‘He Painted Landscapes With His Words’: Gord Downie Remembered By Canadian Leaders, Music Industry
In Canada's music industry, which embraced the Tragically Hip through 14 albums, 16 Juno Awards, and countless stadium tours, including an emotional swan song trek just last year, Downie's death has…
It’s difficult to sum up just how important Gord Downie was to Canadian music fans around the world — so it’s no surprise that The Tragically Hip frontman’s death Tuesday following a nearly two-year battle with glioblastoma, an incurable form of brain cancer, is being met with a kind of reverence only saved for national heroes.
In a heartfelt statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Downie a “rock star, artist, and poet whose evocative lyrics came to define a country,” adding, “The Tragically Hip’s music invited us to explore places we had never been — from Mistaken Point to Churchill — and helped us understand each other, while capturing the complexity and vastness of the place we call home.”
Trudeau went on, “Gord’s command of language was profound. He painted landscapes with his words, elevating Canadian geography, historical figures, and myths. When he spoke, he gave us goosebumps and made us proud to be Canadian. Our identity and culture are richer because of his music, which was always raw and honest — like Gord himself.”
In the nation’s music industry, which embraced the Tragically Hip through 14 albums, 16 Juno Awards, and countless stadium tours, including an emotional swan song trek just last year, Downie’s death has been met with a mix of sadness and admiration. Here is a list that is sure to grow throughout the day:
Universal Music Canada, the band’s label:
#RIPGordDownie pic.twitter.com/e9B86jf2SF
— Universal Music CA (@umusic) October 18, 2017
Jeffrey Remedies, president and CEO of Universal Music Canada:
Knowing this was coming hasn’t made it easier. It’s a sad day. It’s been an honour.
— Jeffrey Remedios (@jeffreyremedios) October 18, 2017
Industry trade organization Music Canada:
Michael Hollett, co-founder and managing director, NXNE:
My heart breaks with the loss of a great Canadian and a great friend. RIP Gord Downie. Your legacy lives on brother. #gorddownie
— Michael Hollett (@m_hollett) October 18, 2017
Canadian performing rights organization SOCAN (The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada):
The constellations reveal themselves, one star at time. SOCAN mourns the passing of our great friend and member, @gorddownie. #RIPGordDownie
— SOCAN (@SOCANmusic) October 18, 2017
The city of Toronto:
Toronto Sign shines red & white today and will be dimmed at 11 pm in memory of Canadian icon Gord Downie #TheTragicallyHip pic.twitter.com/MPHIQYlGgW
— City of Toronto (@TorontoComms) October 18, 2017
The Canadian Academy Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), which produces the JUNO Awards:
CARAS, along with all Canadians, mourns the loss of the incredible Gord Downie https://t.co/U1wWmMEWBG pic.twitter.com/SSaOLoHXuO
— The JUNO Awards (@TheJUNOAwards) October 18, 2017
The prime minister also tweeted about Downie’s death:
Canada’s identity & culture are richer for Gord Downie’s work.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 18, 2017
iHeartRadio Canada:
There will never be another one like you Gord Downie. Courage. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/EewJEnmMO5
— iHeartRadio Canada (@iHeartRadioCA) October 18, 2017
The Toronto International Film Festival:
Gord Downie spent his last months battling for First Nations social justice—and chiefs gave him the name Man Who Walks Among The Stars ? pic.twitter.com/GR0NVDMt39
— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) October 18, 2017
The Downie family’s official statement:
Statement – https://t.co/vOTvlJ2jqA pic.twitter.com/Z6dHmr1xpM
— The Tragically Hip (@thehipdotcom) October 18, 2017