Tributes are still pouring in on social media the day after the national honors ceremony, which brought together 15,000 people at the Bell Center on Tuesday night and was viewed more than a million times via the Cowboys Fringants Facebook page, two weeks after the singer’s Death.
• Also read: A touching national honor ceremony for Cowboys Fringants singer Karl Tremblay
• Also read: “It’s like I’ve lost a brother”: Denis Talbot movesly pays tribute to his friend Karl Tremblay
• Also read: “Make noise for the last time for the one and only Karl Tremblay”
Many Quebecers, still moved by the departure of Karl Tremblay, continue to greet him on social networks.
François Legault, Premier of Quebec
During the evening, François Legault made it a point to post a message on social networks.
“Tonight we paid one final tribute to Karl Tremblay.
“Les Cowboys Fringants is one of the groups that has brought Quebecers together the most for 25 years. As a nation, we recognize ourselves in their songs. The wave of love we have experienced since Karl’s death is proof of this.
“It touches me that we are thousands of Quebecers who have gathered to celebrate his memory.
“My thoughts are with his partner Marie-Annick and their two children.
“Thanks to Karl and the Cowboys Fringants, thank you for everything.”
Pierre-Luc Brillant, musician and actor
The artist Pierre-Luc Brillant was also present at the Bell Center.
“Tonight was a very touching evening at the Bell Center to celebrate the memory of Karl Tremblay in excellent company.”
Mélanie Joly, Foreign Minister
Mélanie Joly also took part in the national honors ceremony.
“Today Quebec, Canada and the Francophonie mourn one of their greats. Karl Tremblay and his cowboys were important icons of Quebec society and nation. Karl’s legacy to the Francophonie is inestimable.
“I will never forget your performance this summer at the Festival d’été Québec. I had the opportunity to be there with some of my friends and talk to them a few minutes after the concert. Here is a short video clip of a sweet memory that I will cherish all my life. Have a nice trip, Karl.”
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, spokesman for Quebec Solidaire
“There is no space large enough to contain all the love Quebec has for Karl Tremblay. Thousands of us across Quebec are united in mourning his departure.”
A flood of tributes from fans
On the Cowboys Fringants Facebook publication, which live-streamed the ceremony and generated more than 31,000 comments, public figures and fans paid one last tribute to Karl Tremblay in the comments section.
The Montreal Symphony Orchestra, which took part in the national honoring ceremony, underlined the importance of this special evening: “Tonight we remember with gratitude the 10 extraordinary concerts we shared with him. Thank you for everything, Karl 💜.”
“Thank you very much for allowing us to be with you! We send you all our love!” commented actress Guylaine Tremblay.
Moderator Josélito Michaud also wanted to thank the Cowboys Fringants for this broadcast: “What a joy to follow this live!!!”
“All my love for you ❤️,” wrote singer Olivier Dion.
Fans were also on hand to pay a final tribute to Cowboys singer Fringants.
According to Louise Racine, Cowboys Fringants fan: “We are witnessing the birth of a legend! The musical work of Karl and all the Cowboys will live on forever in our hearts and our collective memory ❤️.”
“I remember seeing her outside at the University of Sherbrooke back-to-school show in 2000 or 2001. It was really excellent and there was a great atmosphere! I have very good memories of it,” commented fan Véronique Goudreau.
“You will always be my shooting star,” wrote fan Myriam Martel.
On November 15th, Karl Tremblay died of prostate cancer at the age of 47.