Music Biz Headlines: World Cup Closing Ceremony Lineup Revealed, Tate McRae Earns an Emmy Nomination
Also this week: A reprieve for Toronto's Sneaky Dee's, Tommy Hunter's role in Canadian country music history, Kneecap to sue Indigenous leader after being denied entry into Canada and more.
Arguably the world's biggest sporting event, the World Cup has also been making headlines for its musical component, which is wrapping up this weekend. Tate McRae also grabs an Emmy nomination this week, Bryan Adams is heading Down Under and the music industry comes together for a solution on AI disclosure.
Read these and other major music stories of the week here.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Yungblud Cancels Cowboys Music Festival Performance: 'I'm Working on Myself'
The British rock singer "reluctantly" cancelled his performance scheduled for Sunday night at the Calgary music festival, stating that he is currently "working on himself and taking time off in the UK." Hip-hop hitmaker Nelly and EDM icon Steve Aoki took his place. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
Tate McRae's 2025 VMA Performance Earns an Emmy Nomination
The "Sports Car" and "Revolving Door" medley performance is nominated for outstanding choreography for variety or reality programming, becoming the first VMA performance to be recognized at the Emmys since Michael Jackson's 1995 medley. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
The Sneaky Dee’s Wrecking Ball Backed Off. The Threat to Toronto’s Live Music Scene Didn’t
Is culture becoming a ‘luxury’ in Toronto? – Manuela Vega,Toronto Star
The battle between this bar and potential redevelopment has captured the imagination of many Torontonians. But is it over? – Raju Mudhar, Toronto Star
Kneecap to Sue Indigenous Leader for Defamation After Being Denied Entry Into Canada
The Irish band has been allowed by the court of Ireland to file a defamation lawsuit against Harvey Yesno of the Eabametoong First Nation, who signed a statement published by Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem that led to the cancellation of the group's 2025 shows in Canada. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
Country Music Icon Tommy Hunter Introduced Several Stars to Canadians
Mr. Hunter was a smooth-singing guitarist and a strapping man of 6-foot-3, with a pompadour that added an inch to his height at least. His deep-set blue eyes twinkled and his broad face broke easily into a smile as he showcased stars such as Johnny Cash and introduced Michelle Wright, Garth Brooks, the Judds and a teenaged Eilleen Twain (later known as Shania) to Canadians. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Canadian Country Singer Robyn Ottolini Signs With ONErpm for Debut Album
The Ontario-born, Nashville-based act’s A Safe Place To Land will be released on Aug. 21. She kicks off this era with a new single, “God Knows I Try,” out now. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Ontario’s Hillside Festival Survives by Presenting the Next Big Thing
The mid-size indie event in Guelph, Ont., has a knack for curating cutting-edge programming. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
Rogers Closes Six Radio Stations Including Sportsnet in Vancouver, Calgary
Rogers Sports and Media is shutting down its Sportsnet 650 radio station in Vancouver and Sportsnet 960 station in Calgary, as well as four other stations across four cities. – Toronto Star
International Music Biz Headlines
World Cup Closing Ceremony to Feature Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger & More
The 2026 World Cup Finals is shaping up to be quite the star-studded event on the pitch itself. FIFA revealed the lineup for the closing ceremony and it features notable global stars. Tom Cruise will also be making a special appearance. – Anna Chan, Billboard
Bryan Adams Will ‘Roll With The Punches’ For 2027 Australasia Arena Tour
The veteran Canadian rocker will play arenas in seven cities on both sides of the Tasman. – Lars Brandle, Billboard
Bill Ackman's Pershing Square is reportedly set to sell around 80.6 million shares in Universal Music Group. According to Bloomberg, the move would see Pershing Square exit its position in UMG via an overnight placing. – Music Business Worldwide
RIAA, IFPI & More Come Together to Create System for Tagging AI-Generated Songs
Working similarly to explicit labels on records, the tags will distinguish between "AI-generated" and "AI-assisted" songs. – Kristin Robinson, Billboard
T.I. Signs Publishing Deal with Reservoir Covering Entire Catalogue
The deal includes T.I's latest album, Kill the King, as well as his hits "What You Know" and "Live Your Life." – Ariel King, Billboard
A Lock of Love Isn't a Problem in Delightful Documentary Peter Asher: Everywhere Man: Review
Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine scan the life of a Zelig-like figure who went from pop star to a high-powered position with the Beatles' Apple org. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Mick Jagger Says Fans Don’t Want Political Speeches Onstage
'You don’t want to lecture them,' Rolling Stones frontman says. – Mark Daniell, Postmedia
Pophouse Acquires Stake in Iron Maiden's Catalog, Name, Image, & likeness RightsPophouse Entertainment has entered into a partnership with influential British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, acquiring a stake in their publishing and master music rights, as well as the name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. The Sweden-based music investment firm confirmed the partnership on July 14. –Music Business Worldwide
