Those who didn’t plan to watch likely got a taste anyway: The Hip blared from seemingly every Regina business that was open. The concert was also broadcast live on national TV.
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Trudeau, on learning of Downie’s diagnosis in May, tweeted that the singer “has been writing Canada’s soundtrack for more than 30 years”. “And tonight we get to say thanks, and we get to celebrate that”.
The Tragically Hip announced Downie’s terminal brain cancer in May, revealing that he had been diagnosed back in December.
Downie’s doctor, James Perry, has toured with the band every step of the way, from Victoria’s opening show to the last stop of the tour in Kingston this weekend.
In a brief interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., Trudeau reminisced about how he used to enjoy the band’s music during his high school and university years.
Wearing one of the band’s shirts, Trudeau spoke about his love for the group in an interview with Canada’s CBC network before the show began. “Yes they have fans all around the world but they really remain so anchored in Canada in so many ways”.
Downie and his bandmates played what many fans believe was their final show to a sold-out crowd at the K-Rock Centre in Kingston.
Among those in attendance for Downie’s final show was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has been a Tragically Hip fan since high school, reported The New York Times.
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“Thank you, people, for keeping me pushing and keeping me pushing”, he said, which prompted a “Gordie!” chant from the audience.
