The CBC secured the streaming rights for the shows after The Man Machine Poem Tour sold out pretty much overnight, with the band’s fans clamoring for a final chance to see the Hip in concert.
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Downie, who exuded manic energy throughout the almost three-hour-long, 30-song concert, poured his heart into the unforgettable live show while paying tribute to fans who encouraged him on.
After spending three decades together, The Hip returned on Saturday night to where they began as a college rock band, the Lake Ontario city of Kingston.
For the thousands that couldn’t get tickets to the final show flocked to the town’s square where the concert was shown on big screens.
Glioblastoma is the most common type of brain cancer in adults and one with an average survival of less than 15 months after diagnosis.
During his time with The Tragically Hip, Gord became well known for his glitzy suits and feathered hats, with his lyrics resonating with so many Canadians that he was deemed the unofficial poet laureate for his country.
Downie acknowledged Trudeau from the stage. “They’ve always been a straight-forward rock and roll band”.
In case you missed it, due to the fact you were living under a rock, Canadian legends The Tragically Hip hit the stage Saturday night in Kingston for a national broadcast of their final tour. He twice praised Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was in attendance.
“The Tragically Hip are emblematic of my upbringing, relationship to my father, and all the things that I love about Canada”, tweeted Khelsilem, a language revitalization and decolonization advocate from the Squamish Nation. I’m so thankful that I was fortunate enough to see Gord, Johnny, Robby, Paul, and Gord 23 times live in the past 25 years.
In an interview with the CBC, Trudeau reminisced about how he used to enjoy the band’s music during his high school and university years.
Damien Follett is a musician from St. John’s who has been playing Hip songs since he started.
For part of the concert, Downie was wearing a Jaws t-shirt, so naturally, searches for Jaws are up 450 per cent in Canada.
Justin Trudeau mouthed “thank you” and nodded from the audience in gratitude.
In Rio, the Canada Olympic House hosted a party for Canadian athletes who wore their red team jackets.
They then hugged, stood arm-in-arm as the crowd roared – and walked off-stage for good.
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At one point, Downie thanked the crowd for “keeping me pushing, and keeping me pushing”.
