A decade has passed since The Tragically Hip’s farewell performance in Kingston, Ontario, yet Paul Langlois admits he is still coming to terms with the event. The guitarist expressed his disbelief during an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner on “The National” Thursday evening, reflecting on the impact of their final show and the resonance it had with fans.
The emotional evening saw Hip’s lead vocalist, Gord Downie, bid farewell to a crowd at Kingston’s Rogers K-Rock Centre (now known as Slush Puppi Place) in 2016. Downie’s poignant performance of iconic hits like “Ahead by a Century” and “Bobcaygeon” marked a significant moment for both the band and their devoted audience.
Formed in 1984, The Tragically Hip had released 13 studio albums before embarking on their final tour in 2016, culminating in the hometown show on August 20. Downie’s battle with terminal brain cancer, diagnosed in December 2015, tragically ended with his passing at the age of 53 a year later.
To honor the 10th anniversary of this historic event, CBC will be re-airing the band’s farewell concert this Saturday. Guitarist Rob Baker expressed gratitude for the continued support from fans, emphasizing that the broadcast serves as a remembrance rather than a celebration of their career’s conclusion.
Langlois recounted his apprehension leading up to the final performance, feeling a sense of heaviness as the reality sank in. However, a shift in mood occurred when Downie’s enthusiasm and positivity during the soundcheck lifted his spirits, providing a sense of levity amidst the somber occasion.
Despite initial concerns about Downie’s health affecting his performances, the band witnessed his physical improvement throughout the tour. Reflecting on the unexpected magnitude of their final show, Langlois and Baker acknowledged the overwhelming response from Canadians, realizing the profound impact their music had on a national scale.
While affirming that The Tragically Hip will not reunite, the band recently released a new album titled “Live July 22 – August 20, 2016,” featuring recordings from their farewell tour. Baker highlighted the therapeutic power of music, recounting a poignant moment of emotional release and healing spurred by their shared musical journey.