Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie has died at 53
Source: BBC News
Canadian rock band Tragically Hip's frontman Gord Downie has died following a battle with brain cancer. He was 53.
The gifted lyricist - who was dubbed the country's unofficial poet laureate - had been diagnosed with an incurable glioblastoma in May 2016.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led the national mourning for the star with a tearful public statement.
"He loved every hidden corner, every story, every aspect of this country that he celebrated his whole life," Mr Trudeau said, his voice breaking, on Wednesday. "We are less as a country without Gord Downie in it. We all knew it was coming, but we hoped it was not."
Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41669610
I've been a Hip fan for quite a few years, I don't understand why they never took off here in the US.
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... to the death of John Lennon, in terms of what each meant. Downie's to Canada, and Lennon to the world. Seriously, he's just that beloved here in my country. He wrote and sang unabashedly about Canadian life, Canadian people and places, and Canadian history, unlike any other contemporary pop artist from this country ever has, perhaps other than the incomparable Stompin' Tom Connors. Google him if you're not familiar. Anyhow, in an entertainment world where the norm is for Canadians to downplay if not whitewash their Canadian-ness, Gord flew the flag proudly in both word and deed, and most artfully in song.
Rest in peace, pal.
I think one reason is that unlike other great Canadian rock stars, like Neil Young, or bands like The Band, who moved to the States and wrote songs, great though they are, about life in the USA, The Tragically Hip stubbornly wrote songs, at least many of them, about their home country and its historical characters. Downie could have taken that same path as those others, and been even more successful, but stayed true to his roots for less money and star power.
RIP Gord
This is a great concert photo, great lighting, perfect timing for positioning and alignment so that all members are visible and in a good pose.
