Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip Passes

The world is still reeling from the loss of one of Canada's most distinctive voices.  Gord Downie, the lead singer of the legendary Tragically Hip passed away on October 18, 2017 after a brave battle with cancer.  He left behind an unforgettable legacy.  Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Local media stories: Hamilton Spectator, CHML, St. Catharines Standard, 

Here is the official statement from his family.

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

Local reaction from social media.

Lou Molinaro (This Ain't Hollywood)

The very first time I met Gord Downie was in Ottawa at Barrymore's. I think The Hip's first album just came out. We started chatting about music. I asked him what some of his fave bands were. Within the first 3 names, TEENAGE HEAD was mentioned. Not a bad way to meet a singer in a rock n roll band. RIP Gord Downie.

Brandon P. General (My Flying Machine) 

Gord Downie wasn't just the Hip. He was a spokesman for the country. Whenever he had the chance, he spoke for us. 

As an indigenous person, I felt the things he said on a personal level. He spoke for the rights of all of us and spent his last days fighting for us.

We all knew it was coming, but we all hoped he would fight it. He can't be cut down so needlessly. We all hoped that he would beat this.

As a Canadian, it's a huge loss. He was the benchmark for what someone in his position should do with their fame. I will be listening to The Hip today with the rest of you and mourning the loss. RIP Gord Downie

Sarah Smith

Gord Downie. Thank you for being such a beautiful example of what it is like to be Canadian. We are blessed to have shared this lifetime with your music and your stories. You have created new folklore to pass through the generations and have left a powerful legacy of pride, hope, love and togetherness.

In his honour, here are a few area performers covering Gord's amazing work.



Links: Sarah Harmer, More Sarah Harmer Stories, Barenaked Ladies (Jim's Band), More Barenaked Ladies Stories, Video above courtesy of q on CBC



Links: Selective Soul, Video above courtesy of Selective Soul Band

Here are two songs from the man himself



Video above courtesy of nbowen76



Links: Sadies, More Sadies Stories, Video above courtesy of wesleync

Blast from the Past: The Hip on CBC Top Canadian Songs List

Links: Tragically Hip, More Tragically Hip Covers/Stories

---

Previous (Juneyt Wins Toronto Independent Music Award) - - - Next (News Roundup: More Gord Downie, Trout Lily, Bat Out of Hell Musical)