The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame welcomed four new inductees at a prestigious ceremony held at Toronto’s Massey Hall. Among the honored artists were the iconic Kingston alt-rock band, the Tragically Hip, whose late member Gord Downie was fondly remembered during the event. As the bandmates took the stage to accept the accolade, guitarist Rob Baker shared a heartfelt message from Downie, expressing gratitude and reminiscing about their journey together.
In addition to the Tragically Hip, the 2026 inductees included Feist, the songwriting duo of Loverboy (Mike Reno and Paul Dean), and French-Canadian artist Roch Voisine. The gala featured a diverse array of performances, ranging from arena rock to indie pop, with artists like Finneas, Our Lady Peace, and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy paying tribute to the inductees through captivating renditions of their songs.
During the evening, special moments honored each inductee, with Leslie Feist receiving praise from Finneas and delivering a touching speech reflecting on her musical journey. Loverboy’s classic hits were celebrated with energetic performances, while Roch Voisine’s emotional duet with Isabelle Boulay added a poignant touch to the event. The night culminated with Our Lady Peace’s electrifying cover of the Tragically Hip’s “Locked in the Trunk of a Car,” paying homage to the band’s enduring legacy and the unforgettable spirit of Gord Downie.