy Perry runs into legal trouble Down Under while she cavorts with a different Justin at Coachella, SOCAN reports record revenues and more music biz headlines of the week from Canada and beyond.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Toronto’s World Cup Fan Fest Was Supposed To Be Free. The City is Now Planning to Charge For It.
A staff report recommends charging $10 general admission for the FIFA Fan Festival to be held at Fort York and the Bentway during the World Cup. VIP tickets would go for between $100 and $300. – Ben Spur, Toronto Star
The award-winning producer and Canadian music icon are teaming up to celebrate music and sports. It’s the first taste of What If It All Goes Right?, a collaborative record featuring Charlotte Cardin, Alessia Cara, Loud Luxury, The Tragically Hip and more ahead of the World Cup coming to Canada in June. – Heather Tayor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Justin Bieber’s Coachella Set Proved That He’s the Biggest Belieber Of All
During the pop star's Saturday night headlining set, he honoured his YouTube roots, ran through his biggest hits and celebrated his hard-earned journey to get here. – Lyndsey Havens, Billboard
Rezz Cancels Coachella Weekend 2 Performance: ‘I Continued to Push Thinking It Would Be Fine’
The Ukrainian-Canadian DJ and producer performed on Saturday of weekend 1 in the Sahara Tent. – Annie Harrigan, Billboard
National Music Centre Turns 10, Announces New Exhibits, Programs and Performances
The Calgary-based non-profit houses four of Canada’s national music halls of fame, and it will celebrate its milestone anniversary with new exhibits, programs and events. – Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada
Canadian Rockers July Talk Take on the Myth of the Midlife Crisis in new Rom-Com
The Juno-winning Toronto band built its sound on the contrast between Peter Dreimanis’ raspy growl and Leah Fay Goldstein’s sugar-soft delivery — a push-and-pull that keeps their live shows feeling unpredictable, even feral. So when the longtime partners in work and life decided to co-star in a romantic comedy, it was a surprise, but not a leap. – Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press
Drake Teases ‘Iceman’ With Frozen Courtside Seats at Toronto Raptors Game
Drizzy's Raptors are headed to the NBA Playoffs and Iceman season could be on the horizon. – Michael Saponara, Billboard Canada
If There Were an Award for Canada's Top Folk Music City, Calgary is a Contender
Every Tuesday at the Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar in Calgary, key members of the city’s folk music scene gather to talk business and scuttlebutt. Which new artists are exciting us? What do you know about Tanglefoot reuniting? Which folk club has already booked next year’s season? Have you heard the new Stephen Fearing record? – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Melissa Auf der Maur Reflects on Hole’s Legacy and the Importance of Analogue Living
The photographer and Hole bassist talks to us about sifting through old diary entries and photographs, the prospects of a Hole reunion and learning from Courtney Love’s words 20 years late. – Paste
Why Peterborough Club Jethro's Mattered
Jethro’s + Stage closing is not just another downtown business shutting its doors. It is the latest reminder that Peterborough still loves live music, but has become a much harder town in which to actually make it happen. Jethro’s was opened in April 2022 by musician Kayla Howran and her family. – The Wire
International Music Biz Headlines
Live Nation Verdict: Jury Says Concert Giant Is An Illegal Monopoly in Total Defeat Jury Says Concert Giant Is An Illegal Monopoly in Total Defeat
The verdict, which came after states called the company an abusive monopolist, raises the prospect that Live Nation will be forced to sell Ticketmaster. – Bill Donahue, Billboard
What Is UMG’s Real Value? Investors & Music Execs Weigh in on Pershing Square Bid
Some industry observers believe Ackman is looking to buy the music giant on the cheap. – Ed Christman, Billboard
Udio and Kobalt Ink Partnership
This marks Udio's fourth deal with a music company since October 2025. – Kristin Robinson, Billboard
Max Lousada and Julie Greenwald are in Business. Welcome to 26.2 — in Partnership with Sony Music
26.2 is a record label – and proudly so. Not a distributor, not a joint venture, and not a services platform. Two weeks ago, the pair signed a strategic partnership deal with Sony Music in NYC, including investment and global distribution through the Sony system. – Music Business Worldwide
The Fanfare Around the Band Geese Actually Was a Psyop
The Brooklyn band Geese was labeled an “industry plant” by those who questioned its sudden ubiquity. Maybe it was. – John Semley, Wired
And a marketing budget doesn't make someone an industry plant. – Wren Graves, Consequence
Lindsey Buckingham’s Stalker Charged With Seven Criminal Counts After Santa Monica Attack
Less than two weeks after attacking Buckingham, Michelle Dick has been charged with seven criminal offenses, including felony assault and misdemeanor battery. –Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork
Katy Perry Under Investigation by Melbourne Police Over Ruby Rose Sexual Assault Claim
The singer's rep has previously denied the allegations, calling them "reckless lies." – Hannah Dailey, Billboard
Radiohead Will Bring the KID A MNESIA Motion Picture House on the Road
After debuting at Coachella, the immersive exhibition will travel to Brooklyn, Chicago, Mexico City, and San Francisco. – Thomas Smith, Billboard
Rapper Lil Tjay Arrested for Disorderly Conduct at Site of Offset Shooting
Offset, formerly of Migos, was shot outside the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Fl., last night. Police have arrested Lil Tjay in connection with the incident. – People
Britney Spears Checks Herself Into Treatment Facility After Arrest on Suspicion of DUI
Britney Spears has entered a substance abuse treatment facility just over a month after she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. – AP
The rocker also responded to a fan reminding him that he'd previously rubbished the idea, writing that his "mummy" told him to "go to the awards and behave." Gil Kaufman, Billboard
