Respect Given, Respect Earned

It was the perfect setting for the summer.  Family and friends paying their visits to our home in Calgary, the weather was sunny, the BBQ was ready for cooking, the fire pit in the backyard was roaring, and on the television we tuned in to the final show of arguably Canada's greatest band.

I was one of 11+ million Canadians that tuned into the CBC to pay respects and watch the farewell that The Tragically Hip gave to their fans.  Now I am sure most of you heard SOMETHING about this before reading this article.  Lead vocalist Gord Downie was unfortunately diagnosed with terminal brain cancer (to lay it out as easy as possible).  Being the true musician he is, he decided, along with the band, to say goodbye in the best way they could...they went on tour!

After a few weeks of sold out concerts across the country, they said their final goodbyes in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario.  It was a pretty memorable moment to say the least.  Our Prime Minister showed up in a typical Canadian tuxedo (aka jean pants and jean jacket), the 6000 person venue was packed to the limit, as well as twenty thousand spectators outside the venue, and our beloved CBC cut live feeds from Rio's Olympics to give Canadians what they really wanted to see that night.

(Photo courtesy of The Tragically Hip Blog)

Let me be honest with you all though, I was never a real Hip fan.  I had numerous opportunities to attend their final shows in Calgary, but thought it would be rude of me to grab tickets for a band that others have waited endlessly to see.  Their tunes were fun, but never in my playlists or catalogue.  However, I ALWAYS sing along to "Ahead By A Century" when it hits the radio waves.

Once the show got underway on Saturday night, and reading multiple articles about this farewell tour, I'll admit I got a little emotional, much like the rest of the country.  Gord and the gang was giving 120% all evening, and they themselves could not hold back a few tears towards the end.  This was a turning point for me, and goes back on a belief I have always had about music.  You may not like the band, the music, or even the musicians, but you HAVE to respect what they have done for millions of their fans, and the effort that goes into their 30+ year career.

In the end of this lil rant, I just hope someone is reading this and thinking "You know what, I may not feel that connection to the music, but I equally respect what they have done over their career".  That is what music should all be about.  Different strokes for different folks, but a sense of respect for a legendary band who have brought smiles, hopes, and dreams to fans.

Now after saying this, I am feeling the urge to go back to my PVR tonight and watching the farewell one last time.