Arts reporter at @torontostar • former @CdnPressNews @Variety • ➡️Instagram/Threads: dj_friend or https://xitter.cf/t.co/jrME8MdIkO • Story tips: [email protected]
Joined March 2008
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Backstreet Boys fever hits Toronto as fans snap up tickets for a record-setting run of shows.
My story on the fandemonium around what's shaping up to be a big Y2K moment for the city next year: thestar.com/entertainment/mu…
“Millennials have the money to spend now. Between the Backstreet Boys and Hilary Duff, it feels like our childhood playlist.”
Backstreet Boys announce 12th show for record-breaking Rogers Centre residency.
Free link to my story: thestar.com/gift-redeem?t=62…
Neil Peart died just as the COVID-19 lockdowns began, leaving his family, friends and Rush fans little opportunity to mourn him publicly.
The filmmakers behind a new documentary hope their film helps process that lingering grief.
My story:
thestar.com/entertainment/te…
“Neil was like a big brother to some of these people.”
The directors of new documentary "Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple," on doing justice to the late Rush band member, often called one of the greatest drummers of all time.
Free link to my story:
thestar.com/gift-redeem?t=37…
David Friend retweeted
Construction to tear out the Etobicoke bike lanes starts today, but the debate continues between local business and residents.
I spoke with both over the Thanksgiving weekend:
thestar.com/news/gta/bike-la…
I worked with Helen for several years at The Canadian Press. She was so smart, even-handed, calm and collected... everything you would want a journalist to be in the face of a crisis. She will be missed. – at Toronto, Ontario
Helen Branswell was a gift — to family and friends, to colleagues, and to masses of people whose lives were made better by the work to which she was so devoted. I was lucky to know her.
statnews.com/2026/10/13/hele…
Construction to tear out the Etobicoke bike lanes starts today, but the debate continues between local business and residents.
I spoke with both over the Thanksgiving weekend:
thestar.com/news/gta/bike-la…
Light posts down this stretch of Bloor are plastered with signs that read: “If It Ain’t Broke... Don’t Waste $48 Million to ‘Fix’ It, Mr. Ford.”
Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists says they’re planning a Tuesday evening protest.
Free link to my story:
thestar.com/gift-redeem?t=3b…
David Friend retweeted
Celebration of JahVai Roy's life doubles as a call for action against Toronto gun violence and for better youth support programs.
My story from Saturday's event:
thestar.com/news/gta/celebra… – at Toronto, Ontario
Celebration of JahVai Roy's life doubles as a call for action against Toronto gun violence and for better youth support programs.
My story from Saturday's event:
thestar.com/news/gta/celebra… – at Toronto, Ontario
“I know that pain. I know how it affects families. And that’s why I want to turn my experience — my pain — into purpose.”
JahVai Roy's mom urges greater youth support systems to prevent gun violence.
A free link to my story from Saturday's memorial:
thestar.com/gift-redeem?t=b1…
John Reardon is back on "Hudson & Rex" after he was written out of the show following his cancer diagnosis...but there are some things he still can't talk about.
Free story link:
thestar.com/gift-redeem?t=b0… – at Toronto, Ontario
John Reardon is back on "Hudson & Rex."
But there are some things he still can’t talk about following his ouster from the show and the fan backlash that followed.
My Q&A: thestar.com/entertainment/te…
Noise complaints about Rogers Stadium soared more than 40% this summer.
My story on the ruckus that continues at Live Nation's massive outdoor concert venue: thestar.com/entertainment/mu…
David Friend retweeted
EXCLUSIVE: The Phoenix Concert Theatre has found its new home on the city's west end. Plans are underway for a move in 2027, pending city approvals.
Details on the new location:
thestar.com/entertainment/mu… – at Toronto, Ontario
David Friend retweeted
This historic Phoenix Concert Theatre will be relocating to Toronto’s west end. thestar.com/entertainment/mu…
EXCLUSIVE: The Phoenix Concert Theatre has found its new home on the city's west end. Plans are underway for a move in 2027, pending city approvals.
Details on the new location:
thestar.com/entertainment/mu… – at Toronto, Ontario
Gord Downie's purple fedora was at centre stage as the Tragically Hip was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame on Saturday.
My inside look from Toronto's Massey Hall where Feist, Loverboy and Roch Voisine were also celebrated.
thestar.com/entertainment/go… – at Toronto, Ontario
Canadian musicians pay emotional tribute to Gord Downie as Tragically Hip receive national honour
Free gift link:
thestar.com/gift-redeem?t=7c…
David Friend retweeted
Gord Downie's purple fedora was at centre stage as the Tragically Hip was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame on Saturday.
My inside look from Toronto's Massey Hall where Feist, Loverboy and Roch Voisine were also celebrated.
thestar.com/entertainment/go… – at Toronto, Ontario
The Tragically Hip, Feist and the songwriting partners behind Loverboy are among the creators being inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The show streams live on Prime Video tonight. (CP)
thecanadianpressnews.ca/ente… – at Toronto, Ontario