It’s hard to believe almost seven years have gone by since Canada lost a music legend.
He was a poet, a patriot, and full of grace, too.
Today, I talk about Gord Downie and the impact he’s had on me and people around the world.
Inspiration for this column came shortly after Chels and I watched the new Tragically Hip documentary, No Dress Rehearsal, on Amazon Prime.
Regardless of your opinion on The Tragically Hip and former frontman Gord Downie, I think everyone should experience No Dress Rehearsal.
If you’re like me … someone who plays the drums in a band that covers Hip songs, who is also from Kingston, Ont., No Dress Rehearsal is inspiring.
The four-part documentary is an homage to Canada’s band and the city that built it.
Watching it made me proud to be Canadian, a musician, and a native of Kingston.
It’s been said, “Everyone remembers where they were when The Hip played their final show in Kingston.”
I was standing in downtown Lloydminster as the show was projected onto the west-facing wall of what used to be “The Root.”
The street was packed as Lloydminsterites young and old gathered for one final show.
The Hip has also been a conversation piece throughout my life … as recently as Oct. 1 at the Holy Rosary High School Raider Bowl.
While waiting to interview the Source’s October athlete of the month, a coach asked where I attended post-secondary school.
It turns out the coach attended Queen’s University and was also a big fan of The Hip and the city that made them famous.
Downie’s stage presence matched that of top rockers from the United States and Europe. He left nothing to the imagination.
When he knew his time was almost up, he didn’t cower and hide from the world, he pushed himself in preparation for these final shows.
Amidst all the preparation, surgeries and cancer treatments, Downie also did all he could to educate Canadians on the dark cloud cast by residential schools.
Downie was a man who loved telling stories about his country, even if they weren’t all sunshine and rainbows. He knew the power and music and poetry and used his fame to better others.
Reflecting on the events of this year’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation had me thinking about Downie and all he’s done.
Read more: Editorial: Rumours and changing narratives
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