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Tory Lanez performs onstage during 2018 V-103 Winterfest at State Farm Arena on Dec. 15 in Atlanta.
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Music Biz Headlines: Tory Lanez Recovering from Prison Stabbing, UMG Remains at Odds with Drake
Other topics featured this week include big paydays for Oasis tribute bands, enforced transparency for Ticketmaster fees, and a posthumous collection from critic Peter Goddard.
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Drizzy continues to appear regularly in the headlines via his fractious relationship with his label, Universal Music Group. They have pledged to keep supporting his career, but Drake's defamation suit against them remains in play.
Also this week, controversy lingers around aspects of the East Coast Music Awards, Trump's dismissal of a top copyright official sparks fears on that front and Tory Lanez is rushed to hospital after a reported prison stabbing.
Find all those stories and more in this week's roundup of music business headlines.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Tory Lanez in ‘Good Spirits’ After Being ‘Stabbed 14 Times’ in Prison
Both of the singer's lungs collapsed following the attack, according to a statement on his social media. – Michael Saponara, Billboard
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UMG Hits Back at Drake’s ‘Astonishing’ Claims in Updated Suit Over Kendrick’s Super Bowl Show
The music giant says the new claims about the performance prove that Drake's case is just an "attack on the commercial and creative success of the rap artist who defeated him." – Bill Donahue, Billboard
Universal Remains ‘Committed to Propelling Drake’s Career’ As It Seeks Suit Dismissal
Universal Music Group is reaffirming its commitment to Drake, even as it files a motion seeking to dismiss his amended defamation suit over their role in the success of Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us.” – David Friend, Canadian Press
Jah’Mila Advocates For Change in 2025 East Coast Music Awards Acceptance Speech
In a year when many high-profile artists boycotted following the dismissal of CEO Blanche Israël, the Halifax-based reggae artist attended, but challenged her categorization in the R&B/soul category. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
'Mini-Me Syndrome' Prevalent in East Coast Music Scene, Says Industry Professional
East Coast Music Awards panel focuses on advancing equity, diversity and investing in different communities. – Maddie Ryan, CBC News
The Weeknd Shouts out Scarborough at 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' Premiere with Jenna Ortega & Rauw
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Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye talks to Lainey at the New York premiere of his feature film, 'Hurry Up Tomorrow.' We also spoke to – eTalk
From the Big Screen to Celine: Four Canadian Things to Know About Eurovision 2025
The Eurovision Song Contest gets underway Tuesday, as representatives from 15 countries meet to perform their hearts out in pursuit of the top prize and a chance to host next year’s event. David Friend, CP
Toronto Music Experience to Open a Permanent Museum by 2029
The non-profit organization has unveiled its plans to celebrate the city’s musical legacy. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
Late Critic’s Posthumous Book is a Colourful Collection of Rock ‘n’ Roll Insight
At the time of his death from brain cancer in 2022, Peter Goddard was compiling what was intended to be a 20-essay compilation to be titled My Private Rock ‘n’ Roll. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
From a family knick-knack that turned out to be a valuable French violin, to a rare, five-string baroque cello, these instruments have stories to share. Toronto Star
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International Music Biz Headlines
Donald Trump Fires Top U.S. Copyright Official – Sending Concerning Message over Music and AI
Trump's sudden removal from office of US Register Of Copyrights, Shira Perlmutter, this weekend brings with it context that could be of great importance – and concern – to the global music business. – Tim Ingham, Music Business Worldwide
As Biden-era ‘Junk Fee’ Rule Takes Effect, Ticketmaster Says it Will Display Fees More Clearly
As a Biden administration ban on so-called “junk fees” took effect Monday, Ticketmaster said it would start displaying the full price of a ticket as soon as consumers begin shopping. – Dee-Ann Durbin, Associated Press
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Matt Ellis Appointed CFO of Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group has appointed widely respected global finance executive Matt Ellis as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective June 9. Based in Santa Monica, he will be responsible for leading UMG’s global financial operations and will report to UMG’s Chairman & CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge. – Murray Stassen, MBW
Sony Music Renews Multi-Year Licensing Deal With Tencent Music Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment doesn’t often shout about new deals with streaming companies in the press, but on May 13 we discovered that Sony Music has renewed a multi-year deal with Tencent Music Entertainment, the biggest owner of music streaming platforms in China. – MBW
‘It’s Like Sex ... and We’re the Foreplay’: The Oasis Tribute Bands Gearing Up for the Big Reunion
Missed out on tickets to the biggest gigs of the summer? From Italy to Indonesia, there’s a covers band ready to fill the void. They’ve got the parkas, the swagger and the tambourines, but can they bring the sunshiiiine? – Rich Pelley, The Guardian
She managed tours for Queen and Led Zeppelin and was at George Harrison’s house when the Beatles split – but O’Dell is most proud of her legacy as a woman in a macho industry. – Christian Kriticos, The Guardian
Gary Kemp On Touring Costs and Mental Health Issues
Gary Kemp, the legendary Spandau Ballet guitarist and songwriter, has opened up about the financial and emotional challenges facing musicians today in a candid new episode of the I Never Thought It Would Happen podcast, by music charity Help Musicians. – Noise11
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