Tragically Hip's Gord Downie Passes Away at 53

It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce Gord Downie, legendary lead singer of The Tragically Hip, has died after a long battle with brain cancer on Tuesday night — he was 53. The singer’s passing was formally announced in a statement on Wednesday morning from his family:

“Gordie said he had lived many lives,” his family writes. “As a musician, he lived ‘the life’ for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of life than Gord. No one.”

The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement on the rock legend saying he “painted landscapes with his words, elevating Canadian geography, historical figures, and myths. When he spoke, he gave us goosebumps and made us proud to be Canadian. Our identity and culture are richer because of his music, which was always raw and honest — like Gord himself. Meanwhile, for those not familiar, The Tragically Hip was a Canadian rock group formed back in 1984 and become one of Canada’s great bands of all time, in addition to becoming an integral piece in country’s pop landscape during its ascent in the ’90s. You can also check out some of Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip’s greatest hits below.