Tears were shed this summer in Canada over a way-too-early retirement. No, not for all-world athletic phenomenon Usain Bolt, hanging up the boots for a sport he changed forever. Nor were they over the exit of two Prime Ministers: David Cameron (Brexit) and Stephen Harper (who, more traditionally, lost an election). No, Canadians are in mourning over the impending loss of one of their greatest musical treasures: The Tragically Hip.

‘The Hip’, as they are known to most Canadians, were formed in Kingston, Ontario in 1984 and have come to epitomise what is often referred to as ‘Canadiana’. Subtle, local, quality music that speaks to people from all places – which is difficult given we have 35 million people spread out over half a continent. Their music can be heard at hockey games between plays and at bars and restaurants from coast to coast.

Backed by the classic sounds of solid 80’s rock, the charismatic, enigmatic and electric Gord Downie has led the band from the mic and guitar from its inception. In May, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. At 52, the news of Downie’s illness was a shock and a blow to the music community. The Hip have been a mainstay of these past three decades and many of the tracks from their thirteen albums are iconic.

For those new to The Hip, doubtless many of those reading this, the most discussed topic around the group after the impresario Downie and their compelling lyrics is, fittingly, their lack of fame outside of Canada. It is something that has vexed many in a country that has produced numerous international music stars including Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Diana Krall, Nickleback and, of course, Justin Bieber. This lack of stardom has never publicly bothered Downie and his band. In fact, they have still managed to sell between six and eight million records.

Following the cancer announcement, Downie led the band on a tour that most believe will be the final act in a terrific career. The month-long trek took them across Canada as they played to sold-out, emotional crowds in large hockey arenas.

The final concert of the tour, at the end of an epic run for The Hip, was in their hometown of Kingston at the Rogers K-Rock Centre – an intimate venue for a band of such popularity, seating around 7,000. Like many, I was much too far away from Kingston to be at the show, but because of a rash of scalpers buying up concert tickets and reselling them online for outrageous amounts, the CBC (Canada’s public broadcaster, akin to the BBC or PBS) picked up the rights and showed it online through their site and on TV. So, like many fellow Canadians, I saw their farewell played out on the small screen.

The opening set of the evening was very humble, in that clichéd way for which Canada is known the world over. Small stage setup, acoustic (plugged in) guitars, small drum set, reserved energy and just a couple of stationary stage lights. Even Downie himself was not traversing the stage very much, letting the lyrics about the people and places of his country take the true spotlight. ‘Wheat Kings’ and ‘What Blue’ were highlights from this portion, setting the stage for a night of medium tempos and solid grooves.

Downie, in his effervescent costumes and top hats, which summoned images of both the Riddler from the Batman films and possibly what a modern Gatsby might wear, was loose and creative all the way through. His vocals may not have always hit the right pitches, but he was in complete command of every musical aspect throughout the more than three hours of performance.

Despite the ticket scarcity, Canada’s new Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, was able to attend the concert. Dressed casually and wearing a Hip shirt, Trudeau was acknowledged more than once by Downie, who has a long history of advocacy for various issues including Canada’s north and Aboriginal rights. Under other circumstances, these forays might have been a distraction. On this night, on what was the last and biggest stage Downie may ever see, it was his time to say and do as he pleased, to leave a lasting resonance. Nearly 12 million people watched or listened to the concert, making it, besides Olympic hockey games, one of the most popular events in recent memory.

After performing two of their most notable numbers, ‘Music at Work’ and ‘New Orleans is Sinking’, The Hip finished their third encore with ‘Ahead by a Century’ – the most iconic of all Hip pieces. A perfect ending to a long and winding show that capped a long and fruitful career. Downie and The Hip will be missed.

After one of the three encores, Downie, looking like he may shed a tear himself, turned to the raucous, cheering crowd. “Thanks for that,” he said. Our thoughts exactly.