Music Biz Headlines: Kneecap To Sue Canadian MP Vince Gasparro, Diddy Docuseries Shocks
This week: Bonnaroo announces an eclectic 2026 lineup including a couple of big Canadian artists, Taylor Swift's Vancouver-set concert film releases a trailer, Olivia Dean has won her battle with Ticketmaster and more.
Olivia Dean has won a fight with Ticketmaster/Live Nation, securing refunds for fans after protesting exorbitant ticket resale prices. Eminem and Jack White dazzle during a Thanksgiving Day NFL Halftime Show, while the league names its Super Bowl pre-game performers. Meanwhile, a church has sued the city of Montreal after hosting "MAGA superstar" Sean Feucht.
Read these stories and more in this week's roundup of the music biz headlines of the week from Canada and beyond.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines of the Week
‘We Are Serving Legal Action Against You’: Kneecap Suing Canadian Politician Vince Gasparro
In a statement shared to social media, the Irish group shared that they will be “relentless in defending ourselves against outrageous and baseless accusations.” – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
CBSA, PMO Say They Were Not Involved in MP Announcing Ban on Belfast Band Kneecap
Vince Gasparro, parliamentary secretary for combating crime, released a social media video in September announcing the ban in response to allegations that Kneecap had been inciting violence and glorifying terrorism. – David Baxter, The Canadian Press
Midnight Agency CEO Nick Middleton Launches LEVEL Business Management and Accounting Firm
The Canadian company already has an active roster of touring artists and music companies already as clients, including Elijah Woods, folk-electronic duo Moontricks, Canadian electronic acts The Funk Hunters and Hoang and independent label Westwood Recordings. – Ryan Borba, Pollstar
Church Sues After City of Montreal Issues $2,500 Fine for Hosting ‘MAGA Superstar’
Quebec City is not alone in facing legal action for the way its municipal administration responded to a scheduled concert by Sean Feucht, an American Christian singer known for his ties to U.S. President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement. The City of Montreal is also being sued now. – Miriam Lafontaine, CP
You Can Study Indian Punjabi Rapper Diljit Dosanjh at a Major Ontario University Starting in 2026
In partnership with Billboard Canada, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is offering a course that spotlights Punjabi artist Diljit Dosanjh — and students will be able to take it starting January 2026. – Aru Kaul, Hamilton Spectator
Taylor Swift Unveils Trailer for ‘The Eras Tour: The Final Show' Shot in Vancouver
The concert film captures the final night of the tour in Vancouver and features the full Tortured Poets Department set for the first time. – Jessica Lynch, Billboard
The movie involves the brothers — Kevin, Joe and Nick — trying to get home to New York City for Christmas. – Daniel Nolan, The Spectator
For Singer-Songwriter William Prince, Joy is Composed of Many Small Daily Choices
Life is better than ever for Juno award-winner William Prince, whose aptly titled fourth studio album, Stand in the Joy, serves as a reminder of the daily importance of choosing happiness – even and especially if tomorrow it might be gone. – Rosemary Counter, Globe & Mail
Rochelle Jordan Earned Her Bragging Rights
Last month, the British-Canadian singer-songwriter/producer released the best pop record of 2025, Through the Wall. She recently sat down to talk about it, her partnership with KLSH, using audience cravings as a longevity tool and what being a diva means to her. – Matt Mitchell, Paste
International Music Biz Headlines of the Week
Ticketmaster Caps Resale Prices for Olivia Dean’s Tour Following ‘Disgusting Service’ Blast
"We echo Olivia's call to 'Do Better' and have taken steps to lead by example," comments Michael Rapino, CEO, Live Nation Entertainment, parent of Ticketmaster. – Lars Brandle, Billboard
Olivia Dean Secures Refunds for Fans After Calling Out Ticket Resale Prices
"We share Olivia's desire to keep live music accessible and ensure fans have the best access to affordable tickets," Live Nation Entertainment said. – Jessica Lynch, Billboard
‘A Lot of Bad Things Happened’: The Most Shocking Moments from the Diddy Docuseries
Netflix and 50 Cent’s harrowing new series looks back at the disgraced music mogul’s rise to fame and fall from grace. – Anna Betts, The Guardian
Diddy's Lawyers Demand Netflix Shelve 50 Cent's Netflix Series
The Diddy Netflix series produced by 50 Cent must be shelved, said lawyers for the rap mogul, who sent a cease-and-desist warning. – Rachel Scharf, Billboard
Yungblud, Geese, Clipse and Wet Leg are also on the roster for the June 11-14 gathering of the vibes in Manchester, Tenn, as are Canadian acts bbno$ and Mother Mother. – Gil Kaufman,Billboard
Detroit Icons Eminem & Jack White Share Stage for First Time at Epic Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show
The rap superstar co-executive produced the event alongside his manager, Paul Rosenberg. – Gary Graff, Billboard
AI Country hit ‘Walk My Walk’ Built on Blanco Brown’s Sound Sparks Questions of Attribution, Ethics
When an AI-generated country song called “Walk My Walk” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s country digital song sales chart this month, it was credited to a fictional artist named Breaking Rust — a white, digitally generated avatar that didn’t exist two months ago. – Jonathan Landrum, AP
Super Bowl 2026: Pregame Performers Will Include Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile and Coco Jones
The Super Bowl pregame show will open with a trio of standout performers in Northern California: Charlie Puth will hit the stage to sing the national anthem, Brandi Carlile will take on “America the Beautiful” and Coco Jones will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” – AP
Sean Ono Lennon Brings Oscar-Winning War Is Over! To YouTube For Global Charity Premiere
Sean Ono Lennon debuted the Academy Award winning animated short War Is Over! on YouTube on Dec. 1, with the premiere supporting War Child throughout the holiday season. The film, written by Sean with director Dave Mullins, uses the message of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Happy Xmas (War Is Over) to frame a modern call for peace. –.
Sugababes, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Wolf Alice and More to Play All-star Charity Concert for Trans RightsOrganised by Olly Alexander and the Mighty Hoopla festival to ‘fight back against the politics of fear and exclusion’, Trans Mission will take place at Wembley Arena in March. – Laura Snapes, The Guardian
In a Surprise Move, Pitchfork Chooses Non-Streaming Album from Los Thuthanaka as Best of 2025
"To say that Los Thuthanaka, the self-titled album from Chuquimamani-Condori and their brother, Joshua Chuquimia Crampton, requires some time on the shelf might be an understatement," the publication writes. "But get into it, and you’ll know this is a special record, so ahead of its time, and so worthy of your own."
