Music Biz Headlines: Gordon Lightfoot Honoured, Celine Dion Won't Stop
This week's compendium of stories from across Canada and beyond also includes summer concerts across Canada, the potential U.S. TikTok ban, AI and more.
Gordon Lightfoot
Rush's Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Reunite to Pay Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall: Watch
The singer and guitarist of the immensely popular Canadian trio joined house band Blue Rodeo for a performance of "The Way I Feel," honouring the iconic singer-songwriter Lightfoot, who died last year at 84. – Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada
Star-studded Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Concert at Massey Hall Was a Fitting Homage To a Legend
it is hard to imagine his compositions sounding any better than they did on a night when major and minor chords were struck, familiar melodies hummed and memories celebrated. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
‘Bigger Than Just Music:’ Canadians Remember Punjabi Rapper Two Years After Killing
Sidhu Moose Wala’s legacy has only grown since he was shot dead in an ambush in India on May 29, 2022. Fans worldwide are expected to remember and honour Moose Wala – for his music and politics – on the second anniversary of his death. – Fakiha Baig, Canadian Press
I Won't Stop,’ Celine Dion Says in Trailer For Upcoming Doc About Her Health Woes
Celine Dion’s fans are getting a first glimpse of the superstar’s struggle with a rare neurological disorder in an emotional trailer for an upcoming documentary about her career and life. – Canadian Press
Let’s Not Allow Toronto To Become a Culturally Shrivelled City
The closure and diminishment of so many arts institutions in our city should concern us all. The significant economic threat aside, it makes life here smaller and duller. – Toronto Star
Ten Concerts and Music Festivals Across the Country to Catch This Summer
Our choices range from Green Day and Metallica to Alvvays. – Josh O'Kane & Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
The Sheepdogs to Headline Free Canada Day Concert in Surrey, B.C.
This July 1, the Sheepdogs, along with Sass Jordan and Indigenous singer-songwriter Don Amero, will headline Surrey’s Canada Day celebrations at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. – Vicki Duong, Georgia Straight
Major Performing Arts Centres Putting Video Game Music in the Spotlight
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is forgoing the usual classical staples by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven this weekend for a radically different repertoire drawn from video games “World of Warcraft” and “Assassin’s Creed.” – Alex Goudge, Canadian Press
Hard To Cheer For the Homeboy in Current Rap Battle
Drake biographer unravels the nuance of Toronto rapper’s battle with Kendrick Lamar: I wanted to flag-wave and be that Canadian nationalist guy rooting for Drake, But this one felt different. – Dalton Higgins, NEXT
In Toronto, Albums, Magazines and DVDs Are Back in Demand — Here’s Where to Find Them
Fight the algorithm: How a yearning for organic discovery is powering a resurgence of physical media. – Toronto Star
Massive FirstOntario Centre Renovation Begins — For Real
Rebuilding of old arena will cost $280 million and take 18 months. – Scott Radley, Hamilton Spectator
International
The Brutal Reality: Power is Shifting to AI-generated Music and Algorithmic Discovery.
Music rights-holders must wake up to the opportunity, states Stef Van Vugt, the founder of Fruits Music, in this op-ed. – Music Business Worldwide
Most U.S. TikTok Creators Don’t Think a Ban Will Happen
The Chinese-owned app is in serious trouble in Washington, but a survey of US creators suggests TikTok’s influencer economy is carrying on with business as usual. – Wired
Since 1956, the Ivor Novello Awards have been awarded annually honouring excellence in Music for songwriting and composing in London. The Ivors are held every May. Winners includes RAYE and KT Tunstall. – Noise11
The Beach Boys Look Back on Years of Harmony and Heartache in Documentary
Both the Beach Boys and “The Beach Boys” — the new documentary dropping Friday on Disney+ — are all about blending a range of voices. – Andrew Dalton The Associated Press
Is Snoop Dogg’s Memorabilia Auction a Model for Cash-hungry Music Stars?
The Dogfather has monetized his celebrity with an auction at a time when artists struggle to make the money they once did. – The Guardian
