A Canadian singer, songwriter, artist, and activist, Gordon Downie is widely known as the lead singer for the iconic alt-rock band The Tragically Hip.

Raised in Kingston, Ontario, Gord released 6 solo albums along with the 14 albums he created with The Hip. His lyrical style and content were poetic, eclectic, and centered on everyman themes, often set against Canadian landscapes and history, endearing himself and his band to listeners in his home country.

He was an outspoken advocate and activist for the rights of the indigenous people of Canada.

Downie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2016, which led the band to announce that their Man Machine Poem tour would be their last. The tour ended August 20, 2016 in their hometown of Kingston. The final concert was broadcast nationwide on the CBC, and was attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

On the evening of October 17th, 2017, Downie passed away at the age of 53. His family released the following statement:

Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.
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.
Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived “the life” for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.
We would like to thank all the kind folks at KGH and Sunnybrook, Gord’s bandmates, management team, friends and fans. Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.
Thank you everyone for all the respect, admiration and love you have given Gord throughout the years – those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.
Love you forever Gord.
The Downie Family