Every Tragically Hip fan hoped and prayed the day would never come, but sadly Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip has died. The heartbroken band announced the news on their website revealing the rock legend passed away on the evening of October 17th at the age of 53. Read the full statement from the Tragically Hip below:
"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."
Downie remained a creative force to be reckoned with until the very end - he recorded his final solo album Introduce Yerself over a four day period earlier this year. Downie was unable to live to see the album's release, which had already been slated to arrive on CD and digital album download on October 28th with the vinyl edition (double gatefold vinyl) following on December 1st. The release plans will stay intact and those interested can pre-order here.
R.I.P. to a legend.
Published October 19th, 2017
"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."
Downie remained a creative force to be reckoned with until the very end - he recorded his final solo album Introduce Yerself over a four day period earlier this year. Downie was unable to live to see the album's release, which had already been slated to arrive on CD and digital album download on October 28th with the vinyl edition (double gatefold vinyl) following on December 1st. The release plans will stay intact and those interested can pre-order here.
R.I.P. to a legend.
Published October 19th, 2017
