Canada paid tribute to The Tragically Hip on their Aug. 20 Kingston concert. It was the most beautiful televised event in the arts this year and arguably ever. CBC was able to provide all of Canada with the opportunity to say goodbye to one of the countries most loved bands, an opportunity that is essentially unheard of historically for any musicians.
After lead singer Gord Downie revealed he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in May, the band quickly put together their last cross-country tour, Man Machine Poem. Their last stop being broadcast from the K-Rock Centre in Kingston, Ontario, which seemed only fitting as the band began their career in that city in 1984.
Ottawa locals came together to catch the show at Parkdale Park in Hintonburg, Dovercourt sports field, Sens House, Pub 101 in Byward Market, and the John St Pub in Arnprior. D’Arcy Mcgees also donated $1 from every pint sold to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research.
Nationally Canadians came together in appreciation to thank the band members for their thorough commitment to Canada through their music. Although, after 32 years of performing across the country, Canadians had far more to say than just thank you and goodbye. CBC reported Monday that the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research raised $200,000 this weekend, with a total of over $265,000.
Noteably, the band invited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the final concert. From Twitter to Instagram, the photo of Downie hugging Trudeau circulated at an incredible speed as fans felt an exhilarating surge of emotion and pride in the Tragically Hip. During the show, Downie gave praise to Trudeau, asking him to fix the injustices within Canada. Downie also sent the Prime Minister words of encouragement, telling the crowd they were in good hands.
The Hip played a 30 song set and ended with a three song encore, playing a variety of songs from each of their albums. Starting the show off with “50 Mission Cap,” and ending with “Ahead By A Century.” Downie interacted with the audience and thanked everyone watching for their support saying, “thank you, people, for keeping me pushing and keeping me pushing.” His statement brought many watching to tears as the unending support for Downie across the country has been infinite and loud on social media for months.
Watching Downie come to tears on stage during what could be his final performance of his life was bitter-sweet. Being able to officially say goodbye to a popular artist such as himself is very rare so the opportunity to come together nationally and do so was truly a gift, but on the other hand knowing that this is the last time the band plays after several decades of work is really sad. The Hip have been a huge part of the country’s culture since the ’80s, inspiring generations and leading the billboards for years. The event was a spectacular example of the unnerving pride Canadians have for their most talented artists.
All that is left to say to the Tragically Hip is thank you for being the face of Canadian culture, thank you for inspiring the country, thank you for your music, and to Gord Downie, Canada supports you.
