5 Key Facts About Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip
- Gord Downie was the lead singer and lyricist of The Tragically Hip from the band’s formation in 1983 until his death in 2017.
- He died from brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2016.
- Downie was the band’s primary creative force, writing most of their lyrics and shaping their distinctive Canadian sound.
- His final performance with the band was in August 2016 in Kingston, Ontario, which became a nationally televised event.
- After his diagnosis, Downie also released a solo album and worked on environmental and Indigenous rights causes.