Photo by Ryan Merkley.
(KINGSTON, ON) – The legendary singer of the Tragically Hip, Gord Downie, has died. He was 53.
Disclosed in a statement posted to social media sites and the band’s webpage, Downie died Tuesday night, “… with his beloved children and family close by.”
“For almost five decades, Gord Downie uncovered and told the stories of Canada,” said Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau. “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.”
Downie had been diagnosed with a terminal form of brain cancer in 2016.
Last night Gord quietly passed away with this 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, Gords 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 music invited us to explore places we had never been, from Mistaken Point to Churchill, and helped us understand each other, while capturing the complexity and vastness of the place we call home,” Trudeau said. “Gord’s command of language was profound. He painted landscapes with his words, elevating Canadian geography, historical figures, and myths. When he spoke, he gave us goosebumps and made us proud to be Canadian. Our identity and culture are richer because of his music, which was always raw and honest; like Gord himself.”
Set the Bar 