Canadian band The Tragically Hip whose lead singer Gord Downie has terminal brain cancer play final gig.
The Canadian band The Tragically Hip, whose lead singer is terminally ill, have performed their final gig as part of their farewell tour.
Gord Downie, 52, announced his illness in May after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, the most aggressive cancerous brain tumour in December.
The band ended their 15-date Man Machine Poem tour in their home town of Kingston, Ontario, and the event broadcast live on national TV. During the set, which lasted almost three hours, the band performed many of their hits including Nautical Disaster, New Orleans Is Sinking and Bobcaygeon, before bowing out with Ahead by a Century.
Downie, who wore a metallic silver suit, Jaws T-shirt and hat, also took the opportunity to thank the crowd for their support. “Thank you, people, for keeping me pushing and keeping me pushing,” he said, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was among thousands of fans who attended the concert “to say goodbye, to celebrate Canada’s band.”
At the end of their epic set, Downie told the crowd “thank you for that.” He was then joined by guitarists Rob Baker and Paul Langlois, bassist Gord Sinclair and drummer Johnny Fay embraced and stood arm-in-arm. The band then walked off the stage the final time as the crowd applauded and roared their appreciation.
Please keep Gord and his family in your prayers.