The recent induction ceremony at Toronto’s Massey Hall saw the Tragically Hip, along with three other music acts, honored with a place in the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. The band took the stage to accept the accolade, paying tribute to their late bandmate Gord Downie, who passed away in 2017 from a rare form of brain cancer. Guitarist Rob Baker shared a message from Downie, expressing gratitude for the recognition.
Joining the Tragically Hip in the 2026 class were Feist, the songwriting duo of Loverboy (Mike Reno and Paul Dean), and French-Canadian artist Roch Voisine. The event featured performances from various artists, including Finneas, Our Lady Peace, and Jeff Tweedy, covering a range of musical genres from arena rock to indie pop.
During the ceremony, a purple feathered hat was displayed on stage as a tribute to Downie’s unique style. Allison Russell, one of the performers, honored Downie with a rendition of the Hip’s song “Wheat Kings,” ending with a heartfelt message of love for the late musician.
In a touching moment, Finneas inducted Feist into the Hall of Fame, highlighting her influence on his own musical journey. Feist, in her acceptance speech, reflected on the power of songs to navigate life’s ups and downs. The evening also featured performances by other artists celebrating the music of Loverboy and Roch Voisine.
The event emphasized Canadian pride, with speakers acknowledging the country’s rich musical heritage. Loverboy’s guitarist, Paul Dean, accepted the honor on behalf of the band, expressing gratitude and remembering their late bassist, Scott Smith. Voisine shared his journey from writing songs privately to performing on stage, culminating in an emotional duet with Isabelle Boulay.
The night concluded with a dynamic performance by Our Lady Peace, paying tribute to the Tragically Hip with their rendition of “Locked in the Trunk of a Car.” Lead singer Raine Maida shared how the Tragically Hip had inspired him in his artistic pursuits, urging the audience to honor Gord Downie’s memory.