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.”
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.
