The Tragically Hip have made a statement of claim against Mill Street Brewery as of February 9, 2021.
“100th Meridian Beer Has Nothing To Do With Us,” said an e-mail that went out to fans at 4 p.m.
“We want you to know we just started a lawsuit against Mill Street Brewery over their 100th Meridian Amber Lager.”
“We all know “At The Hundredth Meridian” was Gord Downie’s idea, not Mill Street’s,” states the e-mail.
Mill Street is a subsidiary of Labatt, which is owned by the large Belgian multinational brewer ABInBev.
The band states they have nothing to do with 100th Meridian beer.
“We knew there is some confusion out there, but we didn’t know how much until recently. It turns out that Mill Street Brewery has used our band name, our albums, and even Gord Downie’s picture on their social media in connection with their 100th Meridian beer. We weren’t happy that you, our fans, were being led to believe that by buying Mill St’s 100th Meridian Beer you were supporting us.”
Stating they tried to sort things out with Mill Street for months, but were unsuccessful.
“They didn’t take us seriously and were frankly disrespectful. We have been around for a long time, and have always been able to work things like this out without a lawsuit. Unfortunately, not this time. We took this step to clear up any confusion once and for all. We need you to know that you can always count on The Tragically Hip.”
Lead singer Gord Downie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2015 and died on October 17, 2017 at the age of 53.
The final concert for the well loved Canadian band was on August 20, 2016.
Downie passed away on October 17, 2017.
The statement of claim can be read by clicking here.
None of the facts have yet to be proven in court.
(photos of Gord Downie was when the Tragically Hip played at the Cobourg Community Centre)
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
