Music Biz Headlines: A Tragically Hip Musical, Trump Fallout In Canadian Music
Canadian artists are boycotting U.S. venues and conferences, Live Nation in ticketing talks with streaming services, Justin Trudeau's son Xavier releases an R&B single, plus more stories making news this week.
The Tragically Hip
Last week, Billboard Canada broke the story of the Canadian Independent Music Association pulling out of SXSW amidst tensions between Canada and the U.S. Since then, a number of other Canadian artists have made headlines with their own actions against Donald Trump's tariffs and annexation threats. Meanwhile, The Tragically Hip have inspired a new jukebox musical while their classic tune "Courage" is repurposed to support the Terry Fox foundation. Find those stories, plus other legal and business headlines in this week's roundup below.
Canadian News Headlines
This Toronto Singer Couldn’t Wait to Play Washington’s Kennedy Center. Then She Pulled Out
Amanda Rheaume cancelled her April gig after President Trump took over the prestigious performing arts venue. – Nick Krewen, Toronto Star
The slight switch came before last Thursday's (Feb. 20) 4 Nations Face-Off title game that Canada won over Team USA. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard
Justin Bieber Plays in Celebrity Hockey Game for Los Angeles Wildfire Relief
The new dad took took to the ice Sunday evening (Feb. 23) and said he wants to get his new baby Jack Blues on skates ‘as soon as possible.’ – Ashley Iasimone, Billboard
The Tragically Hip Are Getting a New Jukebox Musical Theatrical Production
It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken will use the beloved Canadian band's catalogue as the bedrock for a new musical about a family in Toronto's Kensington Market. Supported by Mirvish Productions, the musical will premiere in Hamilton in 2026. – Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada
Terry Fox Foundation releases inspiring short film featuring new Tragically Hip track
A new, virtually a cappella version of the Hip's Courage was unveiled in the video marking the cancer foundation's 45th anniversary. – Joseph Ruttle, Vancouver Sun
TD pulls sponsorship of major jazz festivals, setting off funding scramble
Toronto-Dominion Bank has quietly ended its long-time sponsorship of some of Canada's most prominent jazz festivals, forcing them to cut costs at a time when cultural industries are struggling to attract corporate money. – Josh O'Kane, Globe & Mail
Canada Council for the Arts Names Opera Veteran Cheryl Hickman Next Chair
Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge said Monday that Newfoundland and Labrador opera veteran Cheryl Hickman would take over as Canada Council for the Arts chair when Jesse Wente’s five-year term ends in July. – Josh O'Kane, Globe & Mail
Justin Trudeau's son, Xavier, forays into music with debut R&B single
Song draws inspiration from fellow Canadian artists Drake, The Weeknd and Justin Bieber. – Samritha Arunasalam, CBC
The Five Winners of APEM’S 2025 Syncs of the Year
The winners of the Synchros de l’année – which aim to promote the use of Québecois music in local screen productions – were announced during the Quand la musique rencontre l’image event at the Cinémathèque Québécoise. – Eric Parazelli, SOCAN Words & Music
International News Headlines
Daniel Ek Has Cashed Out $666M in Spotify Stock
This updated total includes his latest banking transaction of $31.5M. – Mandy Dagdalug, Music Business Worldwide
Michael Rapino Confirms Live Nation Ticketing Talks With Spotify, Apple and Amazon
Spotify, Apple, and Amazon have held ticketing talks with Ticketmaster owner Live Nation around presale access for super-premium tier subscribers.. Live Nation President and CEO Michael Rapino confirmed that news on the company’s earnings call on February 20. – Murray Stassen, MBW
Kobalt's New Platform, KOSIGN, Helps Indie Songwriters Get Paid
Kobalt has just launched a new publishing platform called KOSIGN aimed at emerging artists and songwriters. It’s accessible by invite or application only – and the company says the platform uses the same royalty collection system ‘trusted’ by the superstars listed above. – MBW
Major Record Label Bosses Back Fight Against U.K. AI Copyright Proposal
Universal Music Group Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge, Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer, and Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl have thrown their weight behind a Daily Mail campaign urging the government to protect creators’ rights. – Mandy Dalugdug, MBW
Kate Bush, Damon Albarn & More Artists Protest U.K. Government’s AI Stance With ‘Silent’ Album
The record, which was "co-written" by more than 1,000 musicians, is a critique of the government's proposed opt-out approach to generative artificial intelligence training. – Thomas Smith, Billboard UK
One of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Attorney Files to Quit Defense Team
One of the attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs in his sex trafficking case wants to quit the hip-hop mogul’s defense team. Defense lawyer Anthony Ricco filed notice in Manhattan federal court that he no longer wants to represent Combs, writing “under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel. – Associated Press
A$AP Rocky Dives Into Rihanna’s Arms as Not Guilty Verdict is Read at Felony Assault Trial
“Thank y’all for saving my life,” he told jurors as they left the Los Angeles courtroom. – Andrew Dalton, AP
Nevada Judge Postpones Trial for Suspect in Killing of Rapper Tupac Shakur
A Nevada judge has postponed the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the only suspect ever charged in the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur, for nearly a year, saying she had little choice given new developments presented by his defense attorneys and the need to ensure a fair trial. – AP
