There was sad news Tuesday for fans of The Tragically Hip.
The Canadian rock band, known for songs such as “New Orleans Is Sinking” and “Three Pistols,” announced that lead singer Gordon Downie has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
In a Facebook post, the group revealed that Downie, 52, was diagnosed in December.
“Since then, obviously, he’s endured a lot of difficult times, and he has been fighting hard,” the group said. “In privacy along with his family, and through all of this, we’ve been standing by him.”
The group also said it will embark on another tour, which “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,” the group said. “So, we’re going to dig deep, and try to make this our best tour yet.”
The group, formed in 1984, is slated to release its latest album, “Man Machine Poem,” on June 17.
Details of the upcoming summer tour will be released this week, the group said.
11 Music Icons Who Died in 2016, From David Bowie to Prince (Photos)
2016 has been a tough year for the music industry, as it has already lost music icons including Prince, David Bowie, Phife Dawg and more.
Iconic singer-songwriter and style icon David Bowie died on Jan. 10, two days after the release of his 25th album "Blackstar." He was 69 years old.
Prince Rogers Nelson, known simply to his fans as Prince, died on Apr. 21 at age 57. Prince was known worldwide as one of the biggest stars of the 80s, with songs like "Purple Rain" and "Sign o' The Times."
Robert Stigwood, former manager of Cream and The Bee Gees, died in London on Jan. 4 at the age of 81. He produced the smash hit albums "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease."
Glenn Frey, a singer, guitarist and founding member of The Eagles, died on Jan. 18 at 67. The musician and co-writer of hits like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy” had been struggling with rheumatoid arthritis and attendant intestinal issues.
Paul Kantner, founding member of Jefferson Airplane, died on Jan. 28 at 74. Kantner was the only member of Jefferson Airplane to also appear on all albums recorded by the band's successor, Jefferson Starship.
Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind, and Fire, died on Feb. 3 at age 74. Under White's leadership, the group won six Grammys and reached the top of the charts with songs like "Shining Star" and "September." Though a Parkinson's diagnosis ended his touring career in 1994, he remained an active part of the music industry until his death.
George Martin, producer for the Beatles, died on Mar. 8 at age 90. The mastermind behind the band's unparalleled success was affectionately known as "The Fifth Beatle."
Natalie Cole died on New Year’s Eve 2015 due to heart failure caused by lung disease. She technically passed last year, but the Grammy-winning singer deserves to be on this list.
Keith Emerson, founding member of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Mar. 11 at age 71. ELP is known as one of the most famous rock bands of the '70s, and Emerson also worked as a film composer on movies like the Sylvester Stallone thriller, "Nighthawks."
Denise Matthews, a.k.a. Vanity, died on February 15 at 57. Matthews was known as the protege of Prince and a member of Vanity 6. Matthews had long suffered from kidney failure and was being treated for abdominal illness shortly before her death.
Denise Matthews, a.k.a. Vanity, died on February 15 at 57. Matthews was known as the protege of Prince and a member of Vanity 6. Matthews had long suffered from kidney failure and was being treated for abdominal illness shortly before her death.
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This has been a tough year for the music industry
2016 has been a tough year for the music industry, as it has already lost music icons including Prince, David Bowie, Phife Dawg and more.
