David Friend
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dfriend.bsky.social
David Friend
@dfriend.bsky.social
1.3K followers 86 following 360 posts
Entertainment reporter at The Canadian Press Music/film & TV/streaming + biz.
Variety contributor | Insta: dj_friend
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David Friend @dfriend.bsky.social · Nov 7
I'm obsessed with crafting music playlists, no matter the genre. Here's a thread of ones I've made on Spotify:

#Essentials - 1990s Dance History: A chronological journey from Detroit house to Europe's pop-techno takeover.

open.spotify.com/playlist/3oP...
dfriend.bsky.social
Apple TV series "The Hunt" postponed due to plagiarism allegations (The Guardian) share.google/QpKhRuIs7moB...
Apple TV series The Hunt postponed due to plagiarism allegations
French thriller starring Benoît Magimel has been accused of stealing its story from a 1976 action film
share.google
November 26, 2025 at 8:12 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Joni Mitchell to get lifetime achievement honour at the 2026 Juno Awards, while Nelly Furtado joins the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

The details: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Joni Mitchell to get lifetime achievement Juno, Nelly Furtado joins Hall of Fame
TORONTO - Joni Mitchell's incredible impact on music will be celebrated at the Juno Awards with a lifetime achievement honour.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 24, 2025 at 10:29 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Jimmy Cliff, who brought reggae to a global audience with the 1972 film "The Harder They Come," has died at 81.

His songs include "You Can Get It If You Really Want," political anthem "Peace Officer," and a cover of "I Can See Clearly Now" for "Cool Runnings." (NYT) www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/a...
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Udo Kier, the German actor who appeared in "My Own Private Idaho" and Madonna's "Sex" book and "Deeper and Deeper" music video, dies at 81.

He also starred in countless horror and cult titles over the decades, including the acclaimed 2019 film "Bacurau." (Variety) variety.com/2025/film/ne...
Udo Kier, German Actor Who Appeared in ‘My Own Private Idaho,’ ‘Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein,’ Dies at 81
Udo Kier, a German actor who collaborated with everyone from Andy Warhol to Lars von Trier to Madonna, died on Sunday morning. He was 81.
variety.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:12 AM
dfriend.bsky.social
Paul McCartney leans into Beatles archive for Hamilton arena opening.

via Nicole Thompson: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Paul McCartney leans into Beatles archive for Hamilton arena opening
HAMILTON - Paul McCartney dug into the Beatles' archive in Hamilton, bringing some of his oldest songs to life on a freshly renovated stage Friday.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 23, 2025 at 4:17 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Andy Kim lands Sloan, Bif Naked, Kevin Drew and pop singer Reve for Christmas show.

The details:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Andy Kim lands Sloan, Bif Naked, Kevin Drew and pop singer Reve for Christmas show
TORONTO - Andy Kim has lined up many flavours of Canadian pop-rock for his annual Christmas charity concert next month.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 23, 2025 at 1:22 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Dan McGrath, writer on ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘King of the Hill,’ dies at 61 (Hollywood Reporter)
www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/d...
Dan McGrath, Writer on ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘King of the Hill,’ Dies at 61
The Brooklyn-born Emmy winner also worked on ‘The Harvard Lampoon,’ ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘Mission Hill.’
www.hollywoodreporter.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Reposted by David Friend
bifnaked.bsky.social
Loved talking with you, as always David🤩.
November 12, 2025 at 7:05 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
"English Teacher" cancelled by FX after two seasons (Variety) variety.com/2025/tv/news...
‘English Teacher’ Canceled by FX After Two Seasons
FX has canceled Brian Jordan Alvarez's 'English Teacher' after two seasons.
variety.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Reposted by David Friend
dfriend.bsky.social
"I was unprepared emotionally for … a vulnerability that I can't even describe."

Bif Naked stared down her darkest experiences in an uplifting new documentary about her life and career.

My story: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen... @bifnaked.bsky.social
Bif Naked stares down her darkest experiences in uplifting new documentary
TORONTO - Bif Naked wasn't exactly yearning to revisit her life's darkest moments for a deeply personal documentary.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 12, 2025 at 4:54 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Shawn Levy will exec-produce a Netflix show about a small town shaken by a fatal high school hockey bus crash.

"The White Lotus" actress Michelle Monaghan plays the coach's widow who unites the town for a comeback.

The details: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Shawn Levy to exec-produce Netflix series about town recovering from hockey bus crash
TORONTO - Shawn Levy is lacing up for a Netflix hockey drama that follows the story of a small town picking itself up in the aftermath of a devastating high
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 12, 2025 at 9:55 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
"I was unprepared emotionally for … a vulnerability that I can't even describe."

Bif Naked stared down her darkest experiences in an uplifting new documentary about her life and career.

My story: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen... @bifnaked.bsky.social
Bif Naked stares down her darkest experiences in uplifting new documentary
TORONTO - Bif Naked wasn't exactly yearning to revisit her life's darkest moments for a deeply personal documentary.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 12, 2025 at 4:54 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Lou-Adriane Cassidy takes home an impressive 12 Felix awards and just barely misses a historic tie for the most trophies in one year.

A look at this year's ADISQ Gala, an annual celebration of the francophone music scene:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/quebec/lou-a...
Lou-Adriane Cassidy leads Felix winners as she's crowned female artist of the year
MONTRÉAL - Lou-Adriane Cassidy picked up a leading four Félix trophies, including female artist of the year, at the ADISQ Gala, an annual celebration of the francophone music scene.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 12, 2025 at 3:27 AM
dfriend.bsky.social
Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader Cleto Escobedo III dies at 59 (Variety) variety.com/2025/tv/news...
Jimmy Kimmel’s Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Dies at 59: We’ve Been ‘Inseparable Since I Was Nine Years Old’
Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel's friend and the longtime bandleader of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!,' has died. He was 59.
variety.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:18 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
How realistic are Canada's prospects of joining the Eurovision Song Contest?

I checked in with @williamleeadams.bsky.social of @wiwibloggs.bsky.social, as well as the Canadian producer who's behind the "Eurovision Canada" pitch, to see where we stand.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/how...
How realistic are Canada's prospects of joining the Eurovision Song Contest?
TORONTO - Canadian fans of the Eurovision Song Contest have reason to hope that a homegrown act might one day take part in the outlandish music spectacle.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 9, 2025 at 5:24 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Abracadabra! Halifax music producer Cirkut on how Lady Gaga's spell helped land him seven Grammy nominations.

My story: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Abracadabra! Halifax producer Cirkut on how Lady Gaga's spell landed him Grammy noms
TORONTO - While Henry Walter isn't a magician, it's clear Grammy voters believe he can work some real magic.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 8, 2025 at 8:12 PM
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Justin Bieber nabbed multiple Grammy nominations for 'Swag,' including album of the year.

A look at the Canadian Grammy contenders, from Drake and Tate McRae to some powerhouse producers behind the scenes...

www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Justin Bieber nabs multiple Grammy nominations for 'Swag,' including album of the year
TORONTO - Justin Bieber's soulful departure from his typical pop sound has landed him among the top Canadian contenders at the Grammy Awards.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 8, 2025 at 3:29 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Sam Smith calls Beverly Glenn-Copeland 'statesman of queer community' at Pink Awards in Toronto.

www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/... #LGBTQ
Sam Smith calls Beverly Glenn-Copeland 'statesman of queer community' at Pink Awards
TORONTO - Sam Smith bestowed Canadian singer and songwriter Beverly Glenn-Copeland with the legacy award at the PTP Pink Awards on Thursday, recalling a particular kinship they felt upon first
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 8, 2025 at 1:35 AM
dfriend.bsky.social
Budget includes CBC funding boost and pitches getting Canada into Eurovision

The details: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/bud...
Budget includes CBC funding boost, pitches getting Canada into Eurovision
OTTAWA - The Liberal government’s plans for CBC/Radio-Canada include looking at getting Canada into the Eurovision international song contest.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 5, 2025 at 2:50 AM
dfriend.bsky.social
"It was really life-changing."

Geddy Lee says a European spa trip helped Rush's reunion tour fall into place.

My chat with the Toronto musician about how joining Alex Lifeson at an Austrian health clinic changed the talk about getting back together: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
European health spa retreat helped Rush rockers get ready for reunion, says Geddy Lee
TORONTO - If it weren't for a spa retreat, Rush bassist Geddy Lee says plans for the band's 2026 reunion tour might've never taken shape.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 3, 2025 at 10:57 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Geddy Lee says a European spa trip helped the Rush reunion plans fall into place.

My chat with the Toronto musicians about how visiting an Austrian health clinic with Alex Lifeson changed the tone of getting back together:

www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
European health spa retreat helped Rush rockers get ready for reunion, says Geddy Lee
TORONTO - If it weren't for a spa retreat, Rush bassist Geddy Lee says plans for the band's 2026 reunion tour might've never taken shape.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 3, 2025 at 4:12 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
After its free CBC streaming debut, Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair documentary heads to cinemas for a limited release.

My story: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
After free streaming debut, Lilith Fair doc heads to cinemas for limited release
TORONTO - Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair documentary is getting a second wind on the big screen.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 31, 2025 at 8:02 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
"I believe in Alberta being much better as part of Canada, one of the best countries in the world to live in."

Jann Arden tells the interviewers on CBC series "The Assembly" that she stands by the anti-separatist rant she made on social media.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
'I believe in Alberta': Jann Arden stands by anti-separatist rant on 'The Assembly'
TORONTO - Jann Arden says she stands by a fiery social media video she made earlier this year ripping into Alberta separatists.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 31, 2025 at 3:49 PM
dfriend.bsky.social
Arcade Fire's Win Butler and Régine Chassagne announce separation

The details: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Arcade Fire's Win Butler and Régine Chassagne announce separation
TORONTO - Arcade Fire’s lead singers say their marriage is over, but they remain committed to the band.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 31, 2025 at 2:39 PM
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As Nashville toasts Anne Murray, stars call for a Country Music Hall of Fame induction

My story from the ground in Music City...

www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
As Nashville toasts Anne Murray, stars call for Country Music Hall of Fame induction
NASHVILLE - With Canadian flags waving in their hands and shouts of admiration echoing from the rafters, some of Anne Murray's biggest fans welcomed the East Coast songbird to her
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 28, 2025 at 7:45 PM