Music Biz Headlines: Canadians Debut at the Met Gala, The Rolling Stones Throw Back to Toronto's El Mocambo
Also this week: Bruce Allen reflects on decades-spanning career, an inside look at Justin Bieber's post-Coachella chart comeback, and Peter Gabriel helps out Vancouver lifeguards.
This past week, the Met Gala brought many of music's biggest stars to the year's biggest fashion event – including Canadians like Tate McRae and Hudson Williams.
Elsewhere, new inductees into the Musicians Hall of Fame include Dolly Parton, Keith Urban & Michael McDonald, the Rolling Stones announce a new album with a Toronto easter egg, and rising fuel costs hamper touring artists.
Read more music biz headlines of the week from Canada and beyond.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Tate McRae, Hudson Williams, Finn Wolfhard & More Make Their Debut at the 2026 Met Gala
The Canadian stars all made their first appearance at the famed fundraising benefit in New York last night (May 4), dressed to the theme “Fashion Is Art.” – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
Iconic Manager Bruce Allen on Confronting Bob Seger and Taking Care of Randy Bachman’s Business
Music manager legend Bruce Allen will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Departure Festival and Conference, a music industry event taking place in Toronto from May 4 to 10. Last fall, he stepped down as president of Bruce Allen Talent, a company he founded in the early 1970s, and moved into the role of chairman. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
"I remember sending it to Max Martin, going, 'look at this!'" the hit songwriter-producer recalls of the 2012 pop hit currently topping Billboard's global charts. – Annie Harrigan, Billboard
The Conservatory said it is ‘deeply saddened’ about the allegations against the famed piano educator, and is conducting an internal investigation. – Deborah Dundas, Toronto Star
Ashley MacIsaac Files $1.5 Million Lawsuit Against Google, Citing Defamation Over AI Overview
The Cape Breton musician reports that the company defamed him by falsely linking him to a sex offender with the same last name in AI overview results, causing a show to be cancelled. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Drake’s Toronto Mansion Gets Virtually Iced Out in Pics Ahead of ‘Iceman’ Album Release
It looks like it's going to be an ice cold summer based on the snaps on "Drake Related." – Gil Kaufman, Billboard
As Fuel Prices Surge, Canadian Artists say Touring is Unsustainable
Her experience points to a broader crisis facing Canadian musicians, who say touring has become an increasingly high-risk gamble. As fuel, food and accommodation costs soar — and audiences grow more cautious about spending amid inflation — artists are being forced to scale down, absorb losses or rethink touring altogether. – Alex Nino Gheciu, Canadian Press
One of the new songs, “Rough & Twisted” was secretly released on vinyl on Record Store Day (April 18) under the Cockroaches alias, referencing their secret Toronto show as The Cockroaches in 1977. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
Cree Composer Cris Derksen Spotlights New Works with Major Ensembles
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra will soon premiere Cree composer and cellist Cris Derksen’s Still Here, which draws on the everyday experiences of Indigenous patients at the city’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Peter Gabriel Recounts 1983 Rescue as Plan to Reduce Vancouver Lifeguards is Reversed
Musician The English star Peter Gabriel recounted his own rescue from waters off a city beach ahead of a tour stop with David Bowie in 1983. –Canadian Press
The PCD will still perform at WeHo Pride in Los Angeles, and the European trek will go on as scheduled. – Michael Saponara, Billboard
Inside the 26-Year Struggle to Keep Hugh’s Room Alive in Toronto
From a near disaster on opening night to its new home in a church, Hugh’s Room has spent years as Toronto’s quietest stage. – Bob Reid, Toronto Star
Cudi also canceled his May 5 show in Alabama due to low ticket sales. – Michael Saponara, Billboard
Goldie Boutilier Finds Stardom at 40. It Is An Unlikely Rise
The singer-songwriter from Cape Breton tapped into her troubled past to find her true voice and is now ready to take on the world. – Hadani Ditmars, National Post
Drake’s Rolex From the ‘Take Care’ Cover Has Reportedly Sold for $500,000
Drizzy also wore the prized timepiece in the "Marvin's Room" video. – Michael Saponara, Billboard
SOCAN Presents AI Opportunities and Challenges to Canadian Senate Committee
SOCAN recently spoke to the Canadian Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications about the opportunities and limitations that generative AI poses for Canadian songwriters, composers and music publishers. – Words & Music
International Music Biz Headlines
Met Gala 2026: The 10 Best Musician Looks on the Red Carpet
This year's dress code was "Fashion Is Art." – Amanda Retotar, Annie Harrigan, Billboard
The Musicians Hall of Fame recently inducted a new class of members during a Nashville ceremony. – Jessica Nicholson, Billboard
Taylor Swift Files 3 new Trademark Applications. One Expert Says It Is to Curb AI Threats
Taylor Swift filed three new trademark applications with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, a move one legal expert theorizes it is to protect her voice and image from potential misuse through artificial intelligence. – Maria Sherman, Associated Press
Spotify Rolls Out 'Verified' Badge to Distinguish Human Artists from AI
Green checkmark will appear on artist profiles to signal they meet the platform’s standard for authenticity. – The Guardian
Britney Spears Charged in California with Driving Under Combined Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
44-year-old pop star was charged with single misdemeanor count , says Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. – Andrew Dalton, AP
Britney Spears Set to be Arraigned on DUI Charge in California Court
The misdemeanour charge level means she is not required to appear and her absence won’t count against her. – Andrew Dalton, AP
Shakira Gathers 2 Million Fans at Free Rio de Janeiro Concert
The Colombian pop star delighted the Copacabana Beach audience with her biggest hits on May 2. – Miranda Wollen , Paste
Singer D4vd Murdered 14-Year-Old Victim to Silence her, Prosecutors Say
Prosecutors stated Wednesday that singer D4vd killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez by stabbing her multiple times then dismembered her body using chainsaws in his garage. – Andrew Dalton, AP
Inspired in part by Zohran Mamdani’s NY mayorship, Rostam Batmanglij’s gorgeous new album fuses Americana with sounds of the Middle East. So why isn’t his mum happy? S– haad D'Souza, The Guardian
Owen Riegling backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on April 22, 2026.Big Loud Records