The specialist treating Downie, neuro-oncologist Dr. James Perry, will hold a news conference in Toronto on Tuesday morning to discuss the singer’s condition, details of which have not been released. Surgery removed the bulk of the tumour, while six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy – completed about a month and a half ago – have reduced it even further. About 250 cases of glioblastoma a year are diagnosed in Canada, he says, and it’s among the leading causes of cancer-related death among Canadians 40 to 60 years old.
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“Other notable people have had this tumor”. Downie has recovered much of his physical, mental and emotional strength. Perry says Downie’s GBM is amenable to treatment and it has shrunk with treatment.
The band has maintained a loyal following over three decades of music, through Downie’s well-known energetic and humourous on-stage antics, regular cross-country touring, and a multitude of charitable endeavours.
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A seizure Downie suffered while walking down the street in his home town of Kingston, Ontario late past year led to an emergency hospital visit where imaging showed the tumor.
Perry didn’t anticipate any medical issues in the short term, but said “medical contingencies” will be in place throughout the tour.
Origin of band name: Members say it was taken from a line in a 1981 movie called “Elephant Parts” by Michael Nesmith, a former member of the Monkees. “His head space is ‘We want to blow people’s minds'”.
The tour is in support of the band’s 14th album, Man Machine Poem, which will be released June 17.
“For me, I actually love Gord Downie as a solo artist more than I’ve loved him as a rock star in the Hip”, she tells NEWS 1130.
Although his health has improved enough that touring is possible, the cancer will return, Perry said. Fans of the celebrated band, who have been active for more than 30 years and won 14 Juno Awards, will undoubtedly mourn the news of the musician’s illness and likely anticipate an impending dissolution of the veteran rock group.
Downie’s lyrics are often woven with references to Canada’s history and geography, from explorer Jacques Cartier to the Toronto Maple Leafs. “He’s not the voice of a band, he’s the voice of our country”.
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The Tragically Hip’s frontman, Gord Downie, has long established himself as one of the country’s greatest songwriters.
