Gord Downie Tells Hometown Farewell

The Tragically Hip stopped in the lead singer's hometown for the final time at a concert in Kingston Ontario. The amazing three-hour set had music from throughout the Canadian bands music legacy – from fan favorites like Ahead by a Century, Nautical Disaster and Bobcaygeon.

For three decades, the Tragically Hip has been one of the top acts in Canada, bringing home nine number 1 hits and 14 Juno awards. On top of it all, Downie is probably one of the most charismatic singers to ever hit the stage.

Fans were shocked around the world when the band announced last May that Gord Downie has terminal brain cancer. Afterward, the band planned a summer tour across Canada as a way to cope and say thank you to fans across the country.

After three encores, Downie ended the concert with a simple, yet heartfelt “thank you.”  The Tragically Hip’s Man Machine Poem Tour ended in Kingston with a bang.

The name Gord is a masculine name short for Gordon derived from the Scottish surname taken from a place that means “spacious fort”. Originally the name was used to honor Charles George Gordon, who was a general in the British army that died defending a city in Sudan.

The name is especially popular in Canada as a given name. It is given to many notable people, like Gord Spence a professional hockey player or Gord Sinclair a bass guitarist. Now the name and its meaning are a suitable fit for Gord Downie.