Music Biz Headlines, July 23, 2018
Kraftwerk gets a musical assist from a German spaceman (pictured), Radiohead's return to Toronto grabs international attention, and Despacito gives Latin music a boost in Canada. Also in the headlines are Justin Bieber, Andrea Nixon, Ontario festivals, Juliette Lewis, Club 23 West, Wagner's Ring, Garry Lowe, celebrity opioid deaths, Current fest, Foonyap, and Mamma Mia!
By Kerry Doole
Radiohead fans ruin emotional moment at Toronto concert
The balance was off at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday. Seconds after an emotional Thom Yorke bitterly and justifiably spoke of a silence that was deafening, an audience got loud at the worst time. Radiohead had the blues in Toronto, and rock ’n’ roll needs a soundcheck – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Astronaut drops in on Kraftwerk gig, plays duet from space
Kraftwerk fans are used to hearing otherworldly tunes, but the German electronic music pioneers took it to another level at a gig in Stuttgart. Video posted Saturday by the European Space Agency shows German astronaut Alexander Gerst "dropping in" for a live performance from the International Space Station – CP
Justin Bieber in trouble with egging case judge for skipping deposition
The pop star has lost the right to defend himself in court after blowing off depositions over his vandalism case – WENN
Proud housewife Andrea Nixon bringing lovely voice to K-Days Tuesday night
When it comes to taking leaps, Edmonton country-roots singer Andrea Nixon doesn’t hesitate — and it’s paying off – Fish Griwkowsky, Edmonton Journal
After ‘Despacito’ success, is Latin music finally getting its spot on Canadian radio?
Singer Alx Veliz is certain that a recent swell in the popularity of Latin music is signalling a change of tastes with many Canadian listeners – David Friend, CP
15 Ontario music festivals to check out this summer
These festivals, all outside Toronto, give you plenty of options for camping, day trips or just an afternoon of music in the sun – Olivia Bednar, NOW
Juliette Lewis and the return of The Licks
Lewis has, for 14 years, gleefully disproved the theory that actors should stay away from music. She’s a fiery, passionate and charismatic frontwoman, happy to sweat it out with a room full of rock fans, often diving fully into an enthusiastic pit – Brett Callwood, LA Weekly
Gastown's Club 23 West to hold final parties this weekend before closure for redevelopment
It's yet another end of an era. Vancouver's nightclub scene lost one of its wildest venues when Club 23 West closed this weekend – Craig Takeuchi Georgia Straight
Wagner’s Ring an overwhelming marathon of music
Opera’s Mt. Everest? Individual masterpieces may come to mind, Berlioz’s Les Troyens among them, but to most commentators the answer, hands down, is Richard Wagner’s four-part Der Ring des Nibelungen – William Littler, Toronto Star
Garry Lowe, 64, was the bassist who gave Big Sugar its reggae groove
He was the gentle, dreadlocked musician who gave the popular Canadian blues-reggae rock group Big Sugar its distinctive bass sound. But Garry Lowe played a far greater role, bridging the reggae and Rastafarian culture of his native Jamaica with diverse audiences wherever he went – Nick Jennings, Globe and Mail
Thom Yorke addresses stage collapse that killed Radiohead's drum technician
‘People are still not being held accountable’ says Yorke, who is performing in Toronto for the first time since the 2012 incident – Laura Snapes, The Guardian
Dying to entertain us: Celebrities keep ODing on opioids and no one cares
The deaths of Prince, Tom Petty, Heath Ledger, and Michelle McNamara haven’t galvanized attention to the prescription drug crisis – Benjamin Ryan, Village Voice
All-womxn electronic-art fest Current roars into Vancouver for second year
Vancouver’s first feminist electronic-music symposium, returns for its second year of programming (July 25 to 29)—this time with the hopeful theme of “Dream of a New Future” – Lucy Lau, Georgia Straight
Foonyap’s vessel for feeling
The Calgary artist loops violin, mandolin and vocals for a unique and captivating distillation of indie-rock – Brennan McCracken, The Coast
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again gets by on Abba’s not-quite-greatest hits
Here we go again — another sequel glomming off the goodwill of the original in a cynical quest for box-office booty. It’s not that Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is terrible; it’s just not terribly good – Bruce DeMara, Toronto Star
