The Tragically Hip are currently taking their latest album Man Machine Poem across the country on a farewell tour, and the city of Toronto is showing its solidarity for Gord Downie and co. with a brand new holiday.
Following in Vancouver's footsteps, Toronto Mayor John Tory has issued a proclamation declaring today (August 10) the Tragically Hip Day. The celebration follows frontman Downie's diagnosis of terminal brain cancer, but aims to commemorate the band's overwhelming achievements throughout their storied career.
The official proclamation states: "Although the Hip will be playing their last Toronto shows, their iconic music will continue to make its mark on Toronto's musical and cultural scene."
It continues: "After more than 30 years of dedication to music, the Hip have moved fans of all age groups. The spirit of the Tragically Hip will continue to inspire Canadian music lovers in Toronto and across the country."
The mayor's letter also encourages fans to drop by a freshly built tribute box outside the Air Canada Centre this week to share their favourite memories with the band and other fans.
Read Tory's proclamation in its entirety below.
In a similar move, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson declared Tragically Hip Day in the West Coast city on July 26.
This evening, the band will play its first of three sold-out shows at the Air Canada Centre. They'll return to the same stage once again on August 12 and 14 before wrapping up the tour with three final shows elsewhere in Ontario. The group's final show will take place on August 20 in their hometown of Kingston, and as previously reported, fans who were unable to snag tickets will be able to watch a livestream of the sure to be legendary show.
See the list of remaining Tragically Hip shows below, and be sure to brush up on your Hip knowledge by perusing Exclaim!'s Essential Guide to the Tragically Hip.
Tour dates:
08/10 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
08/12 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
08/14 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
08/16 Hamilton, ON - FirstOntario Centre
08/18 Ottawa, ON - Canadian Tire Centre
08/20 Kingston, ON - Rogers K-Rock Centre
Following in Vancouver's footsteps, Toronto Mayor John Tory has issued a proclamation declaring today (August 10) the Tragically Hip Day. The celebration follows frontman Downie's diagnosis of terminal brain cancer, but aims to commemorate the band's overwhelming achievements throughout their storied career.
The official proclamation states: "Although the Hip will be playing their last Toronto shows, their iconic music will continue to make its mark on Toronto's musical and cultural scene."
It continues: "After more than 30 years of dedication to music, the Hip have moved fans of all age groups. The spirit of the Tragically Hip will continue to inspire Canadian music lovers in Toronto and across the country."
The mayor's letter also encourages fans to drop by a freshly built tribute box outside the Air Canada Centre this week to share their favourite memories with the band and other fans.
Read Tory's proclamation in its entirety below.
For Gord and for the music & memories they gave us. #TragicallyHipDay pic.twitter.com/CAyQxQ7GRQ
— John Tory (@JohnTory) August 10, 2016
In a similar move, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson declared Tragically Hip Day in the West Coast city on July 26.
This evening, the band will play its first of three sold-out shows at the Air Canada Centre. They'll return to the same stage once again on August 12 and 14 before wrapping up the tour with three final shows elsewhere in Ontario. The group's final show will take place on August 20 in their hometown of Kingston, and as previously reported, fans who were unable to snag tickets will be able to watch a livestream of the sure to be legendary show.
See the list of remaining Tragically Hip shows below, and be sure to brush up on your Hip knowledge by perusing Exclaim!'s Essential Guide to the Tragically Hip.
Tour dates:
08/10 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
08/12 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
08/14 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
08/16 Hamilton, ON - FirstOntario Centre
08/18 Ottawa, ON - Canadian Tire Centre
08/20 Kingston, ON - Rogers K-Rock Centre
