Gord Downie dead: The Tragically Hip lead singer dies aged 53

The singer announced he was suffering from terminal cancer in May 2017

(Getty Images)

Gord Downie, the frontman of legendary Canadian band The Tragically Hip, has died at the age of 53.

The band confirmed the news with a moving statement that read: “Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.

“Gord knew this day was coming - his response was to spend this precious time as he always had - making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss... on the lips.”

Downie - a father of four - had been suffering from terminal cancer, news he revealed to the world in May 2017.

Upon the announcement, the band revealed they were planning to touring with Downie one final time: “What we in The Hip receive, each time we play together, is a connection; with each other; with music and it's magic; and during the shows, a special connection with all of you, our incredible fans.”

“So, we're going to dig deep, and try to make this our best tour yet. This feels like the right thing to do now, for Gord, and for all of us.”

The Tragically Hip have achieved stratospheric success in their home country of Canada since forming in 1984 with nine of their records reaching number one in the charts. They released their thirteenth studio album, Man Machine Poem, in June 2016.

Downie, who served as the band's lyricist, released five studio albums, his most recent arriving in October 2016.