Music Biz Headlines: David Bowie Remembered 10 Years After His Death, 'Heated Rivalry' Soundtrack Is Coming
Also this week: the legacy of important rock radio station CFNY is explored in a new documentary, BTS comes to Toronto, a watershed copyright ruling and more.
As the new year gets underway, a diverse range of topics are featured in the headlines. The potential perils of AI for music are explored, a US court ruling may be a big win for songwriters, the announcement of a global BTS tour sparks excitement and there are updates on the Grammys, iHeart Radio Music Awards and Golden Globes.
Read these stories and more in this week's roundup of music biz headlines of the week from Canada and beyond.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
‘CFNY: The Spirit of Radio’ Documentary Captures the Essence of Influential Ontario Rock Station
Now streaming for free via TVO Docs, the documentary focuses on the alternative spirit of the GTA station that made waves in the '80s and '90s before being rebranded as 102.1 The Edge. There are interviews with Rush’s Geddy Lee, Metric's Emily Haines, Sum 41's Deryck Whibley and more. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
‘Heated Rivalry’ Is Getting an Official Soundtrack — and It’s Coming Sooner Than You Think
There's no stopping this breakout Canadian show's momentum, with the score by Quebec artist Peter Peter as the latest beneficiary. – Kyle Denis, Billboard Canada
The music industry is going all-in on licensed AI — but musicians are less excited. – Josh O'Kane, Globe and Mail
Neil Young Urges Americans to ‘Rise Up’ in New Editorial Criticizing Trump
The post arrives days after a protester was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. – Jessica Lynch, Billboard
Burnaby Greens Hold Course After Punk Politician Joe Keithley’s Party Switch
Keithley, a longtime Green voice on Burnaby council but better known as the legendary leader of D.O.A., recently announced that he has joined the Burnaby Citizens Association, which is affiliated with the New Democratic Party. – Vicki Duong, Georgia Straight
Dylan, Cher and More (but no Springsteen): Eleven Books About Music to Watch for in 2026
The former bassist for Hole and the Smashing Pumpkins, Melissa Auf der Maur has written Even the Good Girls Will Cry: A ’90s Rock Memoir, one of the more intriguing music titles coming to shelves and shippers in 2026. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
Hamilton Band Superstar Crush Receives Shoutout in The New Yorker
‘It was very much out of the blue, which made it all the more magical,' the young band reports. – Jon Wells, Hamilton Spectator
Remembering Handsome Ned: Music Doc Celebrates Queen West Legend on 39th Anniversary of His Passing
‘You Left Me Blue: The Handsome Ned Story’ fitting tribute to local music pioneer. – Michael Hollett, NEXT
Travelling Balladeer Stu Phillips Journeyed From Western Canada to the Grand Ole Opry
Stu Phillips was known for his warm baritone voice and penchant for storytelling. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
International Music Biz Headlines
Siding with the songwriter behind a 1963 track, the ruling could mean major changes to how artists win back their music rights. – Bill Donahue, Billboard
Taylor Swift Leads 2026 iHeart Radio Music Awards Nods: Full Nominations List
Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter & Alex Warren are close behind. Fan voting in 11 categories has started. – Paul Grein, Billboard
BTS Announces Massive Global Tour: Here Are the Dates
The Bangtan Boys are back! Canada is included in the itinerary. – Anna Chan, Billboard
Ten Years After his Death, is David Bowie’s Musical Legacy at Risk of Fading From View?
From the V&A to the Stranger Things finale, the pop icon still looms large – but with lower streaming figures than his peers, how many new listeners are discovering his music? – Eamonn Forde, The Guardian
Iman Honours David Bowie on 10th Anniversary of His Death
"Jan 10th. The pain didn't vanish .. it left in its place a loving permanent mark," Iman wrote of her late husband. – Jessica Lynch, Billboard
Trevor Noah to Host Grammys for the Sixth and Final Time
Noah himself is a four-time Grammy nominee and is up this year in the best audio book, narration, and storytelling recording category. – Associated Press
Andrea Bocelli to Perform at 2026 Olympics Opening Ceremony, Joining Mariah Carey as a Headliner
The opening ceremony takes place at San Siro soccer stadium in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 6. – Associated Press
“We never felt we would see that happen,” Montero told The Globe and Mail. She performs at Toronto’s Koerner Hall on Jan. 18. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
In a Time of Turmoil and Trauma, the Golden Globes Didn’t Read the Room
The show’s big winners were deserving, but the show felt forced and awkward in its insistence on being loose and fun. – Steve Pond, The Wrap
Music Executive L.A. Reid Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit on Day Civil Trial Was Due to Begin
The former Arista Records chief executive had faced allegations that he derailed the career of former employee Drew Dixon after she rejected his advances. – Laura Snapes, The Guardian
Jack Osbourne Says Ozzy Osbourne Is Visiting Family Members in Their Dreams
"We all keep having dreams about him. In the dreams, he is laughing," Jack Osbourne said. – Jessica Lynch, Billboard
