The recent induction ceremony at Toronto’s Massey Hall saw the Tragically Hip, Feist, Loverboy, and Roch Voisine enshrined in the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. The memory of Gord Downie was palpable as the Hip members accepted the honor, paying tribute to their late bandmate who passed away in 2017 from a rare form of brain cancer. Guitarist Rob Baker shared a message purportedly from Downie, expressing gratitude for the recognition.
The evening featured performances by various artists, including Finneas, Our Lady Peace, and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, who delivered diverse tributes spanning different music genres. A standout moment was Allison Russell’s rendition of the Hip’s “Wheat Kings,” accompanied by a purple feathered hat on stage in homage to Downie’s distinctive style.
In his speech, Baker reminisced about the band’s journey and highlighted their admiration for Downie as a frontman. The event also showcased Finneas inducting Feist, with Feist expressing gratitude for the role of songs in her life’s journey. The performances included touching covers and energetic tributes, with Loverboy and Voisine also receiving heartfelt acknowledgments during the ceremony.
The night concluded with Our Lady Peace’s dynamic performance of the Hip’s “Locked in the Trunk of a Car,” with lead singer Raine Maida urging the audience to honor Downie’s legacy by lighting up their phones. The event celebrated the enduring impact of these iconic Canadian songwriters on the music industry.