[patiodweller]

"...not in the moon but the moon glinting off the gas pump at a truck stop in North Carolina. Not homesick but a thick rimmed coffee mug and saucer. Not the tree, the tree fort. Not the betrayal, the apology. Not a mile, but BY A CENTURY."

[squeaker]

I think I understand now what Christians mean when they say "I have a personal relationship with Christ", because I now understand that I do have a personal relationship with Mr. Downie. He may not know my name or face, but no other person is woven into the fabric of my existence like Gord Downie. Most people may think I'm batshit for having these thoughts, but I know if there's anywhere people may understand this, it's here.

I haven't been here in forever, but this is where I needed to be.

The bit above sums up my feelings quite nicely.

I posted this somewhere else, but it needs to be repeated -
2 different songs lyrics were used in my wedding vows. (I want to be your stars of Algonquin. I want your song in my head.) Fiddlers Green is even closer to my heart after my own children were born too soon. I can't imagine The Hip not being around.

[Jenna_Bird]

Is anyone else feeling just...lost? I don't know if I can make it up to any of the shows, but also can't imagine that I've seen The Hip for the last time. This band has been such a large part of my life for such a long time. I cannot process what the right decision is. Looking over money and vacation plans with the family... factoring in the newest addition (she's due June 17th too, which is some kind of fucked up karma).

I made the mistake of tossing on an upbeat (read: early) Hip mix. 100th Meridian had me sobbing in my car in the parking lot before heading in to work.

This loss just hits so hard in a place I didn't think it would.

[NWOntario]

Is anyone else feeling just...lost? I don't know if I can make it up to any of the shows, but also can't imagine that I've seen The Hip for the last time. This band has been such a large part of my life for such a long time. I cannot process what the right decision is. Looking over money and vacation plans with the family... factoring in the newest addition (she's due June 17th too, which is some kind of fucked up karma).

I made the mistake of tossing on an upbeat (read: early) Hip mix. 100th Meridian had me sobbing in my car in the parking lot before heading in to work.

This loss just hits so hard in a place I didn't think it would.

Someone on a Pearl Jam forum made a great point. This band's given all of us so much; we owe it to them to be at these shows, to give it back to them with interest. That swayed me. Before that I was very much on the fence.

[thechubb44]

. I think I understand now what Christians mean when they say "I have a personal relationship with Christ", because I now understand that I do have a personal relationship with Mr. Downie. He may not know my name or face, but no other person is woven into the fabric of my existence like Gord Downie. Most people may think I'm batshit for having these thoughts, but I know if there's anywhere people may understand this, it's here.

I am not religious. And this post is the first thing I've read that actually made me feel a bit better. This is the perfect analogy. Thanks,

[patiodweller]

The HIP have picked me up so many times in my life I just so wish there was something I could do to give a little back and help Gord.

[floridahip]

Having lived in south Florida the entire time I have been a fan(my brother from buffalo left Up To Here at my house in 92-93) I have only seen them once in Orlando. But have waited patiently for every release, like us all. Have lurked on this site for years, and posted only 3x. But right now this news has been on my mind non stop. Will make it up come hell or high water.
One lyric that will not get out of my head sums up my thoughts at this time.

"how did it get this late, so early"

Seems like we just always thought they would be here til we all weren't.

[The Heron Outside]

Forgive the self-promo here but City asked me to be on their 11:00 news last night. I was thinking about the 'base when I did this interview.

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[direwolf74]

I thought I'd wake up feeling a little better this morning, but I don't. It still feels like I've been sucker-punched in the gut. Seeing those tour dates pop up was very bittersweet, knowing it's likely the last. Same with the new album. Right now I just can't believe it might be their last one.

[Chris Tanz]

I thought I'd wake up feeling a little better this morning, but I don't. It still feels like I've been sucker-punched in the gut. Seeing those tour dates pop up was very bittersweet, knowing it's likely the last. Same with the new album. Right now I just can't believe it might be their last one.

I was just about to post a new topic on this question -- i.e. is this actually confirmed as the "last" tour? Then I thought maybe it would be seen as insensitive to ask that, so I deleted my post. I re-read the Hip's announcement and it doesn't actually say it is the last tour or a farewell tour. I realize that is all likely and that there could be no guarantees at this point, but am I right that the band itself (or their management) has not said this is the "last" one?

ct

[redhill]

got an email from my daughter ( who is in training in Florida) and she is devastated. She and her older brother were both raised on
this bands music...hard to put into words how much they mean to our family as a whole

Still can't grasp the reality of it all

[opiated49]

Spirit of The West's Facebook Feed:

From the Desk of Vince Ditrich

I was thunderstruck when I learned of Gord Downie's medical diagnosis this morning. 2016 has frankly been a shitty year for music fans and this is yet more saddening news. From one band of brothers to another, Spirits send love & support to the Tragically Hip and especially Gord Downie and family.

2016 has been heavy and this is yet another piece of news that no one wanted to even imagine, never mind hear. I cannot even be sad yet. Right now I am outraged. I am outraged that another brilliant, poetic and invaluable voice of our nation is taking such a dear blow. It simply cannot stand. We have to find a way to cure all the insidious medical ills that continue to dog us as a society. You don't need to be a doctor to know that something is simply not right...

The entire Spirit of the West family sends our love to Gord & family, the Hip lads and their families, and the team that so ably supports Canada's most beloved band.

We are here for you if you need us.

John & Jill, Geoff & Ali, Tobin & Lori, Hugh & Kelly, Matthew & Rebecca, Chris & Michele, Andre & Nathalie, Vince & Merm

[opiated49]

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://bigbry.wordpress.com/2016/05/25/tragically-hip-plays-the-cancer-card/">https://bigbry.wordpress.com/2016/05/25 ... ncer-card/</a><!-- m -->

This asshole

[cochise]

https://bigbry.wordpress.com/2016/05/25/...ncer-card/

This asshole

Wow, that right there is a first class grade A asshole, the rarest and assy hollest of its kind.

[nbarry19]

https://bigbry.wordpress.com/2016/05/25/...ncer-card/

This asshole

Who knew people could be this scummy.. wow.