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Jack Layton's Death Inspires Tributes From Broken Social Scene, Billy Bragg + More

Jack LaytonAP

Jack Layton, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party and the country's Official Opposition, died Aug. 22 at his Toronto home after a battle with cancer. He was 61. Layton's sudden passing has rocked the nation, with musicians like Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew and more taking to Twitter to reflect upon his life and the amazing man he was (which you can get a sense from while reading his heartbreaking letter to Canadians, which he asked his partner and fellow NDP politician Olivia Chow to release if, in his own words, "I cannot continue").

"The mustache of hope has fallen," Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew tweeted. "On behalf of Canada.....thank you for trying so hard. RIP JACK LAYTON-go fight for the angels right now."

"A sad day, both for Canada and for those of us on the Left: Jack Layton, leader of the NDP has passed away," British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg tweeted.

"A very sad day for Canada," the Rural Alberta Advantage tweeted. "RIP Jack Layton, and deepest sympathies to Olivia Chow and family."

"RIP Jack Layton," the Cancer Bats tweeted. "Canada has truly missed out on what could have been a great Prime Minister."

"It was an honor to support Jack Layton over the years," the Barenaked Ladies tweeted. "He'll be sadly missed by all he served, and those who knew him. He was inspirational."

"Such horrible and sad news," singer-songwriter Steven Page tweeted. "I don't know what else to say. A friend, a leader, and a huge heart. #JackLayton."

"Jack Layton: sad to have him gone," the Dears' Natalia Yanchak tweeted.

"What to say....Terrible loss for all of us," Sarah Slean tweeted. "RIP Jack Layton."

"R.I.P. Jack Layton," the Most Serene Republic tweeted. "Canada has lost a great man."

"Rest In Peace Jack Layton, truly devastating," singer Louise Burns tweeted.

Watch Nardwuar vs. Jack Layton

"Shattered by Jack Layton's passing, he was #1 to everybody," Owen Pallett tweeted. "Love and sympathy to Olivia and the Layton family."

"RIP Jack Layton," Our Lady Peace drummer Jeremy Taggart tweeted. "A better fighter was never known. Long may you run."

"Jack Layton has died," Sloan guitarist Patrick Pentland tweeted. "A great loss for his family, and all Canadians. Now what do we do?"

"Sad to see you go Jack Layton," Billy Talent drummer Aaron Solowoniuk tweeted which the band retweeted. "You were the leader this country needed."

"Very very sad news of Jack Layton, rest in peace," Bedouin Soundclash singer Jay Malinowski tweeted.

Meanwhile Tegan and Sara asked fans to read Layton's final letter in a tweet that linked to the letter he penned. Sass Jordan also did the same thing via Twitter adding the letter was "dignified, beautiful and thoughtful."

Spinner will keep you updated as more artists respond to Layton's passing.


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