Kingston celebrates 10th anniversary of Tragically Hip's final show

Kingston, Ontario, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Tragically Hip's final concert. The Man Machine Poem Tour concluded on August 20, 2016, in Kingston, a date that became poignant after lead singer Gord Downie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. A decade later, fans are returning to the city to commemorate that night and the band's lasting impact.

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Electric, it was very cool and it was very emotional, and it was just a privilege to be there.

Donna Newton, a fan who attended the final show, described the atmosphere as "electric" and "emotional," calling it a "privilege to be there." The concert at the venue then known as Rogers K-Rock Centre (now Slush Puppie Place) was packed with 6,700 attendees, while an additional 25,000 fans watched on a big screen in Market Square. Nationwide, over 11.7 million Canadians tuned in to watch the broadcast.

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Ten years ago, I was in Bobcaygeon, they closed the whole town down, the main street down, and they had screens everywhere filming the last concert. It was great, and when the song Bobcaygeon came on, everyone was going crazy.

Melanie Backman recalled watching the final show in Bobcaygeon, where the town closed its main street and set up screens for fans. "It was great, and when the song Bobcaygeon came on, everyone was going crazy," she said. This weekend, Kingston is hosting three days of free events, including live performances, fan favorites, film screenings, and public art installations, to bring the music and the moment back to the city.

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My understanding is every concert they’ve ever played in Kingston has always had a charitable effect to it, so they’ve done so much for the city of Kingston and kind of put us on the map.

Danny Toner highlighted the band's significant contributions to Kingston, noting their consistent charitable impact and how they "put us on the map." The Tragically Hip are remembered for their unique ability to tell Canadian stories through their songs, resonating deeply with many in Canada. Leanne Corea shared that the band was among the first she and her friends listened to together, always fostering a sense of unity. The celebrations continue through Saturday, culminating in a special viewing party of the band's final concert in Market Square.

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They were one of the first bands that me and my friends would listen to, and it always brought us together.