A decade has passed since The Tragically Hip’s final performance in Kingston, Ontario, yet guitarist Paul Langlois confesses that he is still coming to terms with the event. Langlois expressed his disbelief during an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner on “The National,” broadcast on Thursday night. Reflecting on the band’s farewell concert, Langlois emphasized the impact their music had on people, acknowledging the significance of their work.

The emotional evening saw lead singer Gord Downie bidding farewell to a packed audience at Kingston’s Rogers K-Rock Centre (now known as Slush Puppi Place) in 2016. Fans, alongside Downie, shed tears as he performed iconic hits like “Ahead by a Century” and “Bobcaygeon” for the final time.

The iconic Canadian band, formed in 1984 and known for releasing 13 studio albums, concluded their touring career in 2016 with a memorable show in their hometown on August 20. Downie’s battle with terminal brain cancer, diagnosed in December 2015, culminated in his passing just over a year later at 53.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the band’s final concert, CBC will re-air “The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration” this Saturday. The band members expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and respect shown by fans towards their music and Downie’s legacy.

While reminiscing about the lead-up to the last show, Langlois revealed feeling uneasy and unsettled. However, his demeanor shifted upon seeing Downie’s optimism and excitement during the soundcheck, lifting Langlois’s spirits.

Focusing on supporting Downie during the tour, guitarist Rob Baker highlighted the emotional challenges he faced while containing his feelings to fulfill his role effectively. The band initially worried about Downie’s health affecting his performances, but his condition seemed to improve as the farewell tour progressed.

Looking back, Langlois and Baker admitted they underestimated the magnitude of their final show’s impact, realizing its significance only in the days that followed. Despite fans’ hopes for a reunion, the band members are resolute that The Tragically Hip will not reunite.

While releasing a new album titled “Live July 22 – August 20, 2016,” featuring recordings from their 2016 tour, Baker emphasized the band’s forward-looking ethos. He noted the healing power of music, recounting a personal moment of grief shared with Downie and the therapeutic role of music during difficult times.