Music Biz Headlines: Bryan Adams vs Canadian Armed Forces, Lightfoot Tribute Controversy
Our weekly compendium of stories from across Canada and beyond also features the Eurovision winner, a nasty feud developing at Hipgnosis and an adventurous Toronto Symphony Orchestra concert.
Lightfoot Tribute Show Shuts Out Key Performers, Including Long-time Promoter Bernie Fiedler
Despite the tribute concert’s well-known participants, the show has attracted attention for the artists who won’t be there: No Neil Young, no Joni Mitchell and no Bob Dylan. Ron Sexsmith was also snubbed. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Bryan Adams Calls Out Canadian Armed Forces Over Bearskin Caps: ‘End the Cruelty and Go Fur-Free’
The CAF has switched to faux fur "where possible," a Department of National Defence spokesperson says. – Kyle Denis, Billboard
Toronto Concert Offers Jazz Great John Coltrane’s Music in a Rare Format: Arranged for Symphony
“He was a passionate player that was always looking forward,” says saxophonist Joe Lovano, featured soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in world premiere “John Coltrane: Legacy.” – Nick Krewen, Toronto Star
Video Game Soundtrack, Renée Fleming, Viola Desmond Play Among 2024/2025 NAC seasonAn orchestral performance of video game music from “Final Fantasy” is new territory for the National Arts Centre’s upcoming season. – Alex Goudge, Canadian Press
Cluster Festival Lineup Features Art, Music, Dance
Winnipeg has no shortage of eclectic music and art expos, but only the Cluster Festival of New Music and Integrated Arts will feature dancehall music, synth improvisation and aquatic sculptures inspired by the Victorian era. – Ben Waldman, Winnipeg Free Press
Tania Miller Leads a Busy Brott Music Festival
Two years after Boris Brott’s death, the eponymous festival he founded in 1988 is as busy as ever, and as peripatetic as ever, with 16 concerts in eight venues throughout the Hamilton-Burlington area over nine weeks this summer. – Leonard Turnevicius, Hamilton Spectator
The Wise Hall is At Risk of Closing
One of East Vancouver’s most cherished venues is in danger of closing its doors. The Wise Hall—an important hub of live music and community—is asking Vancouverites for help to keep the lights on. – Vicki Duong, Georgia Straight
Childish Gambino, Tems and The Killers Announce Toronto Tour Dates
Plus English singer, songwriter and guitarist Nilüfer Yanya announces a fall show at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. – Richie Assaly, Toronto Star
How Life As a Luthier Inspired the Plot of Grit Laskin’s New Novel
Generation after generation of violin makers have tried and failed to replicate his sound or discover what Stradivari's secret was. In his new novel, The Stradivari Formula, master luthier Grit Laskin offers one possible explanation. – Jan Vanderhorst, Roots Music Canada
Royal Conservatory Orchestra Turns Carnegie Hall Into Canada House in its Stunning Debut
The training orchestra’s thrilling and polished interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s fifth symphony was the highlight of the performance. – Joshua Chong, Toronto Star
Fête de la Musique Brings Free Concerts to Beaumont Studios
Fête de la Musique, a free French music festival presented by Alliance Française Vancouver, will return to Vancouver at the Beaumont Studios this summer. Six performers will perform local and international francophone music for all ages. – Vicki Duong, Georgia StraightSebastian Bach’s ‘Child Within the Man’ Makes the Case For a Skid Row Reunion
Sebastian Bach’s latest solo album, “Child Within the Man,” is a reminder that every once in a while, a man and a moment meet. – Wayne Parry, The Associated Press
International
Founder of Hipgnosis Songs Fund Accuses Ex-partner Over Failed Business
The now dissolved Hipgnosis Music received funds that were proceeds of fraud, Merck Mercuriadis alleges in court documents. – Jasper Jolly, The Guardian
A Judge Finds Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson Needs Conservatorship Because of Mental Decline
A judge found Thursday that Beach Boys founder and music luminary Brian Wilson should be in a court conservatorship to manage his personal and medical decisions because of what his doctor calls a “major neurocognitive disorder." – Andrew Dalton, Associated Press
Switzerland’s Nemo Wins Eurovision After Event Roiled by Protests Over Gaza War
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest early Sunday with “The Code,” an operatic pop-rap ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing a nongender identity. Switzerland’s contestant beat Croatian rocker Baby Lasagna to the title. – Jill Lawless, AP
Feminist Punk Icon Kathleen Hanna Confronts her Troubled Past in a New Memoir
The Bikini Kill frontwoman says she wrote the book to make sure everyone understands exactly what she wants to say. – Leesa Hannah, Toronto Star
‘He’d Offset the Intensity by Setting His Feet on Fire’: PJ Harvey, Mogwai and More on Steve Albini
Some famous former clients pay homage to the late studio wizard. – Ben Beaumont-Thomas, Stevie Chick, Annie Zaleski, The Guardian
