Music Biz Headlines: World Series Fever Catches Justin Bieber, Drake Tries to Revive 'Not Like Us' Case
Also making news this week: The Weeknd joins the FIFA Global Citizen Education Board ahead of the world cup, Paul McCartney's photography will be exhibited in Toronto and this year's Billboard Touring Power Players are revealed.
A sporting event has fuelled many music-related headlines over the past week via the World Series match-up of the Toronto Blue Jays and L.A. Dodgers.Jonas Brothers, JP Saxe, Justin Bieber, Drake and Jays superfan Geddy Lee all made news for their involvement.
Elsewhere, Drake is back in court with two different cases, the Touring Power Players are revealed and the U.S. Hot 100 hits a hip hop drought.
Read these stories and more in this week's collection of music biz headlines.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Rush’s Geddy Lee Loves the Blue Jays, but His Grandson is Closer to the Heart
A season ticket holder since 1979 and the author of 72 Stories: From the Baseball Collection of Geddy Lee, he will be there once again for the World Series games in Toronto against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lee spoke to us about baseball, family and shared fandom. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Jonas Brothers’ 2025 World Series Performance Leaves Many MLB Fans Confused
"If the Jays lose it's entirely on that weird Jonas Brothers performance in the middle of the game," one viewer wrote. – Mitchell Peters, Billboard
JP Saxe’s Rendition of O Canada at World Series Far From a Home Run Among Many Baseball Fans
The Grammy-nominated Canadian singer-songwriter is getting some harsh reviews online for his performance, while some are also praising his lyric change to "home on native land." – CBC News
Justin Bieber Wears Shane Bieber Blue Jays Jersey at World Series Game 3
The Canadian pop singer showed up to support his last name twin in yesterday’s marathon game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The singer has promised that he'll post content on the streaming platform almost every day. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard Canada
Drake Earns Six Diamond RIAA Certifications Including ‘Take Care’ on 39th Birthday
The 6 God extended his record to 15 diamond singles. – Michael Saponara, Billboard
From his backyard shop off the Danforth, Weir has worked on clarinets and saxophones for professionals from top orchestras, jazz outfits and military bands across North America. – Jake Edmiston, Star
Canadian alt-rock musician Melissa Auf der Maur of Smashing Pumpkins and Hole will also bring her '90s era photographs to the gallery next year. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Big Wreck’s Ian Thornley Talks Producers, Guitar Solos and Changing his Lyrics But Not His Rock Edge
On Friday, Canadian classic-rock band Big Wreck released its ninth album The Rest of the Story. Co-founding singer/guitarist Ian Thornley spoke to The Globe and Mail about producers, guitar solos and edgy lyrics to the single Holy Roller." – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
TD Coliseum Goes Black a Month Before Opening
With a month to go until it reopens, you can envision what TD Coliseum will looks like when it’s done. Which includes a lot of black. – Hamilton Spectator
International Music Biz Headlines
Billboard Touring Power Players
From promoting the headliners of tomorrow to guiding touring veterans, these executives — including Canadian Live Nation promotion legend Arthur Fogel, visionary Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman and other leaders from the agency, venue and ticketing spaces — propelled the live sector to another stellar year. – Billboard
Taylor Swift, LL Cool J, Kenny Loggins and David Byrne are Among Songwriters Hall of Fame Nominees
The Hall annually inducts performers and non-performers alike. Also on the ballot are Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine and Jane M. Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of The Guess Who, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America and Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss. – Maria Sherman, Associated Press
The Weeknd Join FIFA Global Citizen Education Board Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Ivanka Trump, Serena Williams & more are also onboard. The organization aims to raise $100 million to make education more accessible globally. – Hannah Dailey, Billboard
Drake Files Appeal to Revive Defamation Case Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’
The superstar isn't ready to concede defeat after a judge dismissed his lawsuit against UMG over diss track lyrics that labeled him a "certified pedophile." – Bill Donahue, Billboard
Drake Sued for Endorsing ‘Unlawful’ Gambling Platform: ‘Deeply Fraudulent’
A Missouri man says Drake and streamer Adin Ross promoted the online casino Stake, thereby "glamorizing the platform to millions of impressionable fans." – Bill Donahue, Billboard
No Rap Songs Are in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40 for the First Time Since 1990
As one long-running hip-hop smash goes recurrent on the chart, the Hot 100's top 40 does not boast a single rap song, ending a streak that's lasted for over 35 years. – Andrew Unterberger, Billboard
Jon Bon Jovi Talks First Tour Since Vocal Cord Surgery, New Album and Bruce Springsteen
Bon Jovi will embark on their first tour in four years in 2026 — and it’s more than just a victory lap. – AP
The Stray Cats cancel upcoming tour as Brian Setzer faces a serious illness months after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. –Rolling Stone
