Tragically Hip's Gord Downie dead at 53
Rock poet who wrote Canadiana-laced lyrics had a commanding stage presence
By John Mazerolle, CBC News Posted: Oct 18, 2017 8:39 AM ET Last Updated: Oct 18, 2017 9:31 AM ET
Gord Downie, the Tragically Hip frontman who united a diverse array of music lovers with his commanding stage presence and Canadiana-laced lyrics, has died.
He was 53.
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, was broadcast by CBC.
Read the full story, pics and videos: http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/go ... -1.4359906