Gord Downie gets love from fans after The Tragically Hip reveals cancer diagnosis

Gord Downie is, hands-down, "the greatest frontman this country has ever produced."

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That's the view of CBC Radio 2 host Tom Power, speaking a few hours after news broke that the 52-year-old Tragically Hip singer has terminal cancer but will join his band in a summer tour.

Power appeared on Metro Morning today to share his thoughts with the audience, but also to gather their response to the news that has stunned Canadian music fans.

"The Tragically Hip in many ways felt like Canada's local band so it's certainly devastating," said Power.

Power is asking listenersto share their most meaningfulmemories and moments about the Canadian band, formed in the mid-1980s, and its iconic lead singer.

This morning, people are tapingthemselves singingthe Hip song Courage for Downie, and to post video of their singalongwith the hashtag #CourageForGord on Facebook and Twitter.

Downie's influence on Tom Power

Power spoke about his first introduction to the Tragically Hip. It happened when his sister played the tape of the band's 1992 albumFully Completely while riding in the car.

"Hersinging along with some of the songs made me realize that music can be cool," said Power.

Downie'sunique dancing style

Downie'sunusual dancing style has also made a lasting impression on both Power and Hip fans. Downie's wild, sometimes comical, on-stagegyrations and gestures are legend among the band's fiercely loyalfanbase.

• How to dance like Gord Downie

"He was never obsessed with his image, he would just let the music channel through him," said Power.

His lyrical prowess

Listener Brenden Sommerhalder shared thison the CBC Music Facebook page:

"Every single day at least one thing happens in my life that reminds me of a Hip lyric, and then that song plays in full in my head and my day is better. This band and Gord's lyrics specifically have connected with me at a level I have never experienced music do before. I hope it will happen since I'll see them on tour."

"I found that very beautiful," said Power.

His impact withthe audience

Hip fan Jim from Newfoundland called in to Metro Morning and said news of Downie's diagnosis has left him stunned. "I'm in shock really," he said.

Jim first saw Downie's band atMaple Leaf Gardens backin the early 1990s. He's since seen them "six or seven times."

"When music is a part of your life. when you have a person that writes these words and sings these songs the way he has, they become a part of your life. It's just devastating."

This summer's tour

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this morning's news is that Downie plans to join the band for a summer tour, with details and dates to come. Power said he's hoping the shows will become a celebration of the band's music.

"I know the tickets are going to go so fast," said Power."Fans, while reeling this morning, are looking forward to spending time with the band."