AGP Executive Report

Touring & Live Music: Avenged Sevenfold kicked off its 2026 North American run by debuting its surprise STATICA EP “from backstage,” turning the mystery act into a full in-show reveal. Pop Culture & Streaming: Spotify says ‘The Odyssey’ audiobook streams jumped 500% after the film’s debut, while Apple Music raised prices for its family plan. Major Artist News: Roxette canceled its 40th anniversary North American tour, citing hugely increased touring costs. Local Music & Theater: Fort Columbia’s ‘Anastasia: The Musical’ is in its final stretch with a family-run production. Music as Activism: A Mountain View vigil honoring two men killed in separate ICE shootings featured live protest music from the Raging Grannies. Community Arts: Detroit launched early voting with a block party and music, as residents shared top concerns. Music Discovery: Ani Mari previewed her upcoming album ‘The Masquerade’ with ‘Sun-kissed.’

Pop Culture & Courts: Grammy winner Chris Brown pleaded guilty in London to affray over a 2023 nightclub brawl, with prosecutors dropping more serious assault-related charges. Music & Politics: Katy Perry says she’s “deeply appalled” after the White House used her “Firework” in a TikTok tied to U.S. strikes on Iran, calling it a violation of what the song stands for. Global Music-Adjacent Headlines: Berlin Pride was disrupted after a van attack killed one and injured at least 16; police say the suspect has ties to Islamic “circles.” Arts & Community: A 99-year-old ballet teacher in Pasadena is still teaching after decades in dance, including a long career as an instructor. Local Culture: Easton, Pa. bakery The Modern Bakery is reopening as Cece’s House with a new downtown location and expanded market offerings. Creative Economy: Ghana’s creative sector leaders urged policy and IP protections to unlock growth, with U.S. Embassy support highlighted.

Touring & Tickets: Kacey Musgraves quietly canceled three dates on her “Middle of Nowhere” tour—Chicago (Aug. 20), Boston (Aug. 29) and Brooklyn (Sept. 2)—with fans getting Ticketmaster emails but no public explanation. Live Music Venues: Ben Lovett (Mumford & Sons) is building community through new spaces, and his latest, Pacific Electric in downtown Los Angeles, is now open as a 750-capacity venue aimed at anchoring a changing neighborhood. Festivals: Eaux Claires returns for 2026 after an eight-year break, with Justin Vernon and friends turning Carson Park’s baseball setting into a two-day hub for music and writers. Streaming & Charts: Future’s “The Real Me” tops the U.S. album chart, while streaming pricing pressures keep heating up as Spotify, Netflix and YouTube Premium reportedly cost more. Local Music Life: Milwaukee Irish Fest and the University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance continue a long-running scholarship partnership that sends students to perform on a major stage. Community & Culture: “Teen takeovers” are under scrutiny nationwide after incidents tied to social-media hype, with officials pushing for prevention and accountability.

Music & Streaming Business: Attorneys general secured a months-long halt to Paramount Skydance’s $110B Warner Bros. Discovery merger, keeping the deal from closing until a court ruling or June 1, 2027—an outcome that could reshape U.S. TV and film competition. Live Music & Festivals: Salem Jazz and Soul Festival unveiled its lineup for Aug. 15 at Salem Willows, promising a mix of local talent and national acts. Local Scene Spotlight: Beverly Homecoming (61st annual) expands to 15 days and 100 events tied to the city’s 400th-year celebration, with fireworks and concerts among the draws. Latin Rap Spotlight: Cypress Hill released “Dios Bendiga,” its first album of original Spanish-language material in nearly three decades, framing it as a “prayer for the culture.” Touring & Big Venues: Fuerza Regida brought its stadium tour to Dodger Stadium, using a “Back to the Future”-style prop car stereo for a cinematic set. Community Music: Denver’s Roxbury Arts Group brings Venezuelan cuatro virtuoso Jorge Glem and accordionist/pianist Sam Reider for a genre-blending U.S.-Venezuela night. Legal/Controversy: Diddy was reportedly placed in solitary after a prison fight at FCI Fort Dix, renewing scrutiny of restrictive housing.

Addiction Treatment History: A new Gulf States Newsroom podcast episode traces how medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction—starting with a 1920s morphine clinic in Shreveport—got tangled in politics, stigma, and marketing, shaping who gets access today. Pop Chart Power: Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music” keeps climbing on Billboard’s global charts, passing “Kiss It Better” on one tally as fans wait for what’s next. Touring & Live Music: Ariana Grande returns to the stage after years away, delivering a TD Garden show built on strong vocals and tight production. Radio & Community: KMIH 88.9 The Bridge will be the exclusive station for Seafair weekend coverage, with student broadcasters and live hydroplane and Blue Angels programming. Metal/Industrial Farewell: Ministry announces its final album, “Hate To Go (Take Out or Delivery),” for Oct. 30 and previews the single “Burned Out,” with a 2027 farewell tour planned. Ticketing Scrutiny: House Democrats ask StubHub CEO Eric Baker for records after allegations of “market manipulation” tied to his secondary-ticket fund.

Global Pop Spotlight: Head in the Clouds returns to Pasadena Aug. 8 at Brookside at the Rose Bowl with KATSEYE headlining, alongside XG, Dabin.kr, UMI, Lngshot and KiiiKiii—an all-in bet on Asian and diaspora-driven mainstream pop. Vintage Audio for Audiophiles: Pilot Radio 232 debuts at Southwest Audio Fest for $4,790, reviving a 1959 “Curtain of Sound” design with EL84 tubes and 15 watts per channel. Music + Culture in Public Life: The Momentary adds two new exhibits—Chuck Ramirez’s “Ordinary Wonders” and Lucy Sparrow’s “The Beginning of Convenience”—zooming in on everyday objects. Rights + Streaming Tech: Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Pandora and Google push to strip GMR from a royalty case, while Amazon Music rolls out Alexa+ AI playlists and conversational search to U.S. users. Local Pride & Community Music: Mercer Island’s Pride Night in the Park (ABBAgraphs) is set for July 30. Big-Name Country: Kenny Chesney’s Life Story lands in a vibrant Country Music Hall of Fame display.

Concert Film in Theaters: Katy Perry’s “Lifetimes Tour – Live From Paris” is headed to cinemas and IMAX starting Sept. 2 across 70 countries, after premiering at Tribeca. Rock Documentary Buzz: Oasis reunion doc “Don’t Look Back in Anger” lands a Venice Film Festival world premiere, with Noel and Liam Gallagher expected to attend, then hits select IMAX/UK cinemas Sept. 9 and streaming later. Album Reissue: Bob Seger will release a remastered, expanded “Face the Promise” (Sept. 18) with four new songs and its first vinyl pressing plus streaming debut. Music Business Deal: AllTrack signs a multi-territory digital licensing agreement with SACEM to speed up international royalty collections for streaming and downloads. Chart/Legacy Moment: The Rolling Stones miss a new No. 1 by one spot as “Foreign Tongues” debuts at No. 2 on Top Rock Albums. Health & Music: R&B singer Nivea reveals a leukemia diagnosis and says treatment is going well. Loss: Canadian jazz pianist Oliver Jones dies at 91. Local Live Music: Riverside Music Festival returns to Cape Vincent with a free all-day lineup and headliner Ariel Arbisser.

Festival Heat Check: Minnesota’s MOMFest drew robust crowds despite a 10-day heat wave, spotlighting original music and its 48-Hour Band Challenge that pairs strangers into bands and pushes them to write and perform themed sets. New Music Release: Victoria Monét announced her sophomore album Frequency of Love (Oct. 2) and shared the lead single “Reach Out,” with “Let Me” recently topping Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. Streaming & Pricing Watch: Amazon Music rolled out Alexa+ conversational search and playlist help to all U.S. users, while Apple Music raised U.S. subscription prices (Individual $11.99; Family $19.99). Local Live Scene: Central Terminal’s Circle Thursdays returns with a free Latin Night featuring Billboard Latin artist La Cassandra. Industry Loss: Tony Thorpe, glam-rock guitarist and vocalist for the Rubettes, died at 80. Community Events: Shanksville’s Community Picnic returns July 31–Aug. 1 with live music and family activities.

Touring & Catalog Buzz: Marilyn Manson adds back-to-back Oct. 17-18 dates at San Antonio’s Aztec Theatre, marking a 30th anniversary run for Antichrist Superstar. Chart Momentum: Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” re-enters the U.K. Top 40 at No. 35, while My Chemical Romance’s “Na Na Na” climbs back to No. 34 on the U.K. rock chart. Pop Culture & Legacy: Kelly Osbourne marks Ozzy Osbourne’s one-year death anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram tribute and letter to “My Daddy.” New Releases: Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band says a posthumous album is complete, featuring previously unreleased tracks and a duet version of “Workin’ ’n’ Playin’.” Latin Music Business: W Sound (Ovy on the Drums & WestCOL) renews and expands its Warner Music Latina partnership after “La Plena” hit major chart and awards milestones. Reggae Spotlight: Buju Banton releases Too Too Bad, his first VP Records album in 23 years, backed by TV appearances and a new rollout. Live Experience: “Love Actually in Concert” brings a live orchestra and film projection to 30+ U.S. cities this holiday season, with presales starting today.

AI Copyright Clash: Sony Music sued Udio again, alleging its AI generator copied 30,000+ songs to train models, after a judge blocked Sony from adding those tracks to an earlier case. Streaming Pricing Pressure: Apple Music raised U.S. subscription prices again, citing rising licensing costs. Platform Push: Spotify rolled out its first global music video chart, while Spotify Premium users can now “talk to” the app to pick music. Tour & Releases: Theory of a Deadman announced a 36-date U.S. co-headlining run with Sevendust, and Louis Tomlinson set a North American arena tour with a new album arriving Jan. 23, 2026. Pop Chart Buzz: Jennie’s remix-fueled “Dracula” (with Tame Impala) held at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Community & Culture: A judge ordered the release of a woman detained by ICE at Logan after being arrested while trying to fly home from a Noah Kahan concert.

AI & Music Rights: A U.S. judge gave final approval to Anthropic’s $1.5B copyright settlement over training its Claude chatbot on pirated books, but the ruling won’t set binding precedent for other AI cases. Posthumous Chart Power: Bonnie Tyler’s catalog keeps surging in the U.K., with multiple albums debuting on the Official Album Downloads chart for a second straight week after her death. Rock Longevity: Fleetwood Mac’s “50 Years – Don’t Stop” hit a 400-week milestone on the U.K. Official Albums chart, underscoring how enduring classic-rock demand stays strong. Mental Health Through Music: Jacksonville author Gail Carter-Cade released a new poetry album, “Uplifting The Pain…Now,” pairing spoken word and music to support mental health awareness for youth and families. Bass-Music Business: Rampage Recordings is relaunching through a strategic partnership with Monstercat, aiming to expand releases across established and emerging bass producers. Legacy Voices & AI: Celia Cruz’s estate is partnering with ElevenLabs to create an officially licensed digital version of her speaking voice for educational and cultural projects, not new songs. Music Industry Events: TSNN’s Event Industry 50 Over 50 spotlights Nancy Walsh of Informa Markets as part of its ongoing honoree series.

K-pop Spotlight: BLACKPINK’s Jennie is set to drop the solo single “Less than a Lover” on Friday, a lo-fi, guitar-and-keyboard summer track with more mature vocals, plus festival appearances lined up for Lollapalooza Chicago and Summer Sonic. Streaming & Subscriptions: Apple Music is raising U.S. prices again, with subscribers set to pay more next month as licensing costs climb. Music + Tech: Spotify is rolling out a new way for Premium users to “talk to” the app to pick music and learn what they’re listening to. Industry Business: Paramount’s Warner Bros. Discovery takeover is on hold after a judge granted a temporary restraining order, with 12 states arguing the deal could mean higher prices and less content. Live Music + Community: A Twin Cities production of “Dear Evan Hansen” is drawing parallels to local ICE-related turmoil, while a Mankato United Way kickoff pairs a 95th anniversary celebration with live music from Neon-LIVE. Immigration After Concerts: A federal judge ordered ICE to release a Burlington, Mass. detainee arrested after a Noah Kahan concert, citing harsh conditions described in court filings. Local Music Events: The Grove in Fairfield Glade hosts Les Kerr and Bryan Cumming July 24, mixing blues, bluegrass, jazz, big band, country, and coastal sounds.

Pop Charts: Madonna’s Confessions II debuts on Billboard’s Top Streaming Albums chart, landing at No. 32 as the long-awaited sequel returns her to the top of major rankings. Classic Rock Resurgence: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” reenters the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 31, tying as one of the band’s longest-charting hits after the July Fourth surge. Streaming Milestone: Tom Petty’s “American Girl” climbs to a new all-time peak on Billboard’s Rock Streaming Songs chart, showing how holiday-era listening keeps legacy catalogs alive. Music & Culture: Joe Jackson wraps the North American leg of his Hope and Fury tour at New York’s Beacon Theatre, mixing new material with favorites from his New Wave era. Live Scene: Miami Beach jazz staple Medium Cool announces its final night at its current location on Aug. 22, with a new chapter coming next. Industry Watch: Apple Music raises subscription prices again, continuing the pressure on streaming budgets for U.S. listeners. Documentary Spotlight: Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer director Wes Orshoski says the film’s takeaway is to avoid pride and ask for help when you need it.

World Cup Music Moment: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal, and the night’s biggest U.S. pop headline was FIFA’s first-ever World Cup final halftime show—Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira (with Burna Boy) turning MetLife into a Super Bowl-style stage. Celebrity Power & Backlash: The halftime and pre-match performances drew a star-studded crowd (Tom Cruise, Beyoncé, Jay-Z and more) but also mixed reactions, with some viewers calling it awkward or “crap,” and others debating whether FIFA’s spectacle fit soccer tradition. U.S. Anthem Spotlight: Jennifer Hudson opened the final with the Star-Spangled Banner, sparking online chatter over whether Trump clapped. Chart Watch: Future’s “The Real Me” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking his 12th leader. Community Through Song: A Detroit benefit concert raised awareness and funds for prosthetics for Palestinian amputees, with organizers aiming to support care and rehabilitation. Loss in Music: Session vocalist Jim Gilstrap, known for work with Stevie Wonder and the “Good Times” theme, died at 79. Artist in Exile: Cuban dissident musician Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara arrived in Miami after release, vowing to keep working and creating.

World Cup Music Spotlight: Jennifer Hudson is set to sing the U.S. national anthem before the Spain-Argentina final at MetLife Stadium, with FIFA also building a star-heavy pregame and its first-ever halftime show. Legacy Chart Moment: Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” debuts on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart for the first time, boosted by patriotic July Fourth demand. Festival Booking: Greensky Bluegrass and The Disco Biscuits headline the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival in Johnstown, Pa., with 19 bands total. Local Music Culture: WKAR highlights Leora Stutes, a pioneering Michigan radio technician, as she marks her 101st birthday. Music History Nostalgia: A look back at George Hamilton IV’s country journey and a 1972 AM-radio trip featuring Neil Diamond, Mac Davis and Donna Fargo. Tech Meets Privacy: Ford patents spark renewed debate over vehicle biometric data and in-car advertising, with the automaker stressing opt-in and customer-first limits. Apple Music Price Rise: Apple again lifts subscription prices, citing rising licensing costs.

World Cup Music Spotlight: FIFA has cut the final’s half-time show to 17 minutes after Spain and Argentina raised concerns, with an 11-minute performance block featuring Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS. Streaming & Pricing: Apple Music is raising subscription prices again, citing rising licensing costs, and Spotify is expanding free parent-managed accounts. U.S. Music Business: U.S. CD sales jumped 16% as Gen Z leans back into physical music. Local Live Scene: Green River Festival in Massachusetts is being praised for keeping the vibe human instead of turning everything into a front-row sprint. Community Through Sport & Song: Boston Unity Cup kicks off at Northeastern, using soccer to celebrate the city’s cultures. New Releases: TVXQ’s U-Know Yunho teases his July 20 single “Time’s Tickin.” Festival News: Candlebox announces a fall 2026 “Can’t Quit You” U.S. tour. Chart Moment: Tems becomes the first female African artist to earn a Diamond single in the U.S.