The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame welcomed four musical acts into its ranks during a prestigious ceremony at Toronto’s Massey Hall. Among the honorees were the iconic Kingston alt-rock band, the Tragically Hip, who paid tribute to their late bandmate, Gord Downie, who passed away in 2017 from a rare form of brain cancer. Guitarist Rob Baker shared a heartfelt message from Downie as the band accepted the honor, highlighting their camaraderie and shared songwriting credits.
Joining the 2026 class were Feist, the songwriting duo of Loverboy (Mike Reno and Paul Dean), and French-Canadian artist Roch Voisine. The event showcased performances by various artists, including Finneas, Our Lady Peace, and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, who delivered genre-spanning tributes that resonated with the audience.
As the night concluded with a moving tribute to the Tragically Hip, a symbolic purple feathered hat graced the stage in honor of Gord Downie’s unique style. Allison Russell’s rendition of “Wheat Kings” captured the essence of the band’s legacy, echoing sentiments of love and admiration for the late frontman.
The evening also celebrated the induction of Feist, with Finneas sharing a personal anecdote about the esteemed singer-songwriter before performing her song “My Moon My Man.” Feist, in her acceptance speech, reflected on the power of music in her life’s journey, thanking her supporters and acknowledging the transformative nature of songwriting.
The event featured energetic performances, including tributes to Loverboy by Amanda Marshall and Talk, who electrified the audience with renditions of classic hits. Voices of Canadian pride resonated throughout the ceremony, with artists and inductees expressing gratitude for the nation’s rich musical heritage.
Roch Voisine captivated the audience with a heartfelt performance of his ballad “I’ll Always Be There,” accompanied by Isabelle Boulay. The night culminated in a dynamic cover of the Tragically Hip’s “Locked in the Trunk of a Car” by Our Lady Peace, with lead singer Raine Maida honoring Gord Downie’s legacy and inspiring a standing ovation in his memory.