Gord Downie's cancer diagnosis: Islanders fondly recall Hip memories

News that Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie has been diganosed with terminal brain cancer has hit Canadian fans hard.

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Islanders and others responded on social media,sharingtheir memories of the band and the many Hip concerts held on P.E.I. over the years.

"The Tragically Hip show 10 years ago at the 2006 Festival of Lights was the first gig of my photography career imagine that in the media pit during a Tragically Hip show and somehow getting paid to be there and then a second time in 2008," recalls P.E.I. photographer Chris Wilkinson.

"I remember both shows being dynamic, with the crowd singing along to New Orleans is Sinkingat the top of their lungs, then moments later chilling out while Gord recited Wheat Kings."

'A singer with so much energy'

Former Summerside radio DJ Derek MacEwen wrote via twitter that he saw The Hip twice at The Regent in Summerside in the early 1990s, before they were a household name.

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"I had never seen a singer with so much energy. 1st time I had to drag people there, & it wasn't full. It was different on their 2nd visitplace was packed. The first show was 1 of the best shows I've ever seen anywhere!"

HeidiMacPheeof P.E.I. proudly displays posters in her living room of The Hip concerts she's attended.

"I felt lucky to have seen them on tour as many times as I have," she said. "The Tragically Hip never fail to put on an amazing concert. The posters will be an awesome reminder of some of the best live shows I've ever attended."

'Like no other'

Downieis well known for his energetic antics on stage and his generous sharing of time with fans.

"Gordis a true off-the-wall entertainer like no other," said Wilkinson. "News ofGord'sdiagnosis is sad. We are all hopeful."

The band is embarking on a 10-date summer tour that sadly, does not include any concerts east of Ottawa.

"A last tour gives a lot of hope. It shows strength, determination, courage, love, and dedication to music, and the fans," said Wilkinson. "He and the band have given so much to their fans, and Canada. They're not ready to stop yet."