Gord Downie was born on February 6, 2024 in Amherstview, Ontario, Canada. Sadly, he died on Tuesday, October 17, 2017. He was 53.
Downie is the lead singer, songwriter and driving creative force behind The Tragically Hip, who have brought their energetic, live performances to audiences around the world for over two decades. His solo releases include Coke Machine Glow, Battle Of The Nudes, The Grand Bounce, and the latest album Gord Downie, The Sadies, And The Conquering Sun.
Downie had an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer called glioblastoma, which he discovered after a seizure in December 2015.
He died Tuesday night surrounded by his children and family, according to a statement on the band's website.
"Gord knew this day was coming – his response was to spend this precious time as he always had – making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss… on the lips," the statement said.
Canadians learned of Downie's illness on May 24 last year — the same day the rest of the rock group, Paul Langlois, Rob Baker, Gord Sinclair and Johnny Fay, announced that the Kingston, Ont.-based band would head out on a final summer tour "for Gord, and for all of us."
The final concert, in Kingston on Aug. 20, 2016 was broadcast by CBC.