The Tragically Hip, a Kingston alt-rock band, along with three other musical acts, were inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame at a prestigious event held at Toronto’s Massey Hall. The late Gord Downie, a former member of the band who passed away in 2017 due to a rare form of brain cancer, was honored during the ceremony. Guitarist Rob Baker shared a message from Downie, expressing gratitude for the recognition.
In addition to The Tragically Hip, the 2026 inductees included Feist, the songwriting duo of Loverboy, and French-Canadian artist Roch Voisine. The gala featured captivating performances by various artists, ranging from arena rock to indie pop, paying tribute to the iconic songs of the honorees.
During the event, Finneas inducted Leslie Feist and performed one of her songs, while Feist reflected on the significance of songs in her life. Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy also delivered a heartfelt cover of Feist’s song “The Park.” Loverboy was celebrated with energetic performances of their classic hits, and Roch Voisine performed a moving duet with Isabelle Boulay.
The evening concluded with a dynamic rendition of The Tragically Hip’s “Locked in the Trunk of a Car” by Our Lady Peace, with lead singer Raine Maida honoring Gord Downie’s legacy. The event showcased the diversity and talent of Canadian songwriters, highlighting their lasting impact on the music industry.