Karl Tremblay passes away: Quebec sports unite to honour his memory

It had been known for several months that Cowboys Fringants singer Karl Tremblay was suffering from prostate cancer. It was terrible news, but despite it all, he was determined to carry on singing with his band.

He was forced to take breaks to follow his treatments, but when he could, he jumped on stage… and that included the memorable show at the Festival d’été de Québec.

Sitting on stage and “maganee” (his words), Cowboys fringants singer Karl Tremblay shows all his courage at the #FEQ and gives it his all, carried by 90,000 spectators. pic.twitter.com/BGnNuzCRGT

– Thomas Gerbet (@ThomasGerbet) July 18, 2023

And today came the terrible news that the singer had sadly passed away following his battle with cancer.

The band made the announcement via its Facebook account. He was 47 years old.

What we notice, though, is that despite the fact that we’re talking about musical news, Karl Tremblay and his group have left their mark on all areas of society, including sport. Since the announcement, a ton of stakeholders and sports media have been keen to honor him.

And it’s truly moving.

The RDS family extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Karl Tremblay, and to all those who have been moved by the beauty of the Cowboys Fringants pic.twitter.com/Cgo6XQzHzl

– RDS (@RDSca) November 15, 2023

. @JiCLajoie pays a touching tribute to Karl Tremblay, who passed away much too soon #RIP https://t.co/Y4Y5YEZbEU

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) November 15, 2023

Because sometimes you have to go beyond sports. To @JiCLajoie who worked with them, to @StephRDSJunior, the biggest Cowboys Fringants fan I know and to all those who, like me, sing the lyrics when the music plays, my deepest condolences. One… pic.twitter.com/RMzaQSAAJb

– Sébastien Goulet (@SebGouletTVAS) November 15, 2023

Hi Karl!

– Maxim Lapierre (@Lappy14) November 15, 2023

Modern Quebec flies its flag at half-mast. Cowboys fringants singer Karl Tremblay has died of cancer. https://t.co/qMu3vNouFu

– Antoine Deshaies (@antoinedeshaies) November 15, 2023

All of Quebec is in mourning today.

Sincere condolences to Karl’s family and many friends, including @fecorbinRDS https://t.co/chwTCPPfs4

– Luc Gelinas (@LucGelinasRDS) November 15, 2023

On behalf of DLC and myself, I’d like to join in all these tributes to a true monument to Quebec music. Karl Tremblay was an outstanding figure who left his mark on a ton of Quebecers, and it’s a huge loss for the province today.

Our condolences go out to the members of the group, Karl’s family and all those mourning his passing today. I’m one of them, and I know I’m not the only one.

Here’s hoping Karl continues to be our shooting star, because today it’s America that’s mourning his passing. His music, on the other hand, will be immortal, as will the moments he shared with us throughout his career.

Extension

The Montreal Canadiens have not yet reacted to the singer’s death at the time of writing, but I have a feeling they will do so shortly.

And I have a feeling that he will rightly be entitled to a moment of silence at the team’s next game at the Bell Centre.