Plus: Queen Celine takes on Trump, Taylor Swift’s cancelled concert raises questions about concert security in Canada, and more summer concerts news.

A former CSIS director weighs in on whether Toronto is ready to host six shows. – Toronto Star

Dion sang Hymne à l’amour, a track penned and popularized by Édith Piaf. For Dion, singing Piaf wasn’t just a patriotic choice – it was, seemingly, a defiant one. – Elio Iannacci, Globe and Mail

Drake has released some archival footage, and in one video he is seen chatting to his mother Sandi Graham in a recording studio, when he confirms ‘Too Good’ is about Williams. –Bang Showbiz

 

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The legendary Juan Rodriguez chronicles his unmatched career as a rock journalist in Montreal.– Montreal Gazette

 

The former president’s rally playlist included Dion’s 1998 hit “My Heart Will Go On.” – Mitchell Peters, Billboard

Directed by the late frontman Gord Downie’s older brother Mike, the series features never before seen footage from the band’s 40 year career. – Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada

Is help on the way?JAZZ.FM91’s current operating budget faces a shortfall of $150,000, which needs to be resolved by Aug. 31. Is help on the way? – Toronto Star

There’s so much new talent in town that we can’t even begin to list them all, let alone feature them all. For now, we’d like to introduce you to three local rock bands you need to check out: cute, Sundried Whales and Fast Brake. – Jamie Tennant, Hamilton City Magazine

 

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International

Fans are wondering how Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” didn’t make the cut. – Michael Saponara, Billboard

Why UMG might end up turning the screw on Spotify’s free tier. – Tim Ingham,Music Business Worldwide

 

The multi-year agreement will further evolve the creative and commercial opportunities for UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group songwriters across Meta’s global network of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads and, for the first time, WhatsApp. – PR Newswire

When I was barely in grade school, my first “favorite” band was AC/DC. 20 years later, I’ve fallen in love with those raunchy Aussies again. – Matt Mitchell, Paste

Manyyoung people are exploring what it means to embrace a label entrenched by apartheid that has evolved into a unique culture. – Rachel Savage, The Guardian

 

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The Led Zeppelin frontman’s latest band, Saving Grace, riffs on country, folk, rock and blues, but the weekend belongs to female American singer-songwriter. – Robin Denselow, The Guardian