The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame welcomed four new inductees at a prestigious event held at Toronto’s Massey Hall. Among them was the renowned Kingston alt-rock band, the Tragically Hip, whose performance paid homage to the late Gord Downie, a former band member who passed away in 2017. Guitarist Rob Baker delivered a message from Downie, expressing gratitude for the honor bestowed upon the band.
The Tragically Hip, alongside other artists such as Feist, the songwriting duo of Loverboy (Mike Reno and Paul Dean), and French-Canadian artist Roch Voisine, were honored in the 2026 class. The gala featured captivating performances from various artists spanning different music genres, including Finneas, Our Lady Peace, and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, who celebrated the inductees with heartfelt tributes.
During the event, a purple feathered hat symbolizing Gord Downie’s distinctive style was displayed on stage. Artists like Allison Russell paid tribute to Downie through their performances, evoking a sense of love and admiration for the late musician. The evening also witnessed memorable performances, with highlights including Finneas inducting Feist and Tweedy covering one of her poignant songs.
The show kicked off with energetic performances, including Amanda Marshall’s rendition of Loverboy’s classic hit “Turn Me Loose” and Talk’s electrifying cover of “Working for the Weekend.” The event also featured emotional moments, such as Voisine’s reflective speech and his moving duet with Isabelle Boulay. Our Lady Peace concluded the night with a dynamic performance, honoring the Tragically Hip with a spirited rendition of “Locked in the Trunk of a Car.”
The ceremony was filled with heartfelt speeches, musical tributes, and expressions of gratitude from the inductees and performers, showcasing the rich tapestry of Canadian songwriting talent. The event underscored the enduring legacy of these artists and the profound impact of their music on audiences worldwide.