The Tragically Hip announce summer tour dates day after Downie goes public with Cancer diagnosis

The Tragically Hip have announced the dates and locations to their summer tour. The announcement comes just one day after The Hip reported on their website that singer Gord Downie has terminal brain cancer.

Unfortunately the band will not be stopping in Kitchener, the closest they will come is London, Hamilton and Toronto. A full list of dates can be found here.

A specialist treating Gord Downie says the singer is facing one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer but has been cleared to perform.

Dr. James Perry, head of neurology at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, says Downie has already undergone some treatment but it’s “too early right now” to understand his full prognosis.

Perry says there’s a very wide spectrum of possible outcomes for patients with the type of brain cancer Downie has.

But Perry says Downie has recovered much of his physical, mental and emotional strength and it’s safe for him to tour with the band this summer.

Downie is 52 years old and has four children. He is married to Laura Leigh Usher,

He is known for songs like ‘New Orleans is Sinking,’ ‘Bobcaygeon,’ ‘Ahead by a Century,’ and ’38 Years Old.’ He also wrote the poetry book, ‘Coke Machine Glow,’ which was released as an album under the same name.

The Hip formed in Kingston and have since toured Canada from coast to coast to coast, as well as around the world. They have won 14 Junos and been inducted to both Canada’s Walk of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Downie was diagnosed with cancer in December. Despite the “very tough news,” the message read, Downie “has been fighting hard.”

“Through all of this, we’ve been standing by him. So after 30-some years together as The Tragically Hip, thousands of shows, and hundreds of tours … We’ve decided to do another one. This feels like the right thing to do now, for Gord, and for all of us.

“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.”

The band thanked their fans for their continued love and support.

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