Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie diagnosed with terminal brain cancer

By: Staff –

Gord Dowie of The Tragically Hip. (Photo: Dan Nawrocki)

Gord Downie, lead singer of iconic Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

The band announced in a statement this morning that the singer-songwriter learned of the illness in December.

“Since then, obviously, he’s endured a lot of difficult times, and he has been fighting hard,” the statement said. “In privacy along with his family, and through all of this, we’ve been standing by him.”

The band posted the news of Downie’s illness on its website this morning and the band’s management will hold a press conference at Sunnybrook Hospital at 11 am.

The band also announced that they will tour with Downie for the final time this summer.

“This feels like the right thing to do now, for Gord, and for all of us,” the statement said.

“What we in The Hip receive, each time we play together, is a connection; with each other; with music and it’s magic; and during the shows, a special connection with all of you, our incredible fans. So, we’re going to dig deep, and try to make this our best tour yet.”

Details and dates for the tour will be announced this week.