Arkells Skip Toronto for Hamilton, SXSW Scales Back

Arkells Will Skip Toronto for Hamilton Shows

The popular Canadian rock band Arkells will headline The Rally at Hamilton Stadium on June 21, marking the third edition of this event. However, instead of playing in Toronto this summer, the band has opted for their hometown of Hamilton. Arkells will also perform their first club show in Hamilton in over a decade, giving fans an intimate opportunity to experience the band in a more personal setting.

Radiohead Shares Toronto Concert Footage from 1995

Radiohead, the iconic British band, has released a full concert video from a 1995 performance in Toronto. This show took place at the Horseshoe Tavern, just weeks after the release of their landmark album The Bends. The footage offers a rare glimpse into Radiohead’s early days and serves as a treat for fans of the band’s early catalog.

Sum 41 Gets Museum Exhibit in Calgary

Sum 41 is being honored with an exhibit at Calgary’s National Music Centre, which will open on March 26. The exhibit celebrates the punk rock group’s legacy and upcoming induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. It provides an in-depth look at the band’s history and impact on the Canadian music scene.

Toronto Producer Remixes FIFA World Cup Theme Song

Toronto-based Juno award-winning producer Hill Kourkoutis has remixed the official FIFA World Cup 2026 theme song, adding a local twist to the global anthem. The remix showcases Kourkoutis’s unique style and musical prowess, blending his Toronto roots with the international excitement surrounding the World Cup.

Folk Duo Cassie and Maggie MacDonald Questioned by U.S. State Troopers

Canadian folk duo Cassie and Maggie MacDonald were recently stopped and questioned by U.S. state troopers while driving through Pennsylvania. The incident occurred while the duo was traveling between Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio. The MacDonalds, from Nova Scotia, faced suspicion due to rising tensions between Canada and the U.S., highlighting the growing challenges for touring artists in the current political climate.

East Coast Music Awards Facing Boycott Threats

The East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) are facing mounting tensions within the industry. The conflict centers on the leadership and direction of the awards, with some calling for a boycott of the event. ECMAs’ leadership warns that this could severely damage the organization and its future.

Regina Folk Festival Ends After 50+ Years

The Regina Folk Festival, a staple of the Saskatchewan music scene for over 50 years, has announced it will cease operations. The festival cited insurmountable economic challenges as the primary reason for its closure. This marks the end of an era for one of the province’s most beloved cultural events.

Toronto Film “We Forgot to Break Up” Explores Music Scene Drama

The Toronto-based film We Forgot to Break Up dives into the messy and tumultuous dynamics of a homegrown rock band. The movie mirrors the chaotic and raw essence of the Canadian music scene, drawing comparisons to classics like Roadkill and Hardcore Logo. The drama reflects the struggles of band members on the verge of falling apart.

Vancouver’s Struggling Music Scene

Vancouver’s once-vibrant music scene is facing an uphill battle. With fewer venues, shrinking media support, and a reputation as “No Fun City,” the city is struggling to sustain its music culture. Critics argue that more needs to be done to support local artists and revitalize Vancouver’s live music scene.

Neil Young to End ‘Platinum’ Ticket Sales Following Ticket Price Gouging Backlash

Neil Young has announced that he will no longer offer “platinum” tickets on his future tours, following advice from Robert Smith of The Cure, who criticized the practice. Young, known for his anti-commercial stance, decried ticket price gouging, calling it “a scam driven by greed.”

Cris Derksen Draws on Indigenous Culture for ‘Controlled Burn’ Composition

Northern Alberta composer Cris Derksen’s composition Controlled Burn drew inspiration from Indigenous culture. Derksen, who made her Carnegie Hall debut with the piece, recently performed it with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance showcased her unique style and her deep connection to her cultural roots.

Orville Peck to Appear in Broadway’s ‘Cabaret’ Without His Mask

Country singer Orville Peck is set to join the cast of Cabaret on Broadway, but he won’t be performing in his signature mask. In a recent interview, Peck stated that he wanted to focus on the character and not make it about himself, indicating a shift away from the persona that has defined his musical career.

International Headlines

SXSW to Scale Back 2026 Edition

The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival will shorten its 2026 edition by two days, citing ongoing construction at the Austin Convention Center. The event’s interactive, film/TV, and music programs will run concurrently, offering a more condensed experience for attendees.

ZZ Top’s Frank Beard Steps Down for Health Reasons

ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has temporarily stepped down from the band due to health concerns. Beard, a founding member of the legendary rock group, will take time to recover before returning to the stage.

KISS Faces Fan Backlash Over $12K “Roadie Experience”

KISS fans have expressed outrage over Gene Simmons’ offer to sell a $12,000 “Roadie Experience” package. Fans were quick to criticize the offer, calling it a “scam” and comparing it to social media scams promising unrealistic rewards.

Drake’s Generosity: Gifts Worth Thousands to Lucky Fans

Drake has been making headlines for his generous acts, including giving a lucky couple $25,000 during a concert in Australia. The Toronto rapper’s acts of kindness have sparked debates over whether such generosity goes too far.

Semisonic Objects to White House Using ‘Closing Time’

The band Semisonic is protesting the White House’s use of their hit song Closing Time in a social media post featuring a shackled deportee. The band is pushing back against what they see as an inappropriate use of their music for political purposes.

This week’s music news highlights continued changes in the industry, from shifting festivals to controversial ticketing policies, as artists, fans, and industry leaders navigate the evolving landscape.