[bstrauss24]

Anyone hear anything from Gord Downie lately? A while back I heard a (hopefully unfounded) rumor about his health, and I really thought nothing of it, but then he wasn't at a big Waterkeepers event, he wasn't at the honorary degree ceremony, and I've been worried about how quiet tour talk has been.

Hip Base: begin crushing these rumors....NOW!

[Escape@Hand]

Maybe he's Tired as F**K? Seriously, though, I have no idea, although it does seem strange that he wasn't there for the honorary degree ceremony.

[nestene1]

"Hello friends.

We have some very tough news to share with you today, and we wish it wasn't so.

A few months ago, in December, Gord Downie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

Since then, obviously, he's endured a lot of difficult times, and he has been fighting hard. In privacy along with his family, and through all of this, we've been standing by him.

So after 30-some years together as The Tragically Hip, thousands of shows, and hundreds of tours...

We've decided to do another one.

This feels like the right thing to do now, for Gord, and for all of us.

What we in The Hip receive, each time we play together, is a connection; with each other; with music and it's magic; and during the shows, a special connection with all of you, our incredible fans.

So, we're going to dig deep, and try to make this our best tour yet.

We hope you can come out and join us this summer - details and dates will be coming this week.

And we sincerely thank all of you, for your continued love and support,

Paul, GordD, Johnny, Rob, GordS"

[robbroncs]

gutted

[bstrauss24]

Fuck.

[Tubaros]

I dont really post on here that often, preferring to check in for updates, but have been into the Hip (UK Fan) since the early 90s after seeing them at Glastonbury. One of the main reasons that drew me was Gord. He's such an amazing frontman and songwriter.

So gutted :-(

Thoughts are with him, his family and the band. Such sad news.

[hipkid33]

Yeah, not the news you want to hear first thing in the morning, or anytime really. My FIL is dealing with bone cancer now and it fucking sucks. Fuck. Cancer. I look forward to at least one last evening with the guys.

[bstrauss24]

Deep down I knew it was true when I first heard... Too many things just added up. I couldn't bring myself to post here because I didn't want someone to confirm it. Now I can't even imagine how life is going to change for so many people, primarily and first and foremost, his family and band. God bless them all, and God bless Gord.

[tommygunn]

Awful news! My prayers and thoughts are with Gord..

Very strange to get this news along with a new tour announcement.. but, must be Gord's wishes..

[mrlayance]

Not sure what to say... read the email twice, still don't believe it... very sad news.

[NWOntario]

I'm having trouble breathing.

Related, now: in a couple weeks my buddy and I are doing the Ride to Conquer Cancer, and back in August when we registered we decided to call our team...the Tragically Clipped. We're riding now for you, Gord.

[thechubb44]

I had and we had...a feeling . This just sucks. How ? And a tour? Honest. I don't know how to do that without tears for 2 hours. I realize it's not about us. But it is. He's given everything for us. And now this? Wtf?!?!!!

[Tubaros]

Im seriously considering flying to Canada for one of the gigs. Just for the chance to see the full line-up one (hurts to type this word) last :-( time, and the chance to say thankyou for all the inspirational performances he's given.

[scottitude]

This is so hard to process.

This tour announcement is far more bitter than sweet.

[Bookhead]

I'm heartbroken over the news. I really don't know what to say.

I wish Gord all the best in his fight against this insidious disease. I know the news says terminal, but I'm praying for a miracle.