This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41669610

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie has died at 53 Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie has died at 53
(about 3 hours later)
Canadian rock band Tragically Hip's frontman Gord Downie has died following a battle with cancer. He was 53. Canadian rock band Tragically Hip's frontman Gord Downie has died following a battle with brain cancer. He was 53.
Downie, the lyricist of the Canadian rock band, was dubbed the country's "unofficial poet laureate" by the CBC. The gifted lyricist - who was dubbed the country's unofficial poet laureate - had been diagnosed with an incurable glioblastoma in May 2016.
His family said in a statement he had passed away quietly surrounded by friends and relatives. His family said in a statement he passed away quietly surrounded by friends and relatives.
Canada was shocked when Downie revealed last year that he had glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer that begins in the brain. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led the national mourning for the star with a tearful public statement.
But despite his diagnosis, Downie continued to tour with Tragically Hip and produce music. "He loved every hidden corner, every story, every aspect of this country that he celebrated his whole life," Mr Trudeau said, his voice breaking, on Wednesday.
The band went on a nationwide summer tour in 2016, culminating in a final show that was broadcast live across the country. "We are less as a country without Gord Downie in it. We all knew it was coming, but we hoped it was not."
Hundreds of public screenings were also held to watch the broadcast. Despite his diagnosis, Downie continued to tour with Tragically Hip and produce music in the last years of his life.
Downie's lyrics often referenced Canadian culture and mythology, with a small-town charm that won the country over. The band said in a written statement: "Gord knew this day was coming - his response was to spend this time as he always had - making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss... on the lips."
Downie's lyrics often referenced Canadian culture and mythology, which endeared the band to fans who were used to seeing Canadian musicians "Americanise" their music to appeal to an international audience.
The band never made it big in the US - a fact that didn't seemed to bother Downie or his band too much.
At home, they regularly sold out stadiums, but south of the border, they could often be found playing small-town bars, mostly filled with Canadian fans who had made the trek just to see them.
Far from a sign of failure, their lack of international fame only helped seal their reputation at home as a national treasure.
Shortly after Downie announced his cancer diagnosis last year, the band went on a sold-out nationwide summer tour, which helped raise C$1m ($800,000; £600,000) for brain cancer research.
The tour culminated in a final show in Kingston, Ontario, the band's hometown, that was broadcast live across the country.
Hundreds of public screenings of the broadcast were held, serving as a kind of living memorial for Downie.
In addition to music, Downie was a renowned activist for environmental and indigenous causes.
In the final year of his life, he released a solo album and graphic novel titled The Secret Path, inspired by the true story of an indigenous boy who died while trying to escape a residential school.
For his work on reconciliation, Downie was awarded an Order of Canada by Mr Trudeau.
He was also bestowed an eagle feather by the Assembly of First Nations and an aboriginal name, Wicapi Omani.
In Lakota it means "man who walks among the stars".