“I'm a music fan - I love meeting other musicians, I love talking to other musicians - and what greater opportunity to take advantage of whatever standing we might have to try and attract people? To say 'We don't know you, but we love you, and will you come play with us?' Sometimes they actually do.”

Canadian rock singer-songwriter, musician, writer, poet, and activist

Gordon Edgar Downie was a Canadian rock singer-songwriter, musician, writer, poet, and activist, best known as the singer and lyricist of The Tragically Hip. He fronted the band from its formation in 1984 until his death in 2017. Downie became closely associated with Canadian rock through his work with The Tragically Hip, where he helped shape the band’s voice and public identity. Beyond music, he was also active as a writer, poet, and activist, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Canadian music history.