By Chad Klassen

Tragically Hip fans to gather for band’s final concert

Aug 19, 2016 | 3:39 PM

KAMLOOPS — Tragically Hip fans across the country will gathering around to watch Gord Downie perform what could be his last concert ever, and in Kamloops people will be packing into two parks in the city to watch the concert live. 

Riverside Park will be the main gathering spot to watch The Tragically Hip live on a screen from Kingston. McDonald Park, as part of Overlanders Day, will also show the concert on a big screen. Organizers expect thousands of people to come out to celebrate one of Canada’s greatest bands.

“We’re planning for 8,000 people,” says Jennifer Harbaruk from the local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society. “We’ve had a lot of phone calls. Every day, there’s about 10 phone calls from people wanting to know more information, so I think the city is behind the band. There’s lots of supporters of The Tragically Hip here, so it’s going to be full.”  

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With The Tragically Hip’s leader singer Gord Downie facing terminal brain cancer, the events are a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. It’s a free concert, but donations are encouraged, and all the money will go towards brain cancer research. 

“It’s amazing given Gord’s condition, and what he’s been thinking with his diagnosis. It’s crazy to imagine that he has the energy to do the concerts, let alone think about leaving a legacy behind,” says Harbaruk. 

“That’s what he’s done with these live screenings. He’s opened it up and encouraged Canadians to make a donation tomorrow night and support brain cancer research. It’s largely underfunded in Canada, and we haven’t seen advances in brain cancer research for 20 years.”