Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip: A timeline of the iconic Canadian band

Tuesday’s announcement that Gord Downie has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer comes as The Tragically Hip readies its 14th album and a farewell tour this summer, which will feature Downie.

A specialist treating Downie says the singer is facing one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer but has been cleared to perform, as Downie has recovered much of his physical, mental and emotional strength.

WATCH: Dr. James Perry from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre discusses Gord Downie’s cancer diagnosis.

1:13 Gord Downie’s doctor describes medical specifics of his brain tumour

Downie, 52, is beloved from coast to coast, known for his energetic onstage performances and true dedication to Canada in what is arguably the most Canadian rock band.

Here’s a look at the history of one of Canada’s most famous rock bands, from their roots in Kingston to their 14 Juno wins.

• 1984 – The band — still in high school — forms in Kingston, taking a name inspired by ex-Monkees’ member Michael Nesmith’s comedy sketch called ‘The Tragically Hip,’ and perform their first gig at a party at a local art centre.
• 1986 – The Hip add another member and hit the road, playing covers and some original songs at bars across Ontario.
• 1987 – Their first recording — a self-titled EP — is released and the song “Highway Girl” gets traction on radio, leading to the band signing with label MCA.
• 1989 – “Up to Here,” the band’s first album, is released and powers to one-million-plus sales thanks to now-classic Hip songs “Blow at High Dough” and “New Orleans Is Sinking.” They win their first of what will be many Junos for Most Promising Artist. A second album follows in 1991 and charts well in Canada.

• 1995 – The Hip reach a big American audience with a performance on Saturday Night Live.
• 1998 – Their seventh album, “Phantom Power,” grabs a Juno for Best Rock Album. It later went triple platinum.
• 1999 – The band is the first to perform at the new Air Canada Centre in Toronto, playing to a sold-out crowd.
• 2002 – The Tragically Hip get a spot on Canada’s Walk of Fame. They also perform that year for a special guest — Queen Elizabeth on her tour of Canada.
• 2005 – The Tragically Hip are inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

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• 2012 – Their 13th album, “Now for Plan A,” is released. It was in part influenced by Gord Downie’s wife’s successful battle against cancer.
• 2013 – Further cementing their status, the band get honoured in a stamp series depicting legendary Canadian bands.

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• 2016 – Downie announces he has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Their latest album, “Man Machine Poem,” is due out in June and will be backed by a Canada-only summer tour featuring Downie.

0:56 Reflecting on The Tragically Hip’s special relationship with Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern

• Reflecting on The Tragically Hip’s special relationship with Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern
• The Tragically Hip manager says band was “stunned and shocked” by Gord Downie’s cancer diagnosis
• Doctor says Gord Downie’s brain tumour is incurable
• Gord Downie wants to ‘blow people’s minds’ on final tour: manager
• Gord Downie’s doctor describes medical specifics of his brain tumour
• Fans, musicians react to news of Gord Downie’s terminal cancer diagnosis
• Doctor wants to turn Gord Downie’s cancer diagnosis into a positive for cancer awareness
• Doctor impressed with Gord Downie’s ‘resilience and courage’
• Gord Downie developed first symptoms of brain cancer in December 2015: doctors
• Details of Tragically Hip tour will be announced Wednesday morning; will be Canada-only tour

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WATCH ABOVE: The Tragically Hip’s managers and Dr. James Perry from Sunnybrook health Sciences Centre discuss Gord Downie’s terminal brain cancer diagnosis.

With a file from Chris Jancelewicz and The Canadian Press