A decade has passed since The Tragically Hip’s final performance in Kingston, Ontario, but Paul Langlois admits he is still coming to terms with it. The guitarist expressed disbelief that ten years have gone by since their last show and emphasized the impact their music had on people.
The emotional night saw lead singer Gord Downie bid farewell to a packed Rogers K-Rock Centre in Kingston, with fans and Downie sharing tears during iconic songs like “Ahead by a Century” and “Bobcaygeon.” The band, formed in 1984 and renowned for 13 studio albums, concluded their touring journey with this memorable show on August 20, 2016. Downie, who battled terminal brain cancer since late 2015, passed away at the age of 53 a year later.
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary, CBC will rebroadcast The Tragically Hip’s final concert on Saturday. Guitarist Rob Baker expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from fans and the opportunity to honor Downie’s legacy. Langlois opened up about his pre-show nerves, which shifted to joy upon seeing Downie’s excitement before the performance.
Despite initial concerns about Downie’s health impacting the tour, the band members noticed his physical improvement throughout the farewell journey. Reflecting on the unexpected magnitude of their last show, Langlois and Baker acknowledged the overwhelming response from fans across various viewing locations.
While ruling out any reunion plans, the band recently unveiled a new album titled “Live July 22 – August 20, 2016,” featuring recordings from their 2016 tour. Baker highlighted the healing power of music, recounting a personal moment of grief and realization shared with Downie. Music, as Baker emphasized, often plays a crucial role in navigating life’s challenges without one even realizing its impact.
