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 reflected on the band’s last show in an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner, expressing his gratitude for the impact their music had on fans.
The emotional farewell concert took place in Kingston’s Rogers K-Rock Centre, now known as Slush Puppi Place, where lead singer Gord Downie bid farewell to the audience while performing classics like “Ahead by a Century” and “Bobcaygeon” for the last time. The band, formed in 1984 and known for their 13 studio albums, concluded their touring journey with this poignant show on August 20, 2016.
Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in December 2015, Downie passed away just over a year later at the age of 53. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of their final concert, CBC will re-air the performance on Saturday. The band members expressed their appreciation for the ongoing support of fans and the enduring legacy of their music.
Despite initial concerns about Downie’s health affecting his performances, the band witnessed his physical improvement throughout the farewell tour. Reflecting on the unexpectedly massive response to their last show, Langlois and Baker acknowledged the profound impact it had on Canadians nationwide.
While The Tragically Hip has no plans for a reunion, they recently released a new album titled “Live July 22 – August 20, 2016,” featuring recordings from their 2016 tour. Baker emphasized the healing power of music, recounting a personal moment of emotional release through music that resonated deeply with him and highlighted the therapeutic nature of music during times of grief.
