Taylor Swift Shows Predicted to Enrich Toronto, Bryan Adams Criticizes Streaming Rules

Also covered in our weekly roundup are Oasis ticket problems, toxic music fans, Rogers Stadium, Jacob Hoggard, Bruce Guthro Songwriters Circle, Rufus Wainwright, Massive Attack and Sean Combs.

Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour concerts have shown to be one of the music industry’s proven money-makers on their own, but they’ve also shown a marked economic impact on the cities they come to. For her first foray into Canada, prognosticators are already anticipating an uptick. Read on for stories about that, the new streaming regulations in Canada, more on Jacob Hoggard’s court battles and more in this week’s headlines.

Destination Toronto says it expects $152 million in direct spending associated with the Eras Tour’s stint in the city next month, which it anticipates will grow into a $282 million economic impact as the money continues to circulate. – Nicole Thompson, Canadian Press

Ticketmaster is Working on Returning Stolen Taylor Swift Tickets, But Some Fans May Be Left in the Lurch

Fans who unknowingly may have purchased these stolen tickets on third-party sites might qualify for a refund but may not get new tickets in time to see the show. – Abhiraj Lamba, Toronto Star

Bryan Adams Decries Elements of Ottawa’s Online Streaming Rules

Global hitmaker Bryan Adams is adding his voice to opposition over new federal regulations on streaming. – CP

Will Rogers Stadium Be Ready in Time for Oasis?

Why nine months may be enough to build Toronto’s new 50,000-capacity concert venue: Fast-turnaround temporary venues have a growing track record of success. – Hamilton Spectator

Jacob Hoggard Abandons Bid to Challenge 2022 Conviction Before Supreme Court

The disgraced Hedley singer was found not guilty last week in a separate case. – Canadian Press

Joni Mitchell’s Road Not Taken: How the Musical Icon Found her Path and her Sound in 1960s Calgary

In addition to informing her sound, it would have been in Calgary where she made the life-altering decision to pursue music rather than visual art. – Eric Volmers, Postmedia

Does Drake’s Appearance on the Cover of a Fly-fishing Magazine Signal a Career Pivot?

The Toronto-born global superstar was photographed for the cover on the fall issue of The Drake Magazine, a quarterly fly-fishing publication. – Toronto Star

I Watched the Same Concert at two Well-known Toronto Venues. Here’s My Comparison

Roy Thomson Hall has been known for its bad acoustics. How does it compare with George Weston Recital Hall, one of the city’s best venues? The music sounded bolder and more dynamic at one. Here’s why. – Joshua Chong, Toronto Star

Yukon Blonde To Be Part of Lamplighter Pub’s Centenary Celebrations in Vancouver

Gastown’s Lamplighter Pub is launching a series of events leading up to its 100th anniversary in March 2025, beginning with a concert by Vancouver’s own indie rock band Yukon Blonde later this month. – Vicki Duong, Georgia Straight

Donald Trump Angers Rufus Wainwright By Playing His Version of Hallelujah at Rally

Trump also played GNR, Sinead O’Connor, Village People songs during Town Hall on Monday. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard

Bruce Guthro Songwriters Circle Survives Beyond His Passing

The Bruce Guthro Songwriters Circle has had a huge impact on the Atlantic Canadian music scene. Its rich tradition is now in good hands, maintained by his children, Dylan and Jodi Guthro, both noted singer-songwriters in their own right. – Kerry Doole, SOCAN Words & Music

Halifax has Spoken—These Are the Best Bands of 2024

Another stacked list of Best of Halifax contenders vie for the top spot during our annual reader’s choice awards. – Brendyn Creamer, The Coast

International
Ticketmaster Hit by ‘Billions’ of Bots in Oasis Ticket Sale, Michael Rapino Reports

The recent sale of tickets to Oasis’ 2025 tour was “the biggest on-sale in history” with “the most demand in history,” Live Nation CEO Rapino said at Bloomberg’s Screentime conference in Los Angeles on Oct. 9. Rapino also revealed that Ticketmaster was hit by “multi billions” of bots during the sale. – Music Business Worldwide

The Cure’s Robert Smith Calls Ticketmaster’s Dynamic Pricing Model a ‘Scam’ and ‘Driven by Greed’

The frontman has oft been critical of concert ticket sales methods. His band will release their first album in 16 years in November. – Thomas Smith, Billboard

Universal Music Group to Acquire Indie Label Group [PIAS]

Completing the acquisition of [PIAS] “enhances our ability to support the independent artist and label community globally,” said UMG’s Boyd Muir. – Billboard

‘It’s Like, Wow. I was Really Deranged’: Stars and Repentant Stans on the Terror of Toxic Fandom

Chappell Roan, Halsey and Tegan and Sara are among the music icons rebuking bad fan behaviour. From catfishing to sexual assault and death threats, singers and fans explore how pop became so dehumanized. – Alim Kheraj, The Guardian

Massive Attack Cancel 2024 US Tour Dates Due to “Unforeseen Circumstances”

The group’s first US tour in five years was set to begin on October 17th in Atlanta. – Consequence

Lawyers for Sean Combs Allege US Government Leaked Assault Footage to CNN

Legal team claim footage of rapper physically assaulting ex-girlfriend was passed on by Department for Homeland Security, which prosecutors deny. – Ben Beaumont-Thomas, The Guardian

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