One of Canada's favorite bands is making a resurgence in the charts.
Following a box set reissue released last week, the Ontario rockers' classic 1989 debut Until here peaking on several different Canadian charts.
The album, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, peaked at No. 46 on the Canadian Albums Chart and has also debuted at No. 1 in several different categories: Album Sales, Digital Album Sales, Catalog Album Sales, Album Sales digital catalog and alternative Album Sales.
40 years after the band formed, Canada just can't get enough of the Hip. The past few months have seen a well-received coffee table book about the heroes of Kingston, Ontario, This is our lifefollowed by a television documentary series, The Tragically Hip: No Rehearsal Dresswhich has earned positive reviews. Until here is the latest in a series of deluxe anniversary reissues of classic Hip albums from the 80s and 90s: 1991 Street apples1992 Completely Completely and of 1998 Phantom Power.
The new Until here The anniversary compilation includes a remastered version of the original album plus four unreleased songs originally considered for the album. Stream a live recording of a MuchMusic special call Live at Misty Moon (included in both audio and video Bluray formats) as well as pre-album demos from 1988 and there's plenty for Hip fanatics.
Meanwhile, as Taylor Swift's Eras Tour continues its two-week run in Toronto, concert emcee Gracie Abrams has reached No. 1 on the Canadian album chart with Our secret and No. 2 on the Canadian Hot 100 with “That's So True”. During the third night of the residency, on Saturday, Nov. 16, Swift brought Abrams out for a cover of their duet “Us.” This track re-enters the Canadian Hot 100 this week at No. 95 and recently earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Read more about the Canadian charts this week here. –Richard Trapunsky
Taylor Swift fans share frustrations trying to get Eras tour tickets in Toronto
Taylor Swift fans are scrambling to secure last-minute tickets for her Eras Tour dates in Toronto — but many are doing so with broken hearts.
Over the past couple of weeks, Ticketmaster has released several last-minute batches of tickets for the six dates of the Eras Tour. While some have managed to score spots through these drops — and share their TikTok tips — many fans are losing hope.
“I feel defeated,” says Taylor Swift fan Rowan McKerihen Billboard Canada.
Many fans like her were playing the same game, anxiously awaiting last-minute drops. In some ways, this experience mirrors the surprise announcements, easter eggs, and special editions that Taylor Swift has used to bond with her fans throughout her career. Some psychologists, including Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky at McGill University in Montreal, have compared it to gambling, with “slot tactics” and “lottery dynamics.”
Other fans have fallen victim to scams, many on resale sites and social media. Halton Regional Police reported this week that 40 people paid $70,000 for tickets that didn't exist. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center said it has received over 200 complaints of Taylor Swift ticket fraud.
Ticketmaster has come under fire for controversial ticket sales in recent years, from tech issues and dynamic pricing during the Oasis sale this fall to Swifties launching a lawsuit against the ticketing giant over Eras Tour sales. The company, which is owned by Live Nation, is also facing a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice for alleged antitrust practices.
Amid huge demand for tickets for Taylor Swift and other blockbuster tours such as the upcoming Oasis reunion, Ticketmaster has launched an education campaign to warn of scams and demystify the process.
In a Zoom briefing call in early November, Dan Wall, EVP, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, said that many of the complaints coming in about Ticketmaster are based on misconceptions.
Unlike the majority of other major concerts that come through Toronto, Live Nation is not the promoter of Taylor Swift's Eras tour. Instead, it is a Messina Touring production. However, Ticketmaster is the ticket distributor and sales platform for the event.
“What are the things fans care about most? It's usually about ticket price and availability — that there aren't enough tickets to go around, the prices are too high, things like that,” Wall said. “These are not things that the ticketing company determines. These are things that are determined entirely by the artist's team, working with the organizers.”
It's rare for an artist to play as many stadium dates as Taylor Swift in one market — six shows over two weekends in Toronto. This creates a larger than usual supply of tickets, but given the huge popularity of the tour, as well as high demand.
Read more about hunting here. –Rosie Long Decter
Oak View Group and Live Nation Name Nick DeLuco General Manager of Upcoming Hamilton Arena
Oak View Group and Live Nation Canada add key team members for planned Hamilton Arena.
Nick DeLuco, formerly of the Oilers Entertainment Group in Edmonton, has been named Senior Vice President and General Manager of the upcoming 18,000-seat arena in Hamilton, Ontario.
He will oversee operations and strategic planning for the yet-to-be-named venue, formerly Hamilton FirstOntario Center and Copps Coliseum. Oak View Group (OVG), in partnership with Live Nation, is undertaking a $280 million renovation of the arena, which is expected to open in late 2025.
DeLuco oversaw events in Edmonton's major entertainment and sports district, the ICE District, including Rogers Place, home of the Edmonton Oilers hockey team. He also brings experience managing the $113 million Avenir Center in New Brunswick, working on events such as Cirque du Soleil and the UFC.
OVG is expanding its presence in Canada and recently became a co-owner of the former Canadian Music Week, now renamed Departure.
Hamilton's General Manager announcement follows the appointment of Alex Patton as Senior Booking Manager at OVG's Canadian Alliance. Patton will lead Hamilton Arena bookings, bringing experience from festivals such as Boots & Hearts, NXNE and Toronto Jazz Fest.
Recruitment announcements indicate the intention for Hamilton Arena to become a major hub for tours and events. The third largest city in Ontario, it is the closest major metropolitan city outside of the greater Toronto area.
“This is an exciting time for the Hamilton region and I look forward to working alongside this dedicated team focused on building a future that enhances the visitor experience and uplifts the surrounding community,” DeLuco says in a statement. “Our goal is to elevate the experience for artists, fans and partners as we deliver a premier sports and entertainment destination in southern Ontario.”
Francesca Bodie, Chief Operating Officer at Oak View Group, praises DeLuco's experience in managing large-scale spaces and major renovation projects. The company is promising a major transformation of Hamilton Arena, including modern upgrades, premium acoustics, improved viewing points and various premium and exclusive club, suite and seating options.
“This groundbreaking investment will unlock substantial economic momentum and serve as a key driver for the revitalization of Hamilton's downtown core,” he says. “We are delighted to have Nick at the forefront of this effort.” -RLD
