When the band made the news public the following May, expressions of sorrow poured in from across the country. And he wanted to make it better,” Trudeau said in Ottawa.ĭownie was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable brain cancer, in December 2015. “He loved every hidden corner, every aspect of this country that he celebrated his whole life. He was the frontman of one of Canada’s most iconic bands, a rock star, artist, and poet whose evocative lyrics came to define a country.” Trudeau also said in a written statement that “Downie uncovered and told the stories of Canada. “I thought I was going to make it through this but I’m not. We all knew it was coming but we hoped it wasn’t,” said Trudeau, his voice breaking. “We are less as a country without Gord Downie in it. He is survived by his wife, Laura Leigh Usher, and their four children.While Canadian musicians Drake, the Weeknd and Justin Bieber have made waves internationally, the Tragically Hip built a huge following of die-hard homegrown fans.Īn emotional Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wept in Parliament while talking about Downie on national television in a statement to reporters. In 2005, they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. cLHgyhhSr7ĭownie had been appointed to the Order of Canada in June of 2017 for his advocacy for First Nations, the name for Canada’s aboriginal people.ĭuring his 33-year-long career, Downie won 16 Juno Awards, Canada’s equivalent to the Grammy, with The Tragically Hip. The Toronto Raptors NBA team called Downie a “Canadian Icon.” The sign will be dimmed tonight at 11 p.m. I’ve asked that the Toronto sign be lit in red & white today to honour Gord Downie. On behalf of the people of Toronto, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Gord Downie’s family, his Tragically Hip bandmates and his millions of fans. His diagnosis was heartbreaking but he faced illness with courage and a commitment to continue doing what he loved.
His music is an essential part of the soundtrack of Canada. Gord Downie was an inspiration to us all. Toronto Mayor John Tory called Downie “an inspiration to us all” on Twitter.
Toronto Sign shines red & white today and will be dimmed at 11 pm in memory of Canadian icon Gord Downie #TheTragicallyHip /MPHIQYlGgW Wednesday night to honor Downie’s memory. The city of Toronto will dim their famous “Toronto” sign at 11 p.m. “We are less as a country without Gord Downie in it,” said a visibly emotional today /b1zz467H5dĬraig Finn, frontman of Brooklyn rock band The Hold Steady, also paid tribute to Downie on Twitter, saying he had “such an inspiring life and career.” Trudeau later held a press conference in which he said “we are less as a country without Gord Downie in it,” as tears streamed down his face. Rest in peace my friend.Ĭanada’s identity & culture are richer for Gord Downie’s work. There will never be another one like you, Gord. Trudeau led tributes to Downie Wednesday morning after news of his death broke on Twitter. Read: Tom Petty’s Daughter Pays Tribute to Her ‘American Icon’ Dad: ‘Your Songs Are Dreams Manifested’ The band performed their final concert in August 2016, when they were introduced to the stage by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The “Music at Work” singer was revealed to have brain cancer last year and despite the grim diagnosis, his band continued to tour and he released the critically acclaimed solo album, Secret Path.
The record, produced by fellow Canadian, Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew, will feature 23 songs that are all about special people in Downie’s life and were all recorded in one take. “Gord knew this day was coming - his response was to spend this precious time as he always had - making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss… on the lips,” the statement continued.ĭownie was set to release his final album as a solo artist titled Introduce Yourself, which was to be available on October 27. The band released a statement Wednesday morning saying that Downie was with his “beloved children and family close by” as he passed. Read: Rock and Roll Icon Tom Petty Dead at 66 Gord Downie, the 53-year-old frontman of legendary Canadian band The Tragically Hip, has died after battling brain cancer.
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