Music Biz Headlines: Neil Young Makes a Surprise Appearance at David Suzuki Benefit Concert, Drake's U.S. Chart Records
Also this week: Toronto arena venues implement changes, Eagles guitarist Don Felder opens up for Guess Who shows and a famed Hamilton studio turns 50.
Neil Young at David Suzuki Foundation Concert in Vancouver
The release of a trio of new albums has set multiple chart records for Drake on both sides of the border while adding more entries into his book of records, while a surprise guest appearance by Neil Young at a birthday celebration for Canadian eco-hero David Suzuki also makes news. Justin Bieber also makes history at the American Music Awards.
Elsewhere, a Prince cover of a Beatles classic attracts Macca's attention and a CRTC Canadian content tax on major streaming services sparks controversy.
Read more industry headlines from home and away here.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Neil Young Makes First Live Appearance of 2026 at Vancouver Benefit Concert
The surprise appearance came after Young abruptly cancelled a planned European tour in February. – Jessica Lynch, Billboard Canada
Goldie Boutilier, Cassie and Maggie Top 2026 East Coast Music Awards Winners
The awards were handed out at two events in Sydney, Cape Breton, as part of East Coast Music Week, May 20-24. – Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada
Rogers Stadium Implements New Changes to Address Issues Ahead of Second Concert Season in Toronto
The stadium located in the Downsview Park area has made several adjustments this year to enhance fan experience, accessibility and transportation to and from the site. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
U.S. Streaming Industry Slams CRTC Rules for Canadian Content Investment
Canada’s broadcast regulator is increasing the amount streaming services must contribute toward Canadian content production. Companies like Netflix and Apple will now be required to put 15 per cent of their Canadian revenue toward CanCon, a move that could heighten trade tensions with the U.S. – Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press
Nelly Furtado Links Up With Canadian Electronic Duo DVBBS on New Single ‘Torture of the Heart’
The first-ever collaboration between the two Canadian acts will be released Friday, May 29. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Here’s Every Canadian Artist Who Has Topped the Billboard Hot 100
They're all here, from Paul Anka to Drake. – Paul Grein, Billboard
‘My Principal Asked, ‘Are You on the Drake Album?’’:
On a school night last summer, Toronto producer Arham Paul was getting ready for bed when his phone rang. It led to the Toronto teen producer landing on rapper’s new trilogy. –Alex Nino Gheciu, Canadian Press
POP Montreal Reveals First Names For Its 25th Anniversary Edition: Nardwuar, Uffie, Luna & More
The festival will celebrate a milestone year from Sept. 23-27 with performances from A Winged Victory for the Sullen, Infinity Song, a 20th anniversary celebration of Secret City Records and many more. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
How Shakespeare Became the Ultimate Rock Star in Ontario’s Big Summer Musicals
The world’s most famous playwright — the man himself, not his plays — is having a major moment in 'Something Rotten!' and '& Juliet.' – Toronto Star
Legendary Eagles' Guitarist Taking it to The Limit for Guess Who Tour
Don Felder is no stranger to Canadian weather, having owned a home in Canmore, Alta., in the 2010s. He explains that he scored this support slot thanks to his manager’s longtime association with Cummings, Bachman and their management teams. – Postmedia
The 16-minute documentary, released on YouTube yesterday (May 13), takes the viewer into the recording of his acclaimed 2025 album Blurring Time as he received testosterone injections. – Meg Collins, Billboard Canada
Inside Grant Avenue Studio: The Quaint Hamilton Home Where Johnny Cash and U2 Recorded
Tucked on a side street is an unassuming house that plays a big part in the city’s music history. The recording studio at Grant Avenue Studio is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Sprawled along the walls inside the two-storey brick building at 38 Grant Ave. are bits and pieces of its heritage — plaques, records, signed photos and even posters. – Demar Grant, Hamilton Spectator
The Joys of Physical Media: Why Record Collecting Still Matters
Does streaming music feel a bit empty? It may be time to discover (or re-discover) intentional listening. If I love something, I want to represent it. And I want a physical representation of it (if possible). – Nick Kewin, Hamilton Spectator
International Music Biz Headlines
Justin Bieber Extends Record After Fifth Best Male Pop Artist Win at American Music Awards 2026
The Canadian pop-R&B hitmaker previously took home the award in 2010, 2012, 2016 and 2020. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Here Are the 2026 ACM Awards Winners: Full List
Ella Langley swept her seven nominations, including female artist of the year. – Katie Atkinson, Billboard
All of the 2026 AMAs Performances, Ranked
Who had the best number of the night? – Joe Lynch, Billboard
Drake Ties Taylor Swift for the Most Billboard 200 No. 1 Albums Among Soloists
He passes JAY-Z among solo males and R&B/hip-hop acts. – Keith Caulfield, Billboard
Here Are All the Hot 100 Records That Drake Has (and Hasn’t) Broken
Drake has rewritten many Hot 100 records since his chart arrival in 2009 with "Best I Ever Had." – Xander Zellner, Billboard
Drake Becomes First Artist to Earn 400 Total Hot 100 Hits As He Charts 42 Songs in a Single Week
He also returns to No. 1 on the Billboard Artist 100. – Xander Zellner, Billboard
Why Sony and Universal's Deal May Be the Future of AI Music
It's becoming increasingly clear that major labels are dealing with AI-generated music's rise by embracing and monetizing it. – Rolling Stone
Spotify and UMG Strike Landmark Deal To Let Fans Create AI Covers and Remixes
Spotify and Universal Music Group announced licensing agreements on May 21 that will let fans create AI-powered covers and remixes of songs from participating artists and songwriters. The new tool will launch as a paid add-on for Spotify Premium subscribers. – Music Business Worldwide
Music Industry Risks Excluding Working-Class Talent, Says Tinie Tempah
Singer Skye Newman also highlights how becoming a performer is becoming inaccessible to those without money. – The Guardian
Scottish Singer-songwriter Jacob Alon Wins Big at Ivor Novello Awards
Musician wins rising star and best song musically and lyrically, continuing their success after Brit award win and Mercury prize. – Ben Beaumont-Thomas, The Guardian
Paul McCartney Reveals Lost Prince Recording of a Beatles Classic Could Finally Be Heard
Paul McCartney says an unreleased recording of The Beatles classic The Long And Winding Road by Prince has resurfaced, and the former Beatle now wants to explore completing it for release. – Noise11
Stephen Colbert Returns To Television In Monroe With Jack White, Jeff Daniels And Eminem Cameo
Stephen Colbert stepped back in front of the cameras less than 24 hours after signing off from The Late Show, resurfacing on Monroe, Michigan public television with a surprise cast that included Jack White, Jeff Daniels and Eminem. – Noise11
