Last night Canada essentially shut down as The Tragically Hip performed their last concert of their Man Machine Poem Tour. It was devastating news when the band announced in May that lead singer and poet laureate of Canada Gord Downie had been diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. This swan song of a tour was a chance for all Canadians to see the band in its glory one final time. The 15 concert dates were unfortunately not a coast to coast affair but CBC stepped up to the plate and showed why the public broadcaster is still relevant and necessary by airing the final show from Kingston, Ontario live across multiple platforms. It was an opportunity for all Canadians to simultaneously listen in and witness bravery, greatness and a bittersweet final bow.

The Hip seemingly have very little in common with the Montreal Canadiens. However, while watching the concert under the stars and around a bonfire, I was reminded how music has the power to unite us, much like one’s favorite sports team. One’s love for the Canadiens (or insert your favorite team here) creates an instant connection with perfect strangers. In many ways, The Hip and Canadiens are both storied franchises.

As fans we worship the players, much like a favorite band. Youngsters grow up with posters of their favorite players on their walls, much like posters of favorite bands are plastered in many teenage and dorm rooms. Even if you are not a Hip fan, you can still respect them and what they accomplished as a band for over 30 years. Much like you can respect the skills of elite players, even if they don’t play for your team.

Hockey is Canada’s game as it unites us from coast to coast, regardless of one’s favorite team. The image of kids playing street hockey is intrinsically Canadian. Hockey is such a part of Canada’s national identity that it is woven into the fabric of the land. In music The Hip are its counterpart as they are the quintessential Canadian rock band. A little gritty, a little raw. Their poems that sang to us. Multiple anthems that reach our core. Album after album, they never slowed. Downie’s lyrics painted a landscape of Canada and its history, including several references to hockey.

Last night, Downie reminded us of the fragility of life and the absolute necessity to celebrate it.

Thank you to The Hip, for the beauty of your songs and the many memories they created.

Tearing up as I write this, so many memories:#7FaveHipSongs

Courage
Scared
Poets
Bobcaygeon
Wheat Kings
Ahead by a Century
Grace, too

— Jennifer B. Cutler (@Jenbcutler) August 20, 2016

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