10th anniversary of Tragically Hip’s final show celebrated in Kingston

Exactly ten years ago, on this day, The Tragically Hip played their final concert together. The audience of 6,700 people filled the space that is now known as Slush Puppie Place, while an additional 25,000 fans gathered in Market Square to watch the show on a big screen. Over 11.7 million Canadians, including Melanie Backman and Donna Newton, also tuned in to witness the event.

Backman recalled, "Ten years ago, I was in Bobcaygeon, they closed the whole town down, the main street down, and they had screens everywhere filming the last concert. It was great, and when the song Bobcaygeon came on, everyone was going crazy."

Today, Kingston is commemorating this moment through a series of free events. Danny Toner, a local fan, noted, "My understanding is every concert they’ve ever played in Kingston has always had a charitable effect to it, so they’ve done so much for the city of Kingston and kind of put us on the map." The Hip's music was a unique way to tell Canadian stories, making many Canadians feel seen.

Leanne Corea added, "I am an absolute Hip fan. They were one of the first bands that me and my friends would listen to, and it always brought us together."

Fans can celebrate the band's lasting impact through a three-day event featuring live performances, fan favorites, film, public art, and the chance to connect with fellow Hip enthusiasts. The celebration concludes with a special screening of the band's final show at Market Square on Saturday.