A decade has passed since The Tragically Hip’s final performance in Kingston, Ontario, yet Paul Langlois admits he still hasn’t fully come to terms with it. Reflecting on the milestone during an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner on ‘The National,’ Langlois, the band’s guitarist, expressed his disbelief at how time has flown since their last show. He shared his current focus on appreciating the impact their music had on people.
The farewell concert in Kingston marked an emotional evening as lead singer and songwriter Gord Downie bid adieu to a packed Rogers K-Rock Centre, now known as Slush Puppi Place, with fans and Downie shedding tears together. The band, which formed in 1984 and released 13 studio albums, concluded their touring journey with this poignant performance on August 20, 2016. Downie, diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in December 2015, sadly passed away just over a year later at the age of 53.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of this significant event, CBC will rebroadcast the band’s final concert on Saturday. Guitarist Rob Baker expressed his gratitude for the continued affection shown by fans towards the band and their music, emphasizing that for him, it is more about honoring the memory of that final show that marked the end of a cherished career.
Langlois recalled his initial uneasiness and discomfort before the final show, but his mood shifted once Downie arrived at the soundcheck, exuding excitement and positivity about the upcoming performance. Baker, focused on supporting Downie throughout the tour, acknowledged the emotional toll of the experience but highlighted the importance of staying composed to fulfill their duties on stage.
Despite initial concerns about Downie’s health affecting his stage presence, the band members noted a physical improvement in him as the farewell tour progressed. Looking back, Langlois admitted that they underestimated the impact of their last show, realizing afterward the immense significance it held for Canadians across various settings.
Both Baker and Langlois clarified that The Tragically Hip will not reunite, although they did release a new album, ‘Live July 22 – August 20, 2016,’ showcasing recordings from the 2016 tour. Baker acknowledged the challenge of compiling past performances but highlighted the healing power of music, recounting a personal moment of emotional release and realization prompted by a conversation with Downie about grief and the transformative nature of music in processing emotions.