Tragically Hip cover band singer with terminal cancer hosts fundraising concert
'I think it was a bucket list thing, honestly,' close friend says
Darren Sawchuk sang Tragically Hip songs that have provided the soundtrack for his life at a fundraiser on Thursday for treatment for the cancer that will likely cause his death.
It was only on Monday that the Winnipeg lawyer and musician felt he would be well enough to host the cancer treatment and research fundraiser with his Tragically Hip cover band, 59 Divide, at Jekyll and Hyde's in Osborne Village.
"I think it was a bucket list thing, honestly," said 59 Divide drummer Kristjan Kristjansson, who is Sawchuk's close friend.
Sawchuk learned he has untreatable cancer in March.
The devastating diagnosis is the catalyst for moving through the rest of that bucket list: In April, Sawchuk drove to Saskatoon, bought 25,000 vinyl albums and opened a record store in Winnipeg.
More than three months later, he maintains his hopeful lease on life.
"We were out very early this morning and he said to me, 'This is an amazing week. I'm loving this week.' I think that kind of love and energy is … making a difference for him and I love that," Kristjansson said.
Around 100 people had gathered to support the band — and the cause — before the show even started.
And as he stood before a red screen, Sawchuk played guitar and sang lyrics to songs that have permeated his life.
That connection only intensified when Sawchuk learned what is to come for him.
"When you hear lyrics to Ahead by a Century … really, those that are given a warning signal that you only have a certain amount of time left, you do what you can during that time to make the most of every day," Sawchuk said.
'Amazing mixed feelings'
Thursday's show brought "amazing mixed feelings" for Sawchuk, who did not want it to be about him, according to Kristjansson.
"Darren's not that guy," he said.
"But he realizes that we, three years ago, did an event here for someone else who had cancer, who fought it very hard for years and didn't make it."
Still, the fundraiser had meaning for everyone who was there, and, Kristjansson said, particularly people who are close to those fighting cancer.
"It was interesting. I had an emotional moment a while ago," he said.
"It reminded me I am here to support [Darren]. He supported me for that moment, and I think it's give and take."
Sawchuk has another important show ahead of him: On Friday, he will see the Tragically Hip play at Winnipeg's MTS Centre from the front row.
There, he hopes to cross one more aspiration off his list: Sawchuk said his dream is to sing harmony when the Hip launch into Wheat Kings at the concert.