“We're not building a nuclear reactor here. We're not drilling a mile beneath the surface of the ocean with no plan in case something goes wrong. This is making music, this is melodious air and people can hear what goes into it.”

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.