The Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, and fans across Canada and overseas gathered Saturday at viewing parties to bid him farewell. Although the band didn’t really gain fame in the United States, they were equivalent to the Rolling Stones and Pearl Jam’s popularity in Canada – making it all the more hard for fans to say goodbye.
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With a delirious sold-out crowd at the Rogers K-Rock Centre in Kingston, Ont., hanging on his every word – and countless more fans watching on TV at home or at public screenings – the Tragically Hip frontman delivered what many fear was his final performance.
“I said to our promotions guy, I said, ‘The Hip haven’t been to Fredericton, at this point, since 1993.’ I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be really cool if we got them here?'” said Pinnock. “Have a nice life”.
Gord, who started the show wearing a metallic silver suit and hat with a Jaws T-shirt underneath, hugged and kissed his bandmates – guitarists Rob Baker and Paul Langlois, bassist Gord Sinclair and drummer Johnny Fay.
And while Flank is skeptical that any Canadian band will reach the status that the Tragically Hip has achieved, Smyth said there might one day be another Canadian band that speaks to Canadian’s like the Hip have.
Trudeau’s official photographer tweeted a photo of the prime minister and Downie embracing before the concert.
Downie said on stage: “Well, you know, Prime Minister Trudeau’s got me, his work with First Nations (indigenous people)”.
The Tragically Hip, which formed in Kingston, Ontario, has released 14 studio albums since their debut in 1984 – including one titled “Man Machine Poem” in June.
“There’s something going on up north of the border tonight, and it involves somebody that we can say is a family member. and I just want to send them our energy. and wish the best to Mr. Gord Downie”.
Ahead by a Century was the song that closed out what’s likely the last concert for the Hip as their lead singer Gord Downie battles terminal brain cancer.
“I hope it placed even more pressure on the Prime Minister to make good on the promises and the kind words that he has said about indigenous people, and about that being the most important relationship to fix”.
Those at the concert, which was broadcast live across Canada, experienced a whirlwind of feelings, with Downie, 52, breaking down in tears as he crooned his hit “Grace, Too” before departing the stage, according to the Washington Post.
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Shawn Stevenson was one of those fans and he said this final show was a big deal.
