Even though the final Tragically Hip concert during the Man Machine Poem Tour on Saturday, Aug. 20 will be held in Kingston, Ontario, thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands of music fans across Canada will be watching a live broadcast across the country.
The CBC will air the concert to all of Canada and is providing commercial free feeds across television, radio and digital platforms.
Both the Arden Theatre and Morinville Community Cultural Centre are going to turn up the volume for a free big screen, big sound three-hour simulcast. Interspersed throughout the simulcast will be commentary from notable industry heavyweights.
“This is a historic occasion,” said Shaun Peters, the new events and culture coordinator at Morinville Community Cultural Centre.
“They are leaving a lasting legacy and cultural influence on all of us. They are such an influential band. They’ve been around for a number of decades. They’re known both nationally and internationally for their innovative sound.”
Elizabeth Wilkie, cultural program manager for St. Albert Cultural Services, echoes Peter’s high praise.
“The event celebrates and honours the Tragically Hip’s contribution to the national landscape. Gord Downie created a language in music that represented Canada. Many of his lyrics include areas from all across the country and that represents our identity. The Tragically Hip have given us something to be proud of,” said Wilkie, a four-time concert-goer.
This particular concert is sure to pack a huge emotional wallop. Fans are turning out to say goodbye to frontman Gord Downie who announced in May that he has incurable brain cancer.
After Downie’s illness was announced, it became obvious that the terminal illness didn’t affect just him. It touched a whole nation.
The Hip, as the rock band is affectionately called, spent more than three decades forging bonds with fans from coast-to-coast. For many they are Canada’s unofficial band linking Victoria to St. John’s, Yellowknife to Niagara Falls.
Downie could have quietly spent his last months in solitude surrounded by family and friends. Instead he chose to give fans a final gift, the Man Machine Poem Tour.
When tickets went on sale at major cities across Canada, fans displayed their loyalty by snapping them up within the hour.
After Edmonton’s July 30 Rexall concert, an event that was altogether surreal, theatrical and relaxed, Ashley Ellis wrote this on the Hip’s Facebook page.
“Last night I had the honour of being at the last Tragically Hip concert in Edmonton. I have to say it was one of the best and most memorable concerts I have ever had the pleasure of attending. Not because of the venue, the fancy lights, the way the band played or sounded, nor that it was a sold out show, but because of the 'feeling' in that moment; right then and right there. You could feel the pure emotion in the room of thousands of fans and the band. Seeing Gord share his last goodbyes with everyone was something I will never forget. Chills and goose bumps ran through my body as he waved and kissed the audience goodbye and goodnight. Thank you for putting on the show of a lifetime.”
Although many of the Hip’s song lyrics are rife with life and death metaphors, Downie has gone through the tour saying little about his cancer. Instead he’s chosen to do what he does best – sing, dance and entertain.
Fans have reciprocated with waves of emotion to the point where concerts were filled with electric energy and those present could feel the exchange.
The live simulcast begins on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m. The Arden Theatre is offering complimentary tickets starting Monday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. There is a limit of four tickets per person and they can only be obtained in person at the box office.
Instead at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre, free admission wristbands are available weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and music fans are invited to pick them up as soon as possible.
Both sites are providing bar service and Morinville’s Cultural Centre is also offering door prizes and giveaways.
