A decade has passed since The Tragically Hip’s final performance in Kingston, Ontario, but Paul Langlois admits that he is still coming to terms with the experience. The guitarist expressed his disbelief during an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner on “The National” Thursday night, reflecting on the band’s last show and its impact on fans.
The emotional evening saw lead singer Gord Downie bid farewell to a packed Rogers K-Rock Centre in Kingston, now known as Slush Puppi Place, as he belted out hits like “Ahead by a Century” and “Bobcaygeon” for the last time. The iconic Canadian band, which formed in 1984 and released 13 studio albums, concluded their touring journey in 2016 with a memorable show in their hometown on August 20, 2016. Downie, who had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in December 2015, sadly passed away just over a year later at the age of 53.
To mark the 10th anniversary of this significant event, CBC will be airing a rebroadcast of The Tragically Hip’s final concert on Saturday. The band members, including guitarist Rob Baker, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and affection from fans, emphasizing that the commemoration serves as a remembrance rather than a celebration of the band’s illustrious career.
Langlois recounted his initial unease and nervousness before the farewell performance, only for his mood to shift when Downie’s infectious positivity took over during the soundcheck. Baker highlighted his role in supporting Downie throughout the tour, ensuring that the singer’s wishes were fulfilled despite the emotional challenges he faced.
Despite initial concerns about Downie’s health affecting the performance, the band members witnessed his physical improvement during the farewell tour. Looking back, Langlois and Baker acknowledged that they underestimated the monumental impact of their final show until the days that followed.
While affirming that The Tragically Hip will not reunite, the band recently released a new album, “Live July 22 – August 20, 2016,” featuring recordings from their 2016 tour. Baker shared that compiling the album was a reflective process, underscoring the healing power of music in navigating personal grief and emotions.
In a touching moment of vulnerability, Baker recounted a conversation with Downie about the therapeutic role of music in processing emotions, highlighting its profound and often subconscious influence during challenging times.
Ultimately, the band members expressed their gratitude for the enduring support and love from fans, reflecting on the profound impact of their music and performances over the years.
