The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie, RIP

Gord Downie, frontman of long-running Canadian band The Tragically Hip, passed away following a battle with terminal brain cancer. The Downie family shared a statement:

Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.

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.

Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived “the life” for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.

We would like to thank all the kind folks at KGH and Sunnybrook, Gord’s bandmates, management team, friends and fans. Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.

Thank you everyone for all the respect, admiration and love you have given Gord throughout the years – those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.

Love you forever Gord.

The Downie Family

The Tragically Hip’s 2016 album and 13th studio release, Man Machine Poem made the longlist for the 2017 Polaris Music Prize. The band played their final show shortly after its release, on August 20, 2016, in Kingston, Ontario.

Gord Downie had been appointed to the Order of Canada in June of 2017 for his advocacy for First Nations people. He was 53 years old. Rest in peace, Gord.