A decade has passed since The Tragically Hip’s farewell performance in Kingston, Ontario, but Paul Langlois admits he is still coming to terms with it. The guitarist expressed his disbelief over the passage of 10 years since their final show during an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner on “The National.”
The night of the concert was emotionally charged as lead singer Gord Downie bid goodbye to a packed Rogers K-Rock Centre in Kingston, now known as Slush Puppi Place, with fans and Downie sharing tears as he performed iconic hits like “Ahead by a Century” and “Bobcaygeon” for the last time.
The iconic Canadian band, which had been making music since 1984 and released 13 studio albums, concluded their touring journey with a hometown show on August 20, 2016. Downie had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in December 2015 and passed away just over a year later at the age of 53.
To mark the 10th anniversary, CBC will rebroadcast The Tragically Hip’s final concert on Saturday. Guitarist Rob Baker expressed his gratitude for the continued support and recognition from fans, emphasizing that the upcoming broadcast is more of a remembrance than a celebration for him.
Langlois recalled feeling uneasy before the final performance, but his mood shifted when Downie’s optimism and excitement influenced him positively during the soundcheck. Baker, who was focused on supporting his friend Gord throughout the tour, acknowledged the emotional challenges he faced but highlighted the importance of staying composed on stage to fulfill his role.
Despite initial concerns about Downie’s health impacting performances, the band members witnessed his physical improvement throughout the farewell tour. Reflecting on the unexpected magnitude of their last show, Langlois and Baker mentioned their realization of the event’s significance only in the days following the concert.
While confirming that The Tragically Hip will not reunite, the band released a new album titled “Live July 22 – August 20, 2016” featuring recordings from the 2016 tour. Baker emphasized the healing power of music, sharing a personal anecdote about how music helped him process grief and emotions during difficult times.
In conclusion, the band members expressed their appreciation for the enduring support from fans and the impact of their music on people’s lives, highlighting the profound role music plays in healing and emotional expression.