Viewing parties and public screenings are planned across the country to watch The Tragically Hip’s final concert, and many Maritimers got off to an early start.
The Canadian rock band will play their final concert in Kingston, Ont., Saturday night. The music director for 105.3 The Fox in Fredericton says the night will be sad for many.
"What I felt probably wasn't unique at all because I was getting that sense from pretty much everyone that I was running into, part of us received some very bad news that day,” said music director Rob Pinnock, also known as “Uncle Rob.”
Pinnock was successful with bringing the Hip to Fredericton back in 2007 by starting an email campaign. He says it all began while playing the band’s latest single on the radio.
"I said to our promotions guy, I said, ‘The Hip haven't been to Fredericton, at this point, since 1993.’ I said, ‘Wouldn't it be really cool if we got them here?’" said Pinnock. “Sept. 11, 2007, they played on the World Container Tour at the Fredericton Aiken Centre."
Pinnock had the opportunity to meet the band backstage at the concert, calling them “down to earth, humble, unassuming, awesome guys.”
Others who haven’t met the band say they can’t describe their love for the band. Rachel Brown's daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was 13. She's now 19, and says Downie and all those who have been diagnosed but fight to live life to the fullest, are her heroes.
"They are the ones that show us what hope is really about,” said Brown. “They are the ones, like Gord Downie, who show us what courage is about. Yes, they have a brain tumour diagnosis, but they are the most inspiring people."
While Saturday will be sad for many, others want the night to be considered a celebration from coast-to-coast.
Viewing parties will be held in Moncton, Fredericton and Halifax to watch the Hip’s final concert.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Laura Brown.
