A Toronto politician has an idea to soothe the souls of Tragically Hip fans who couldn't get tickets to see the band performing this summer.
Coun. Josh Colle told The Toronto Star that a free concert at Toronto's Downsview Park would be a "fantastic opportunity" for Canadians to thank the band for their contributions to the city and the country.
“I know the whole nation feels an ownership to them, but with [frontman Gord Downie] being a Torontonian and their connection to the city, I think it would be appropriate to celebrate them in grand style here," he said.
"If I can upset a few scalpers, I'm OK with that, too."
After Downie revealed his brain cancer diagnosis in May and the band announced what is likely to be its final tour, ticket prices skyrocketed into the thousands of dollars. Bots and scalpers have snatched up so many of the tickets that Ontario's attorney general said she's prepared to investigate the issue.
Colle told AM640 he hopes Downsview, a federal facility that has hosted massive shows featuring AC/DC and The Rolling Stones, would offer up the venue considering "the significance of this band."
The councillor, a fan of the band since its early days, said he expects corporate donations would roll in once the proposal gained momentum.
Another city wants a show too
"If I can upset a few scalpers, I'm OK with that, too," he said.
Colle isn't the only politician who wants fans to see the band for free. Mississauga City Councillor Nando Iannicca offered the band the city's Celebration Square, according to the Mississauga News.
“If it works within their schedule and Gord can accommodate us, we will try and accommodate them for a free bash,” he said.
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