A decade has passed since The Tragically Hip’s final concert in Kingston, Ontario, but Paul Langlois admits he still hasn’t fully come to terms with it. Speaking with CBC’s Eli Glasner on ‘The National,’ the Tragically Hip guitarist expressed disbelief that ten years have gone by since their farewell performance. Reflecting on the emotional night, Langlois emphasized the band’s impact on people and the significance of their musical legacy.
The poignant event marked the farewell of Hip’s lead singer and lyricist, Gord Downie, who bid adieu to a packed crowd at Kingston’s Rogers K-Rock Centre (now Slush Puppi Place) in 2016. Downie, battling terminal brain cancer since late 2015, passed away at the age of 53 a year later, leaving fans mourning his loss. The band, formed in 1984 and renowned for their 13 studio albums, concluded their touring journey with this memorable show in their hometown.
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary, CBC will rebroadcast The Tragically Hip’s final concert this Saturday. The band members, including guitarist Rob Baker, expressed gratitude for the enduring support and admiration from fans. Looking back at the emotional rollercoaster of their last performance, Langlois recalled feeling a mix of discomfort and anticipation before taking the stage.
Despite the initial uncertainties, the band found solace in Downie’s unwavering optimism and enthusiasm during the final soundcheck. Baker, dedicated to supporting his friend’s final wish, shared the challenges of keeping his emotions in check on stage while ensuring a seamless performance. Reflecting on the overwhelming response from fans post-concert, Langlois and Baker admitted underestimating the magnitude of their farewell show.
While confirming that The Tragically Hip won’t reunite, the band recently released a new album, ‘Live July 22 – August 20, 2016,’ featuring recordings from their 2016 tour. Baker emphasized the healing power of music, recounting a personal moment of realization during a conversation with Downie about grief and music’s therapeutic impact. The band members cherished the memories of their final tour and the profound connection they shared with their loyal audience.