The Tragically Hip are in Toronto to play the first of three concerts in the city, kicking off at the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday evening.
They have been travelling the country to perform since July 22, when they embarked on the Man Machine Poem tour.
After lead singer Gord Downie announced he was battling terminal cancer in May, fans across the country have flooded the band with messages of support. Shortly after, Downie and the band said they would be going on one last farewell tour.
August 10 has now been declared Tragically Hip Day in Toronto by Mayor John Tory.
“It's a small but official way in which we can say thank you to a band that has been fabulous to Canada and to Canadians and to Torontonians,” he said.
Corby Holmes, who has been with the band for every show since July 22, called the tour bittersweet.
“Not to sound cliche,” he said, “But to sum it up… courage.”
Dawn and Tim Gamble, from Massachusetts, have also been following the band and have been to 25 of their concerts.
“They wrote on my hockey jersey once,” said Gamble. “The whole band they wrote the hip are behind you... well we are behind them.”
All three Toronto shows are sold out.
With files from Heather Wright
