Category: Music

Following the death of Clive Davis on Monday (June 22) at the age of 94, professionals across the music industry are remembering the legendary executive, who launched the careers of such stars as Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow and Alicia Keys.

Davis’ music business career is the stuff of legend and undoubtedly inspired multiple generations of music industry executives. Known as “The Man With the Golden Ear,” he launched his career as assistant counsel at Columbia Records and was eventually named president of Columbia’s parent company, CBS Records. He later founded his own label, Arista, in 1974, where he went on to sign Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Patti Smith and more. That was followed by J Records in 2000, which launched future stars Alicia Keys and Maroon 5. He was later named chief creative officer at Sony Music Entertainment, a role he held until his death.

See below for all the reactions. We will update this story as more come through.

Merck Mercuriadis:

“I am so sorry to hear of Clive’s passing. We have all lost an extraordinary man the likes of which you will never see again but you have lost a father — a father to us all. It’s impossible to measure his impact on music, culture and life across the globe. He accelerated the growth of the music business like few others and he supported his artists like a man possessed. His focus on songs was unique in a post Beatles world and as a result his emphasis and support of outside songwriters and producers was unparalleled.

“It must also be mentioned that no one could launch an artist the way Clive could and the Clive playbook became the envy for anyone marketing and promoting music. Spotting talent is not difficult, spotting it and knowing what to do is something very very few can do.

“His annual Grammy party was the only one that mattered and as anyone who ever had the privilege of attending can tell you he was also a special orator. Clive is the only person that I know that could introduce 50 superstars in a night with unbelievable dignity and elegance and never use the same adjective twice.”

Rob Stringer, chairman of Sony Music Group:

“Clive of course played a seminal role in the story of Sony Music through two incredible chapters, and he is responsible for a huge part of the recorded legacy of the company permanently. Not only are many, many artists we represent continuously indebted to his service but so many staff members have been influenced and mentored by his deep love and respect for our company which he carried right up until today. Our working lives are better for having had his constant presence in the aura and perception of Sony Music.”

Monte Lipman, executive chairman, REPUBLIC

“Avery and I got our start in the music business working for Clive at Arista Records in the late 1980s. By virtue of being in his orbit, we had a front-row seat to his extraordinary success as he discovered and championed legendary artists who’ve gone on to make the world a better place. It was his passion for culture, community and music, along with his unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of his life, that resonated with us so profoundly; but the most valuable lesson he ever taught us was that family always comes first. Earlier this year, Avery and I had the privilege of being recognized by Clive at his legendary Grammy Gala. To stand alongside him nearly 40 years later was a deeply meaningful full circle moment that we will always cherish and hold dear in our hearts. We love you Clive.”

Avery Lipman, vice chairman, REPUBLIC

“My first job in the music business was working as Clive’s part-time secretary. On my very first day, I handed him a list of missed calls and mentioned that his son had called while he was in a meeting. Clive immediately told me, ‘If any of my children call, you need to grab me.’ From that day forward, I interrupted meetings and calls whenever one of his children reached out and every single time, he stopped what he was doing and took the call. Years later, when people asked me what it was like to work for such an iconic executive, my first thought was always the same: he was the most devoted father. The world will remember Clive for his unparalleled contributions to music and culture, but I’ll always remember the example he set as a parent, mentor and leader. I am deeply grateful to have known him.”

Harvey Mason jr., CEO, Recording Academy

Music lost one of its most important and impactful figures today, and I lost a dear friend and mentor. With his ears of gold and natural gift of hitmaking, Clive Davis developed music’s brightest legends and stars, earning him four Grammy wins and the Recording Academy Trustees Award in 2000. Clive was a generous supporter of MusiCares, and the Recording Academy has been proud to co-host the annual Pre-Grammy Gala with him for over 15 years, a tradition Clive started over 50 years ago, gathering music’s most innovative and accomplished people every year on the Saturday night before the Grammy Awards. Clive being a part of our industry has made a massive impact on music people everywhere, including myself. Thank you, Clive, for all you’ve done for all of us in music. You will be missed!

Barry Weiss, founder, Records

“My memories and relationship with Clive Davis are hard to put into a brief sentence or two. Having grown up in the music business, I’ve heard his name for years and first met him at a CBS Records convention at the Century Plaza Hotel in 1972. I was also well aware of him through my father and his affiliation with Stax Records and my childhood neighbor Ron Alexenburg another protege of Clive’s like so many of us. We worked closely with him at Arista Records who was Jive Record’s US licensor in our infancy. Simply put he was a “record man’s record man”. Brilliant and expansive intellect, incredible taste and musical instincts and phenomenal problem solving abilities. All rolled into one very sophisticated, gentleman. As Clive Calder and I used to say ‘we’re in the record business while Clive is in Show Business!’.  He will be missed.”

Joe Galante, former chairman, RCA Label Group, Nashville

“He loved spending that time with artists and producers and songwriters. I give him a lot of credit for creating the [pre-Grammy gala] That’s where the boat show [before Country Radio Seminar] came from: ‘Oh, you can steal people away before an important event?’ But we’ll put them on the water. I just stole the idea from Clive in terms of that night. But he was very open to always watching what was coming up; he didn’t get mired down and just say, ‘I’ve got what I need.’ His head was always on a swivel, looking out, trying to meet new people and bring them into the fold.”

Julie Swidler, vice chair, board of trustees, T.J. Martell Foundation

“Clive Davis was one of the most important figures in the music industry, a true original.  To all of us at the T.J. Martell Foundation, he was also a steadfast supporter of our mission. From the earliest days of the Foundation, Clive stood alongside Tony Martell, helping champion the fight against cancer and other life-threatening diseases. He understood the difference this work could make and remained committed to it for decades.
 
“We are grateful for his friendship, his guidance, and the many ways he supported the Foundation over the years. The T.J. Martell Foundation would not be what it is today without Clive’s enduring support. His absence will be felt deeply, but his legacy lives on in the work he helped make possible. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those whose lives he touched.”  

Jon Platt, chairman and CEO, Sony Music Publishing

“Clive Davis was a music publisher’s best friend – someone who always understood the value of a song and the songwriter. What mattered most to Clive was a great song, and that passion was evident. We were fortunate to experience the one and only Clive Davis.”

Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group

“When I think back over more than four decades of friendship with Clive Davis, two moments always come to mind. 

“In 1981, I was in a basement club on Baker Street in London to see a band I desperately wanted to sign: Haircut 100. The moment I saw Clive there, I knew they’d sign to Arista. I was introduced to him that night. As a young talent scout, I was completely intimidated.

“A couple of years ago, I was in France and Allen Grubman invited me to lunch with Clive and his partner. It was an unforgettable afternoon, with Clive serving as an encyclopedic guide through the history of the music business, his years at CBS Records, the artists, the bets he made and why he made them. We never worked together, but I loved how he fused creative and commercial nous, setting the way for the modern music business.

“My deepest, heartfelt condolences to his family, his four children, and countless friends.”

Lewis Capaldi is already thinking about his next album. The Scottish singer-songwriter closed out TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow on Sunday night (June 21), using the headlining moment to tell fans that more music is on the way.

Capaldi told the crowd that after his remaining summer shows, he plans to step away from the road again to focus on writing. “After this summer,” he said, “I’m gonna go away for a bit and make an album.”

The update came during an emotional set at Glasgow Green, where Capaldi also spoke candidly about the difficult period that followed his last TRNSMT appearance in 2022. The singer released his second album, Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent, the following year, but later stepped back from touring and public performance after struggling with his mental and physical health.

“My mental health took a beating,” Capaldi told the TRNSMT crowd, adding that he is now “back” and “feeling better.”

Capaldi’s return has carried added weight for fans. In 2023, he cut short his Glastonbury Pyramid Stage performance while dealing with tics caused by Tourette’s syndrome, with the crowd famously helping him through “Someone You Loved.” He later announced that he would be taking an extended break to focus on his health.

Since then, Capaldi has eased back into public life and live performance, including a surprise Glastonbury appearance last year and the release of “Survive,” his first new music since Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent.

His comeback comes after a major commercial run. “Someone You Loved” spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2019, earned a Grammy nomination for song of the year and helped push his debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, into global breakthrough territory.

Capaldi is scheduled for additional summer dates, including major outdoor shows at BST Hyde Park and Roundhay Festival in July, as well as performances in Liverpool, Newcastle and at Sziget Festival. While he has not yet announced a title, release date or tracklist for his next album, his TRNSMT comments mark one of the clearest signals yet that a new full-length project is officially on his radar.

Goose has paid tribute to a fan who died after falling from an elevated section during the band’s concert at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night (June 20).

According to the New York Police Department, 51-year-old Paul Kueker of Niantic, Conn., fell from an elevated position inside the venue shortly before 10 p.m. local time. Officers responding to a 911 call found Kueker unconscious and unresponsive with injuries indicating a fall from an “elevated position,” police said.

Authorities said Kueker was in Section 300 of the arena. He was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police do not suspect foul play, and the investigation remains ongoing. Kueker was attending the concert with his wife, according to police.

Following the concert, Goose shared a statement on Instagram mourning the loss.

“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn of the tragic event that occurred at tonight’s show,” the band wrote. “We extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected. Thank you to the emergency personnel and venue staff who stepped in with care and support.”

Madison Square Garden also addressed the incident in a statement.

“While we await the police report on the tragedy at last night’s Goose concert, we are deeply saddened by the loss of a fan’s life at Madison Square Garden,” the venue said. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the concertgoer.”

The Connecticut-based rock band proceeded with their scheduled SummerStage performance in New York City’s Central Park on Sunday evening. Before the show, Goose said they had considered whether to go ahead with the concert, but decided to move forward as a way to bring fans together.

“We considered whether or not we were going to play and came to the decision that the best thing we can do right now is bring our community together, lean on one another, and offer a space for healing,” they said. “So let’s be kind to each other tonight and remember our friend.”

The band also said proceeds from the SummerStage show would go toward a charitable fund providing support and resources for their fans.

At the start of Sunday’s performance, multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach addressed the crowd and led a moment of silence for Kueker.

“We just wanted to take a moment to address some of the tragic events that happened at last night’s show, and extend our deepest condolences to Paul, his family, his friends and everybody who was affected by what happened,” Anspach said.

“In moments like this, you realize life is so fragile, we’re so lucky to have an incredible community here around us,” he continued. “Everybody, if you’re struggling with something, please don’t be afraid to reach out to somebody in your life or send us a message. You know, please.

“We got to help each other out. That’s why we’re here. People are meant to talk and be with people, so thank you everybody for coming tonight, and we really appreciate you guys so much. We love you.”

The Madison Square Garden concert was part of a two-night New York run for Goose, who have built a devoted following through extensive touring and improvisation-heavy live shows.

At the time of publication, authorities had not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the fall.

On Monday (June 22) a worldwide coalition of artists, songwriters and managers’ groups gathered together to release a letter aimed at record labels and publishers forming AI music licensing deals: “Stop the misuse of [our] rights in AI deals,” a press release announcing the letter said, adding “this is hypocrisy and an injustice which needs to stop now. Labels and publishers rightly argue that AI companies need permission to train on their music catalogue, but will not grant artists and songwriters the same rights.”

The letter follows a number of noteworthy licensing deals inked between publishers, labels and AI music companies — like Suno, Udio, ElevenLabs and others — in the past year. This includes Warner Music Group’s licensing deals with Suno, Klay, Udio and others; Universal Music Group’s deals with Udio, Spotify, Klay and others; Sony Music’s deal with Klay; Merlin and Kobalt’s deals with Udio and ElevenLabs and more.

In April, reporting from Billboard revealed that multiple top talent attorneys have been made aware that labels and publishers could feasibly use common contract language in U.S. record deals, related to blanket licensing and exploitation, to opt in artists’ works to train their AI partners’ models without seeking individual artist approval. “Some of the labels have already taken the position that they technically don’t need special approvals to train,” said Jason Boyarski, founding partner at Boyarski Fritz, at the time.

While many of the announcements about deals between AI firms and music companies note that artists can have the option to choose whether or not their name, image or likeness is used in relation to AI outputs, AI training is a different area of this licensing process that is never mentioned. “We’re seeing a differentiation between the way training — or inputs — and outputs are treated,” Audrey Benoualid, partner at Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light, told Billboard in April.

“We are increasingly concerned that artists and songwriters in existing recording and publishing agreements are receiving letters from major labels and publishers informing them that they will be opted in to AI-related uses by default, with little actual choice offered,” notes the letter, which was signed by Music Artists Coalition, Songwriters of North America, the Ivors Academy, Black Music Action Coalition, Artists Rights Alliance and more.

“At the same time, artists and songwriters signing new agreements are being presented with AI rights clauses as a standard condition of signing,” the letter says. Billboard has previously reported some of this new language added to signing agreements, specifically clauses from BMG, Sony and Believe, including a provision that allowed the “unlimited, exclusive rights” for Sony-owned dance label B1 Recordings to “use the recording in models and systems of generative artificial intelligence and applications based thereon, including generative AI, including [but] not limited to the analysis of the Recording for the purpose of extracting information on patterns, trends and correlations (AI training).”

“The result is a serious imbalance: artists and songwriters are being asked to give permission without sufficient information, clear terms or guaranteed remuneration,” the letter says.

The musicians’ note also includes three core principles that they want recorded music companies, publishers, policy makers, AI companies, digital platforms and more to respect: “consent and control” for artists and songwriters, “fair compensation” and “clarity and transparency.”

It also asks these companies to make “clear and public commitment” to the following guidelines in AI licensing deals: “no default opt-ins, no forced AI clauses and no use of artists’ work, voice, performance, likeness or creative identity without meaningful consent, fair remuneration and full transparency.” “The future of music must be built with artists, songwriters and their representatives, not imposed on them,” the letter concludes.

Read the full letter below:

Artists and Songwriters Must Not Be Pressure into AI Deals Without Meaningful Consent

Across the global music industry, record companies and publishers are negotiating AI deals that could shape the future of music. Yet the artists and songwriters whose works, voices, performances, likenesses and creative identities make those deals valuable are not being meaningfully consulted.

Artists and songwriters remain the primary holders of many of the rights at stake, including moral, neighbouring, image and personality rights. These rights are not label or publishers assets to be licensed without clear authority, consent and accountability. This means that artists and songwriters should be (where applicable, through their managers) the primary parties approached by AI companies to discuss such rights.

We are increasingly concerned that artists and songwriters in existing recording and publishing agreements are receiving letters from major labels and publishers informing them that they will be opted in to AI-related uses by default, with little actual choice offered. At the same time, artists and songwriters signing new agreements are being presented with AI rights clauses as a standard condition of signing.

The result is a serious imbalance: artists and songwriters are being asked to give permission without sufficient information, clear terms or guaranteed remuneration. We support innovation and recognise that AI can create new opportunities for music. However artists are not simply catalogue assets, and innovation cannot be used to override artists’ rights.

We therefore call on record companies, publishers, policy makers, AI companies, digital platforms and all industry partners to respect and consider three core principles:

Consent & Control 

Artists and songwriters must actively and specifically consent before their works, voice, performance, likeness or creative identity is used in connection with AI. There must be clarity around what they are being asked to approve, and they must have control over how it will be used. It cannot be buried in broad catch-all contract language or include rights in perpetuity. Consent cannot be imposed through default opt-ins and it should not be a condition of signing a new deal. Artists and songwriters must be able to say no without fear of penalization.

Fair Compensation 

Where artists and songwriters choose to participate in AI-related uses, they must receive fair and meaningful remuneration. They must share in the value created by their works, and it cannot be considered a general label asset. Artists and songwriters must be consulted and it must be clear which percentage of revenue goes to the creator, to the label and to the AI company.

Clarity & Transparency 

Requests must be purpose-specific. Artists, songwriters and managers must be given clear, timely and understandable information about any AI-related deal or proposal affecting their rights in order to make informed decisions. The information must encompass which rights it includes, what uses are permitted, the safeguards in place, duration of permission and how consent can be withdrawn.

We call on all companies entering into AI music deals to make a clear and public commitment: 

No default opt-ins. 

No forced AI clauses. 

No use of artists’ work, voice, performance, likeness or creative identity without meaningful consent, fair remuneration and full transparency. 

At a time when policymakers are reviewing copyright rules in response to AI, the protection of artists’ and songwriters’ rights, voices and remuneration is not negotiable. The structures being created now will shape the music ecosystem for years to come. The future of music must be built with artists, songwriters and their representatives, not imposed on them. 

Signed, 

European Music Managers Alliance, European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA), Music Artists Coalition, Songwriters of North America (SONA), National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), International Artists Organization (IAO), Artists Rights Alliance (ARA), Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), Association of Artist Managers (Australia), Music Managers Forum Aotearoa (New Zealand), Music Managers Forum (Canada), Featured Artists’ Coalition, The Ivors Academy.

EMMA members who have signed also directly: 

Music Managers Forum UK, Union des Manageuses et Managers de la musique (UMAN). Music Managers Forum Netherlands, Norwegian Entertainment Managers and Agents Association (NEMAA), Polish Artists Chamber of Commerce (IGMAP), Interessenverband Musikmanager & Consultants (IMUC) Music Managers Forum Sweden, AIM Ireland, Music Managers Federation (MMaF) Music Managers Forum Finland, Hungarian Managers Forum (ZEME) Music Estonia Managers, Danske Artist Managers, Music Managers Forum Ukraine, Music Managers Forum Iceland, Music Managers Forum Suisse, Foro de Mánagers (FORMA), Fédération des Bookers et Managers Unies.

Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett took an unplanned trip into the crowd during the band’s show at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Friday (June 19), slipping off the stage as the group launched into “Seek & Destroy” in front of approximately 40,000 fans.

The 63-year-old lost his footing on the stage edge and tumbled into the audience, missing only a few notes before being helped back onto the platform and continuing the performance without further incident. Confirmation that Hammett was uninjured came a few hours later when he shared fan-captured video of the fall on his Instagram Stories, captioning it “Slip & Destroy.”

The moment quickly went viral across social media, with multiple fan-shot clips circulating on YouTube and X. Hammett’s self-deprecating response drew praise from fans who noted the guitarist’s ability to laugh off what could have been a serious accident.

The Dublin date was part of Metallica’s ongoing European tour, which continues with shows at Glasgow’s Hampden Park (June 25), Cardiff’s Principality Stadium (June 28) and two nights at London Stadium (July 3 and 5). After the European run wraps, the band will embark on one of the most ambitious residencies in rock history — a 24-date run at the Las Vegas Sphere beginning Oct. 1, with dates stretching through March 2027.

One of the most commercially dominant acts in rock history, Metallica have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide and scored six No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 — Metallica (1991), Load (1996), Reload (1997), St. Anger (2003), Death Magnetic (2008) and Hardwired… to Self-Destruct (2016).

Their most recent album 72 Seasons (2023) debuted at No. 2, their first album since 1988’s …And Justice for All not to open at No. 1. The band have won eight Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. “Seek & Destroy” — the song Hammett was launching into when he fell — is from the band’s 1983 debut Kill ‘Em All and has been a staple of their live set for more than four decades.

Gina Ortiz Jones, the mayor of San Antonio, Texas, is pushing for the cancellation of Kanye West’s Fourth of July concert at the Alamodome. Ye announced the show last week, and tickets are currently available via Ticketmaster at prices ranging from $127.50 for a standard admission, upper-level seat to $1,461.25 for the “YE – Front Row Experience,” a row-one seat in the lower level of the stadium closest to the floor.

On Saturday night (June 20), the San Antonio Democrat, a U.S. Air Force veteran, shared her stance on Ye’s scheduled event in the south-central Texan city, citing the musician’s history of hate speech and antisemitic remarks as reason for the Alamodome — which can accommodate a crowd of more than 70,000 with an in-the-round concert layout like that of Ye’s globe-shaped stage — to pull the plug on the Independence Day booking.

“I support canceling the @kanyewest concert,” she wrote in a post on X.

“Military City USA should not host someone with a record of hate speech and antisemitic comments in a city-funded facility like our Alamodome—not ever, and certainly not on July 4th, our Nation’s 250th birthday,” Ortiz Jones said.

The San Antonio mayor added, “Standing up to antisemitism is exactly what it takes to achieve a more perfect Union.”

Ye’s July 4 San Antonio date lands in the middle of concerts in Tampa, Florida (June 26, 28), and Tirana, Albania (July 11). The rapper’s summer mini tour — as it stands right now — then brings him to Madrid, Spain (July 30), and Algarve, Portugal (Aug. 7), before routing back to the U.S. for a pair of homecoming shows in Chicago, Illinois (Sept. 3-4). He hasn’t had an official full-scale tour in this decade.

Though West has successfully put on his show this year in Mexico City and Los Angeles, and in cities in Turkey, the Netherlands and Georgia, he’s also had shows pulled in England, Poland and France.

Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida recently called for Ye’s performances to be called off in Tampa.

Scott wrote in a statement on June 4, “Kanye West’s consistent antisemitic attacks are an affront to the values of the people of the Hillsborough community. He has openly praised Nazis, called himself one, and slandered Jews across the world. Kanye West also funded a Superbowl ad in 2025 that directed viewers to purchase merchandise featuring swastikas.”

“West’s remarks are vile and a slap in the face to our state’s Jewish community,” said the senator. “It is troubling that a stadium supported by taxpayer dollars would openly subsidize an event led by an artist known for pushing this dangerous, hateful rhetoric, especially with Florida having one of the largest Jewish populations in our country.”

On Friday, Ye released a deluxe edition of his latest album, Bully, featuring updated mixes of its original tracks and new songs “OK” (featuring Don Toliver) and “Mission Control.”