Music Biz Headlines: Kneecap Banned From Canada, Sarah McLachlan Stands For Free Speech
Other stories making headlines this week include a call for real climate action by Canadian stars, a prestigious award for Charlotte Day Wilson, a TikTok deal in the U.S. and more.
Kneecap
Irish rap provocateurs Kneecap have been banned from Canada, but they plan to fight the decision in court. Meanwhile, in a campaign called No Music For Genocide, more than 400 artists and labels, including many from Canada, have blocked their music from streaming services in India.
Also this week, Sarah McLachlan takes a stand for free speech over the Jimmy Kimmel situation, Alan Doyle takes to the stage and rumours of a Fleetwood Mac reunion are quashed.
Read these stories and more in this week's collection of music biz headlines.
Canadian Biz Headlines
The new campaign highlights 400+ artists and labels that have geo-blocked and removed their music from the territory's streaming services in response to the Israel-Palestine conflict, including Canadian labels Constellation and Arbutus Records. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Irish Trio Kneecap Blocked From Entering Canada
The group's Toronto and Vancouver shows were cancelled after officials cited violations of Canadian laws, a ruling the group blasted as 'wholly untrue and deeply malicious.' – Peony Hirwani, Billboard Canada
Kneecap Say They Haven't Received Any Formal Notice About Ban From Canada
Last Friday (September 19), Liberal MP Vince Gasparro said he was making the announcement "on behalf of the Government of Canada" and the Irish group said they intended to take legal action. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
"I think we're all fearful for what comes next," McLachlan said in a statement at Sunday's (Sept. 21) premiere. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard
The Billboard Canada-supported course is an indication of Canada’s emergence as a hub for Punjabi music. – Toronto Star
Sarah Harmer, Allison Russell, Luna Li & More Demand 'Real Climate Action' From Prime Minister Mark Carney
In an open letter signed by over 325 Canadian musicians, Music Draws the Line asks the Liberal leader to reverse “a dangerous course” of corporate-driven policy, military expansion and climate neglect. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Singalong Savants Choir! Choir! Choir! are Saving the World One Song at a Time
The open-participation choir is currently on a 58-city North American tour. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
Charlotte Day Wilson To Receive Innovator Award at Billboard Canada Women in Music 2025
The Toronto artist is set to accept the accolade at the Billboard Canada Women in Music event on October 1 in Toronto. – Billboard Canada
The folk-rock singer is starring in the new Canadian musical he’s co-written, “Tell Tale Harbour,” at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. – Alexa MacKie, Toronto Star
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's New Music Director Takes the Podium
Jean-Marie Zeitouni takes the helm as the ESO readies its return to the Winspear Centre. – Justin Bell, Edmonton Journal
For Bryan Adams, There’s Something About Christmas Time
Adams says he’s now bringing that sentiment to his new one-hour holiday special, which airs on Citytv this winter and will be accompanied by an album. “Bryan Adams and Friends: A Great Big Holiday Jam,” will feature Adams playing yuletide staples along with Canadian musicians including Alessia Cara, Alan Doyle, Barenaked Ladies, Lights and The Sheepdogs. – Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press
Nadir Mohamed, Prominent Business Leader and Former Rogers CEO, has Died
Mr. Mohamed was CEO of Rogers Communications from March, 2009, to December, 2013. He died on Thursday, Sept. 18 in Vancouver at age 69, after several years of treatment for cancer. – Globe & Mail
Hamilton is On the Cusp of an Arts and Culture Boom. How Do We Capitalize on It?
Tourism leaders convene at summit to discuss how Hamilton can combine attractions into a sustainable strategy. – Sebastian Bron, Hamilton Spectator
‘MJ,’ the Michael Jackson Jukebox Musical at Mirvish, Never Looks at the Man in the Mirror
Lynn Nottage’s character rehabilitation features slick choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, but only skims the surface of Jackson’s life. – Joshua Chong, Toronto Star
International Music Biz Headlines
Cardi B Replacing The Weeknd as 2025 Global Citizen Festival Headliner: ‘Let’s Get It!’
The Weeknd bowed out "due to personal reasons," he wrote on his Instagram Story. – Heran Mamo, Billboard
Taylor Swift is Bringing her Album Release Party to Cinemas. Here’s What You Need to Know
“The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” will feature a music video debut, behind-the-scenes footage and more. – Abhiraj Lamba, Toronto Star
Trump to Sign Order Approving Terms of TikTok Deal, White House Official Says
U.S. President Trump will sign an executive order later this week that declares that a deal to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations from its Chinese owner ByteDance will meet requirements set out in a 2024 law, a White House official said on Monday. – Reuters
Sylvia Rhone Leaving Role as Chair/CEO of Epic Records
The first Black executive and woman to chair a major record company, her tenure at Epic is just one success story in the trailblazer's five-decade career. – Gail Mitchell, Billboard
As this new chapter begins, Chaeyoung opens the doors of her small inner castle and gently invites us in, guiding us room by room through her story. – Billboard Korea
All Hail the ‘Queens’: Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills Restart their Tour
Patti LaBelle didn’t envision a six-decade career when she entered the music business at 14 years old. But 67 years later, she doesn’t take it for granted, acknowledging the fragility of life. – Associated Press
Jason Aldean's Full Recorded Catalog Returns to BMG
"Knowing all of my music is in the hands of my long-time label team makes this a full-circle moment," the country star says. – Marc Schneider, Billboard
Studio Used by Hendrix, Bowie and the Stones to Reopen After Decades Silent
Exclusive: Regent Sounds recording studio in London to be turned into landmark site for rock’n’roll, jazz and blues. – Dalya Alberge, The Guardian
Fleetwood Mac Call Reports They'll Reunite to Play JK Rowling’s 60th Birthday ‘Categorically False’
A representative for the band – who have not played together since 2019 – says it is ‘not in the realm of true’ that they will play at the author’s Bond-themed celebration. – Laura Snapes, The Guardian
