About 100 people attended a Gord Downie sing-along tribute at a Halifax public library on Wednesday.
“I think we all knew that Gord was going to pass away, but it was such a surprise, and the more I think about his lyrics and his music, the more it proves that it means a lot to me,” attendee Lisa Olie said.
Downie, who was part of the band the Tragically Hip, died last week.
The event, which was held at Halifax Central Library, started at 6:30 p.m. Several musicians took turns performing the band‘s songs.
Some people in the audience sang as well and there were a few teary eyes.
“He was a really nice man. He was just really inspiring,” said Josh Sheppard, a child who attended the event with his mom, Karen Spence.
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She said the Hip’s “Wheat Kings” was the first song that he ever heard.
Dennis Brown, another attendee, said Downie was special because among other reasons, his music included a focus on Canadian topics.
“I will remember Gord Downie for reminding Canadians to, in fact, embrace their own country and their own culture,” he added.