Canadians Pay Tribute to Spirit of the West's John Mann
Alan Doyle, Jann Arden, Blue Rodeo, Justin Trudeau and others have shared messages
Mann passed away following a battle against early onset Alzheimer's disease. He revealed his diagnosis in 2014, more than a year after learning of it himself.
Spirit of the West performed their final shows in April 2016.
So far, messages of condolence have been shared by everyone from musicians to radio personalities to health organizations to theatre companies to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — proving just how big and wide-reaching Mann's impact was on Canada.
Mann has even received tributes from across-the-pond admirers, including Billy Bragg.
See some of the tributes below.
We lost a talented and inspiring Canadian yesterday. But John Mann's legacy - and his powerful spirit - will live on. https://t.co/kcBJuZDQ33
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 21, 2019
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Canadian music icon John Mann from Alzheimer's today. I had the great privilege to perform with John on many occasion & to spend time with him & his family. My heart goes out to the Mann family & to the his band #spiritofthewest today 💔 pic.twitter.com/moalxYczg5
— Royal Wood (@RoyalWood) November 21, 2019
Oh my. Here's to the biggest influence this singer and performer ever had. Much Love to family and all the @sotwcanada clan. Go Johnny Go. And wherever you're going, that's where I wants to go, too. https://t.co/yjnaK8SkvU
— Alan Doyle (@alanthomasdoyle) November 21, 2019
So sorry to hear this. John Mann is one of my all-time favourite songwriters, a titan in the great Canadian songbook & an incredible human being.
— David Shepherd 🚲 (@DShepYEG) November 21, 2019
Unabashedly progressive, fierce in word, song & on stage, incredibly humble & gentle in person - he'll be dearly missed. #ableg https://t.co/IP8ta1cYvd
Today, we'll celebrate John Mann's life and the bravery and openness with which John and his family faced his #dementia. His legacy is truly abiding. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, and with the many who loved him. https://t.co/AuTSUJpFcT
— Alzheimer Society of B.C. (@AlzheimerBC) November 21, 2019
Remembering John Mann, 4x JUNO nominee and frontman of Spirit of the West (@sotwcanada.)
— The JUNO Awards (@TheJUNOAwards) November 21, 2019
A clever lyricist and charismatic showman. Your stamp on Canada will remain forever. RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6KUj7CHsUT
We join the country today in mourning the loss of John Mann. His performance in Beyond Eden was touching, heartfelt, and brave. Such a great talent. Such a sad loss. Our hearts and thoughts go out to Jill and all of his family. #SpiritoftheWest pic.twitter.com/Vy8wPbddvr
— Theatre Calgary 🎩 (@TheatreCalgary) November 21, 2019
My heart hurts. We shared small moments that were big RIP my friend. #spiritofthewest #beyondeden #johnmann pic.twitter.com/yIj6kWfYvc
— Tom Jackson (@tomjacksonca) November 21, 2019
"The gas heater's empty, it's damp as a tomb
— Matt Galloway (@mattgallowaycbc) November 21, 2019
The spirits we drank are now ghosts in the room
I'm knackered again, come on sleep take me soon."
He was a hell of a frontman. RIP. https://t.co/UgyyWdbRsG
#ALZHEIMERSSUCKS I hope the planet finds a cure for this terrible disease. So much love going out to the whimsically incredible John Mann and family. He left a trail of dancing maniacs behind him- and a lot of car and shower singers!Thank you dear John.
— jann arden (@jannarden) November 21, 2019
Sorry to hear that John Mann of Spirit of the West has lost his battle with Alzheimer's disease. He's gone home for a rest. https://t.co/H3kr0BkYbx
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) November 21, 2019
We are so sad about the passing of John Mann, a beautiful, soulful man whose courage during his illness brought light to the lives of his family, friends and admirers. Rest easy friend. pic.twitter.com/jBn93ETsH0
— Blue Rodeo (@BlueRodeo) November 21, 2019
Rave On John Mann
— LeE HARVeY OsMOND (@leeharveyosmond) November 21, 2019
You wowed us with your Love and Bravery
That'll live in me always
Thank You https://t.co/m4KA3LDyoF
Very sad to hear about John Mann. He was a beautiful, mischievous dude with a deep gift as a performer. His eyes held a long tunnel of light, and he shared it generously with all who came in his orbit. Canada is lesser and Venice has sunk.
— dave bidini (@hockeyesque) November 21, 2019
John Mann was an unbelievable performer and a great, kind man. I will miss him so deeply. My love goes to Jill and everyone in the @sotwcanada family. Playing Save This House loud in Toronto tonight. pic.twitter.com/XwS8H3u6gu
— Tom Power (@tompowercbc) November 21, 2019
I'm never sure how and when to use the word "beloved". Except when describing John Mann, who couldn't be mentioned without using it. Fond memories will stay with all who knew this "beloved" member of Canada's music community and who feel his loss tonite.
— Dave Hodge (@davehodge20) November 21, 2019
We want to note, with great sadness, the passing of John Mann from Spirit Of The West, a great talent who left an indelible mark on Canadian music. Rest in peace, fellow traveler. pic.twitter.com/49fqLBn96h
— Lowest Of The Low (@LowestOfTheLow) November 21, 2019
I cherish the memory of a Butchart Gardens concert, hearing Spirit of the West, after John Mann's diagnosis. He was so talented; so brave. #RIP
— Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) November 21, 2019
So saddened to hear about the passing of John Mann. Such a beautiful voice, brilliant musician, powerful artist, and truly wonderful human being. Our heart goes out to Jill and the kids.
— Brent Butt (@BrentButt) November 21, 2019
I was lucky enough to have seen #JohnMann perform several times over the years. The last time he used an iPad to help with the lyrics but he was as great as ever. Thanks for the music, never giving up & for sharing your story. Gone Home for a Rest too soon. RIP pic.twitter.com/rBy7u60iPN
— Mark Critch (@markcritch) November 21, 2019