Music Biz Headlines: The Weeknd Weekend, SOCAN Polaris Song Prize's Inaugural Short List
These stories are making headlines this week: Sean Feucht's Canadian tour, the announcement of a new album by Karan Aujla, Hugh Christopher Brown's music in prisons and more.
The Weeknd receiving the key to the city of Toronto on July 26, 2028.
The Weeknd has had a big weekend in his hometown of Toronto, playing two sold-out dates at the Rogers Centre and receiving the key to the city. Meanwhile, the controversial tour of MAGA favourite Sean Feucht continues to face obstacles and Donald Trump renews his attacks on Beyoncé
Read these stories and more in this week's collection of music biz headlines.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Mustafa, Saya Gray, Yves Jarvis Make The Inaugural SOCAN Polaris Song Prize Short List
The winner of the first edition of the Prize will receive $10,000 split between the song's Canadian performers and the song’s credited Canadian songwriter(s). – Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada
'The Weeknd Weekend': Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow Honours Global Superstar
The award-winning Canadian singer is headlining two more shows at his hometown Rogers Centre on August 7 and 8. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Six Canadian Shows From MAGA Musician Sean Feucht Are Cancelled
This week, the Christian singer was set to take the stage at various cities across the East Coast — all of which, have been axed. – Billboard Canada
Montreal Church is Fined For Hosting a Concert by Sean Feucht.
Feucht’s controversial views and his status as a rising star in the MAGA movement have led officials to cancel his concerts in several Canadian cities in recent days. But on Friday evening, an evangelical church in Montreal allowed Feucht to perform a hastily scheduled concert over the objections of the city administration, and is now facing a $2,500 fine. – Globe and Mail
Bill Frisell and his band will be performing at a Kingston correctional facility on July 29 as part of Chris Brown’s Pros and Cons program. – Michael Barclay, Toronto Star
The former Beatle will open Hamilton’s new TD Coliseum in November — and bring a show of his photos to the AGO in February. – Nick Krewen, Toronto Star
Drake Officially Cancels Postponed Australia and New Zealand Tour Dates
"Drake remains committed to returning and performing these shows when his schedule permits," read a statement from promoters. – Tyler Jenke, Billboard
Karan Aujla Announces New Album 'P-Pop Culture' at Montreal Show
The Punjabi rapper and singer also dropped a teaser for his upcoming single “MF GHABRU,” arriving July 31 ahead of the album on August 22. – Peony Hirwani, Billboard Canada
For two decades, Sackville, N.B., has welcomed the brightest, most up-and-coming stars in Canadian music to its arts and culture festival. Photographer Colin Medley looks back at its best moments. – The Globe and Mail
Brian Jasson Brought Discount Music to Downtown Hamilton with Cheapies Records
Running shop “was a tremendously enjoyable way to make a living.” – Daniel Nolan, Hamilton Spectator
The artist shared an Instagram photo referring to the incident and revealed he was in Paris. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Saskatchewan Minister Welcomes Chappell Roan to the Province After Viral Lyric in 'The Subway'
2SLGBTQ Affairs Shadow Minister Nathaniel Teed sent the singer a warm welcome after hearing a line about moving to Saskatchewan in Roan's upcoming single. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
International Music Biz Headlines
Beyoncé Reunites With Destiny’s Child During Final Cowboy Carter Show in Las Vegas
The superstar singer wrapped up her latest tour at Allegiant Stadium on July 26. – Mitchell Peters, Billboard
The president's latest Truth Social rant comes amid increased pressure from his base for transparency over his friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard
Laura Jane Grace Responds to Wife's Abuse Allegations While Apologizing to Fans
Laura Jane Grace has taken to social media to address her wife’s accusations of spousal abuse last week. On July 17, the Against Me! frontwoman posted “I feel unsafe” on Instagram and Threads. That led to a series of posts from her wife, Paris Campbell Grace, whom she married after a whirlwind romance at the end of 2023. – Mike Usinger, Georgia StraightHe’s a thrilling performer who rails against injustice and ‘mob mentality’ in his homeland – but is he burning himself out? Recovering from an onstage injury, he discusses stereotypes and subversion. – Ciaran Thapar, The Guardian
Oasis’ Reunion Tour Is Only Getting Better: 7 Best Moments From Wembley Stadium’s Opening Night
The Live '25 tour rolled into London and saw the group on red-hot form. – Thomas Smith, Billboard
Phil Collins Is in Hospital for Surgery, Not in Hospice, Rep Confirms
The spokesperson clarified that Collins is currently hospitalized, but only due to a recent knee operation. – Jessica Lynch, Billboard
Hulk Hogan, Pro Wrestler & Pop Culture Icon, Dies at 71
The entertainer transcended his sport and even released a Billboard-charting album during his career. – Hannah Dailey, Billboard
Kneecap Banned From Hungary for Posing ‘National Security Threat’
"We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices where we see it," the Irish trio wrote on social media. – Tyler Jenke, Billboard
Diljit Dosanjh Announces Aura Tour 2025 and New Album
Fans are speculating if the tour will include North American stops. – Peony Hirwani, Billboard Canada
Paramore’s Hayley Williams Surprise Drops 17 New Songs on Website
The songs are accessible through a code tied to a new release from the singer's Good Dye Young hair dye company. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard
Ozzy Osbourne Receives Rocking Send Off With Public Funeral Procession in Birmingham
The metal icon will be laid to rest at a private ceremony in his hometown in the Midlands later in the day on Wednesday (July 30). – Thomas Smith, Billboard
