“Canada Is Closed” was the sentiment that resonated with Canadians from coast to coast, as nearly one third of the population tuned into CBC to watch The Tragically Hip’s final Man Machine Poem concert on Saturday night. Fans had been eagerly waiting to show their support, and experience what could be the Canadian band’s final show following frontman Gord Downie’s terminal brain cancer diagnosis.
Fortuitously occurring on the last day of the 2016 Rio Olympics, Canada’s patriotism has been building in tandem to the Hip’s final show. Combined with the grief swelling since Downie’s announcement back in May, it made for a emotional night.
While only about 7000 lucky fans were able to fit in the K-Rock centre in Kingston, 11.7 million Canadians watched the three hour long, three encore-spanning set online, in their homes, and at bars and venues through a CBC live special broadcast.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in attendance and spoke to CBC before the show about The Tragically Hip, a band that is so well “anchored in Canada”.
During the performance, Downie took the time to thank Trudeau for making progress on helping Canada’s indigenous population. “He’s going to be looking good for about at least 12 more years. I don’t know if they let you go beyond that. But he’ll do it,” Downie said, as Trudeau was spotted in the crowd mouthing back “thank you”.
PM @JustinTrudeau and Gord before the show #manmachinepoemtour #tragicallyhip pic.twitter.com/GAKygevYVz
— Adam Scotti (@AdamScotti) August 20, 2016
On behalf of Canadians, I thank Gord Downie and the Hip for their decades of service to Canadian music. Forever in our hearts and playlists.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 21, 2016
As to be expected, the final performance brought an outpouring of support and praise from notable figures accross the board:
OK, Canada – let's all just cry together. Thanks @CBC for broadcasting a truly great show. #TheHip #InGordWeTrust #TragicallyHip
— Hollerado (@hollerado) August 21, 2016
Using all the data in the world to stream this show right now. 3am in Berlin. Band is on ?.#CBCTheHip
— ARKELLS (@arkellsmusic) August 21, 2016
If I wasn't on a stage in Connecticut last night, I'd have been in #Canada saying farewell and thanks to #TheHip: https://t.co/fLMV09uGqS
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) August 21, 2016
Thank you guys for creating the sound track to so many our lives. What an amazing and moving show last night! https://t.co/XQ10G1wyZG
— Walk off the Earth (@WalkOffTheEarth) August 22, 2016
I'm so proud that very few outside our borders quite understands these guys like we do. They're ours. They're Canada. #TheHip
— Peter Mansbridge (@petermansbridge) August 21, 2016
Thank you Gord. Thank you #TheHip. ??
— John Tory (@JohnTory) August 21, 2016
#ThankYouTragicallyHip respect.
— jimmy fallon (@jimmyfallon) August 21, 2016
finally put together my thoughts about gord and @thehipdotcom – take a listen: https://t.co/fhoxyCYBfg pic.twitter.com/ai17SGtgiB
— R A I N A (@RahRahRaina) August 22, 2016
As well, CBC wrapped up their coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympics with The Hip’s “Ahead By a Century” and it makes for a tear-jerker.
No dress rehearsal, this is our life. Sixteen days at #Rio2016, set to "Ahead By A Century" by @thehipdotcom. https://t.co/C6OhaEZb23
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) August 22, 2016
Image: Nick Tiringer