Music News
Michael Bublé to bring The 2025 JUNO Awards to Vancouver
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) unveiled several major announcements, including that multi-platinum superstar entertainer, and Vancouver native, Michael Bublé, will host and perform at The 2025 JUNO Awards Broadcast. The 15-time JUNO Award-winner returns for a third time as host of Canada’s biggest night in music, live from his hometown.
The 54th Annual JUNO Awards, produced by Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker company), will broadcast and stream live across Canada from Rogers Arena in Vancouver on March 30th at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos and CBC Music’s YouTube page. Tickets for The 2025 JUNO Awards go on sale to the general public on November 29th and start at $70.85 (including tax plus fees) and will be available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.ca/junos.
Michael Bublé is back to perform and host in his hometown
Michael Bublé has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide over the course of his extraordinary career and has enjoyed enormous success as one of the top touring artists of all time. With a career that includes 5 GRAMMYs, 15 JUNO Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame, 6 multi-platinum albums, and over 14 billion global streams, Michael has spent the past two decades deeply committed to not only keep the flames of the Great American Songbook alive and well – to not only breathe new life into them – but to bring his singular style, vocal power, and passion to timeless tunes that he loves. He released his self-titled debut album on Reprise Records in 2003, followed by a series of multi-platinum, #1 albums including Call Me Irresponsible (2007), Crazy Love (2009), To Be Loved (2013), Love (2018), and Christmas (2011). Michael’s 11th studio album HIGHER (2022) marked his 9th Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart and 7th consecutive studio album to debut in the Top 3. His brand new greatest hits album, The Best Of Bublé, was released on September 27, 2024. Known for his world-class showmanship and spectacular concert production, he has performed sold out shows in over 30 countries. With unstoppable talent, energy and a voice that is equally at home singing standards, pop, swing, jazz, R&B, and comedy, Michael takes his audiences on a special journey every night – singing his heart out, serenading them with beautiful love songs, making them laugh, cry, and dance – to give them an evening they will never forget.
Michael Bublé
“I could not be happier bringing The JUNO Awards home to Vancouver for 2025” says Bublé. “The JUNOS are such an important part of the Canadian music industry, and being able to host for the second time in my hometown makes this night mean even more to me. I’m excited to be surrounded by all the amazing talent we have from coast-to-coast this March.”
Sum 41 joins the Canadian Music Hall of Fame
The JUNO Awards are proud to announce the induction of Canadian pop punk rock icons Sum 41 into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during a special presentation and performance presented by JUNOS Premier Sponsor, TD Bank Group. Looking back at the band’s storied 28-year career, Sum 41 has firmly cemented their place in history with over 15 million records sold worldwide, multiple Billboard Charting releases and No. 1 hits, a GRAMMY® nomination, 2 JUNO Awards (7 nominations), a Kerrang! Award in 2002, multiple Alternative Press Music Awards, sold-out tours and packed venues everywhere, and countless other accolades. The Canadian leg of their farewell tour begins in January. They will play their final show in Toronto, ON on January 30th followed by an encore performance live at The JUNO Awards Broadcast in Vancouver, BC on March 30th.
The Canadian Music Hall of Fame was established by CARAS in 1978 to acknowledge artists who have made an outstanding contribution to Canadian music, both nationally and globally. Sum 41 will join the ranks of Canadian music icons spanning many genres including Deborah Cox, Alanis Morissette, Barenaked Ladies, Jann Arden, Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Leonard Cohen, Nickelback, Neil Young, Oscar Peterson, RUSH, The Guess Who, The Tragically Hip, Sarah McLachlan and Shania Twain. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame has a permanent home within the National Music Centre situated inside Calgary’s Studio Bell.
Sum 41
“We’re excited to be back at the JUNOS and to receive this recognition,” said Sum 41. “We’ve come so far as a band since we first started and we look forward to celebrating in Vancouver with our fans and fellow Canadian artists.”
Riley O’Connor will receive the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award
During the JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada, Riley O’Connor will be presented with the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award. This award, in recognition of founder Walt Grealis, recognizes individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the Canadian music industry at home and around the world.
Riley O’Connor was named Chairman of Live Nation Canada in 2007. As Chairman, O’Connor has steered the company – which now presents more than 4,000 concerts annually for domestic and international artists – to market leadership in Canada’s live entertainment industry. Arriving on the Canadian music industry scene in 1971 as a drum roadie, guitar tech, electrician, lighting designer, and high rigger, O’Connor then became a concert promoter, starting at Vancouver’s Perryscope Concert Productions and quickly moving up the ranks of concert promotion in Canada and Europe. Over the years, O’Connor has brought some of the brightest lights and greatest shows Canada has ever seen including international artists such as AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, Roger Waters, Elton John, Backstreet Boys, Iron Maiden, Rod Stewart, KISS, Metallica, and ABBA, to name a few. O’Connor has long been an advocate of Canadian music and artist development. He has produced and promoted incredible Canadian acts including: RUSH, Blue Rodeo, April Wine, Triumph, The Tragically Hip, Michael Bublé, Bryan Adams, The Guess Who, Streetheart, Jann Arden, Sloan, 54*40, Nickelback, Harlequin, Avril Lavigne, Our Lady Peace, Celine Dion, Chantal Kreviazuk, Corey Hart, Jane Siberry and many more.
“To be recognized as a recipient of the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award is incredibly humbling and it’s an honour to be included alongside such a distinguished group. As a promoter, my ambition was to provide opportunities for our Canadian artists and build a national marketplace where Canadian fans can celebrate live music in as many communities as possible.”
Riley O’Connor
“We are thrilled to have Vancouver’s own, Michael Bublé back as our host for the third time. We have the distinction of hosting SUM 41’s final performance, a momentous farewell for a legendary band, and with Live Nation’s Riley O’Connor receiving the Walt Grealis Award, it’s set to be a weekend to remember, bringing fans together, across Canada and beyond,” says Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards. “This is the first of many exciting announcements to come for JUNO Week 2025!”
“We at Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw are thrilled to be hosting the JUNOS on our shared Traditional territories, and today’s announcement only adds to our excitement. Nothing brings people together like music, and in building this meaningful relationship with the JUNOS, it demonstrates to the rest of Canada that Vancouver is a true leader in reconciliation,” says Sxwixwtn, Wilson Williams, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Spokesperson and Council Member
The TD pre-sale for The 2025 JUNO Awards Broadcast runs Monday, November 25 at 10 am PT until Wednesday, November 27th. Tickets to The 2025 JUNO Awards go on sale to the general public Friday, November 29th. They start at $ $70.85 (including tax plus fees) and are available at ticketmaster.ca/junos.
JUNOfest Presented by CBC Music is also taking to the streets during JUNO Weekend. The two-day music festival will fill more than 10 venues across the city with local musical talent and 2025 JUNO Award nominees.
Music News
Def Leppard Announces Upcoming 2027 North American Tour With The Goo Goo Dolls
Today, global icons and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Def Leppard have announced the most anticipated tour of 2027, with 4-time GRAMMY-nominated band Goo Goo Dolls and very special guests The Struts. The 45-date tour kicks off on March 2nd and runs through July 2nd , making stops in all major markets across the U.S. and Canada. Tickets will go on-sale on October 16th. For every ticket sold, $1 will be donated to City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, helping advance groundbreaking research and innovative treatments for people facing cancer.
Earlier this year, Def Leppard completed their third sold-out residency in Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace. The remainder of 2026 has seen them perform sold-out shows across the UK, Europe, South America and Mexico. Also this summer, Def Leppard’s Greatest Hits compilation entered four U.K. Top Charts, two of which debuted in the Top 10 – adding another accolade to the band’s whopping 11 million monthly Spotify listeners and 110+ million albums sold worldwide.
The announcement follows the Goo Goo Dolls’ extensive run of Summer Tour dates, which included lauded performances at iHeartRadio Festival and Sea.Hear.Now Festival. Following their viral success, the band’s Diamond-certified (10,000,000 in sales) hit “Iris” has garnered over 6 billion global streams, amassing over 1 billion streams in 2025 alone.
Beyond selling 15 million records worldwide, Goo Goo Dolls have garnered 4x GRAMMY-nominations and nearly a dozen platinum and gold singles combined and seized a page in the history books by achieving 15 #1 and Top 10 hits. As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for “Most Top 10 Singles.”
Known for their high-energy performances, rock fans can expect a thrilling ride on this upcoming tour from some of rock ‘n’ roll’s most influential bands.
TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with an Artist Fan Club presale beginning on Monday, October 12 at 10 am local followed by a CITI and Verizon presale for the U.S. dates on Monday, October 12 at 12 pm local. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, October 16 at 10am local time at Livenation.com.
PRESALE:
CITI: Citi is the official card of the Def Leppard tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Monday, October 12 at 12 pm local time until Thursday, October 15 at 10 pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. (Eligible in the U.S. only.) For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com
VERIZON: Verizon will offer customers an exclusive presale for the in the U.S. as part of Verizon’s loyalty program, Verizon Shine. The presale for select shows runs from Monday, October 12 at 10:00 a.m. local time to Thursday, October 15 at 10:00 p.m. local time. Verizon Shine awards customers win once-in-a-lifetime experiences, alongside daily drops including tickets to concerts and sporting events, exclusive merchandise, dining vouchers, gift cards and more. (Eligible in the U.S. and via Ticketmaster only.) Opt-in to Verizon Shine via the My Verizon App, and learn more about Verizon Shine here.
DEF LEPPARD + GOO GOO DOLLS TOUR ROUTING:
March 2, 2027 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center
March 5, 2027 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
March 7, 2027 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
March 9, 2027 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
March 11, 2027 – Quebec City, QC – Centre Vidéotron
March 13, 2027 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
March 17, 2027 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
March 19, 2027 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
March 21, 2027 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
March 23, 2027 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
March 25, 2027 – Chicago, IL – United Center
March 27, 2027 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
March 29, 2027 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
March 31, 2027 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
April 13, 2027 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
April 16, 2027 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
April 18, 2027 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
April 20, 2027 – Mobile, AL – Regions Arena
April 22, 2027 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena
April 24, 2027 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
April 26, 2027 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
April 29, 2027 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
May 1, 2027 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
May 5, 2027 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
May 7, 2027 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
May 9, 2027 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
May 11, 2027 – Spokane, WA – Numerica Veterans Arena
May 14, 2027 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
May 16, 2027 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
May 29, 2027 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
June 1, 2027 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
June 3, 2027 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
June 5, 2027 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
June 7, 2027 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
June 9, 2027 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
June 11, 2027 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena
June 13, 2027 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena
June 17, 2027 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
June 19, 2027 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
June 21, 2027 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena
June 23, 2027 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
June 25, 2027 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
June 27, 2027 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
June 30, 2027 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
July 2, 2027 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Music News
Simple Plan Announce 2027 Canadian Tour
Canadian pop-punk favourites Simple Plan are heading back across the country. The Montreal band has announced the Bigger Than You’d Think! Tour, marking their first proper cross-Canada headline run in more than a decade.
The 15-date tour will hit eight provinces in January and February 2027, starting in Victoria on January 26 before making stops across the country and wrapping up in Halifax on February 16.
The tour opens at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, followed by a Vancouver show on January 27. From there, Simple Plan will head to Edmonton on January 29, Calgary on January 31, Saskatoon on February 1 and Winnipeg on February 2.
The band will then make its way through Ontario, with shows in Toronto on February 5, Kitchener on February 6, London on February 7, Kingston on February 9 and Ottawa on February 11. The tour continues to Montreal for a hometown performance at Bell Centre on February 12 before heading east for shows in Moncton on February 14, Sydney on February 15 and Halifax on February 16.
The Canadian run comes during a milestone period for Simple Plan. The band celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2026 with performances across the U.S., U.K., Europe, Asia and Australia. They also returned to Montreal this summer for the city’s first Warped Tour in five years, closing out the festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Simple Plan recently played a sold-out headline show at Toronto’s RBC Amphitheatre, giving Canadian fans an early taste of what is coming next year.
Bowling For Soup will support Simple Plan throughout the entire tour. Yellowcard will join the lineup for all dates except the two British Columbia shows, where Vancouver’s own Marianas Trench will take their place.
The band says the chance to return to Canadian arenas after such a long gap is something they have been looking forward to.
“It’s been more than 10 years since the last time we did a proper cross-Canadian tour in our home and native land and we absolutely cannot wait for these shows,” Simple Plan said in a statement.
The band added that playing some of Canada’s biggest arenas more than 25 years into their career is something they do not take for granted, crediting their Canadian fans for sticking with them throughout the years.
Presales begin October 6 at noon local time, with tickets going on sale to the general public Friday, October 9 at 10 a.m. local time.
Simple Plan – Bigger Than You’d Think! Tour Dates:
01/25 Victoria, BC – Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre *
01/27 Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena *
01/29 Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place ~
01/31 Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome ~
02/01 Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Centre ~
02/02 Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre ~
02/05 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena ~
02/06 Kitchener, ON – The Aud ~
02/07 London, ON – Canada Life Place ~
02/09 Kingston, ON – Slush Puppie Palace ~
02/11 Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre ~
02/12 Montreal, QC – Bell Centre ~
02/14 Moncton, NB – Avenir Centre ~
02/15 Sydney, NS – Centre 200 ~
02/16 Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre ~
*with Marianas Trench
~ with Yellowcard