first time hearing The Tragically Hip - Grace, Too (Reaction!!) 

The build? Wait for that DROP!

Rush was the band that Canada gave the world. We kept The Hip for ourselves ❤

CBC Canada paid $700 million for the rights to air the Olympics in 2016. On Sat Aug 20th 2016 CBC interrupted their broadcast of the Olympics for 3hrs with no commercials to cover the last concert of the Tragically Hip. 12 million Canadians tuned in to watch. Thats how much the Hip and Gord meant to us. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

Dude their library is wicked deep. Welcome Canada's best band in the last 25 years. RIP Gord.

I’m Indigenous Canadian so I say a very heartfelt Chi-Miigwetch to Gord for his work for our people and for sharing his beautiful music. Please check out the Gord Donnie and Chanie Wenjack Fund to learn more. For non-Canadians, it’s hard to fully express how much the Hip means to us. Our prime minister cried when Gord passed and yes, all FM radio played only the HIp for days in his honour. They were known for being regular guys while home in Kingston. Their music is poetic, historical and very Canadian. There’s something special about Grace, Too in particular that makes me emotional ❤️

When he screamed like that, dying of cancer, in his last goodbye, it was heart wrenching. He didn't want to leave and we didn't want him to go.

I'm legitimately curious how many Canadians have an emotional reaction listening to The Hip. I think so many of us have some memory tied to the band (for better or worse) which makes it so impactful to hear. I can think of so many good memories when they were playing in the background. I've tried explain them to many international friends but it's difficult to convey the emotion in words. Glad you got to hear it.

The day Gord died, October 17th 2017. "Canada closed. Death in the family"

During their last concert, the last time Canada saw the Hip play live, Pearl Jam was playing in Chicago. Eddie Vedder took time to address the crowd and let them know that the Hip was currently on stage, for the last time, in their home-town, Kingston, Ontario. The local junior hockey rink was packed (6.7K), and they simulcasted the concert in the town's Springer Market square (2500' west of the arena) to 25 000 people on a massive screen. The CBC broadcast the entire concert (the Hip always had Springsteen-esque epics of 3+ hours) to 11.7 million Canadians. That's over a third of our population. He ended the second of 3 three-song encores with Grace, Too. He cried and screamed forever at the end of the song, and an entire country witnessed a man confronted with his imminent death and the pain of leaving his family, friends, and the country he embodied in everything he did. I cried and screamed, too. We will never recover from the loss of Gord Downie.

When Canadians listen to the Hip, we teleport. To a lake up north, to a cabin in the mountains, to sitting around a campfire with family or friends. The Hip is in our DNA.

During their final show, when Gordie broke down while singing this song, I broke down along with 12 million other Canadians....

When Gord hit the scream in the breakdown of this song in his last concert in there hometown of Kingston it was the most powerful moment I’ve ever witnessed in music history.

I am 31 from Buffalo, NY and they are my all time favorite band. Seen them 6 times. They are so good and underrated in the US. Amazing and deep catalog. RIP Gord.

I work at a small airline, and I once boarded Gord, and said, "sorry, this plane is going to Newark, not Bobcaygeon". It elicited a laugh from him. This is before the world found out about his illness. I am glad I made him smile even for a small second.

“If I die of vanity, promise me, promise me if they bury me some place I don't want to be, you'll dig me up and transport me, unceremoniously away from the swollen city-breeze, garbage bag trees, whispers of disease and the acts of enormity and lower me slowly and sadly and properly and get Ry Cooder to sing my eulogy”

Every gen x watching this reaction video is screaming every time you stop the song to react 😂. This song is ingrained in muscle memory, not to mention the emotional response to the memory and the Hip’s last concert.

Your next Hip tune should be Wheat Kings. Amazing tune with a story.

Oh man, you are going to get a lot of us Canucks cheering if you get into them. They are so Canadian it hurts - when we see The Hip, we see us. RIP Gord, truly one of a kind.

I'm a Canadian metalhead so my whole life I've thought they were over-hyped... But I'm biased, it's art. I will say that, no word of a lie, NEW ORLEANS IS SINKING is an ABSOLUTE god tier banger of a song and, even if you hate the band, that shit will GROOVE YOU. RIP GORDIE... You dominated Canadian Radio for 30+ years for a reason.

I'm from France and listening to the Hip for almost 30 years. My favorite Hip tune is "At the Hundredth meridian", a good candidate for a future reaction.

I know this is 11 months later but as a born a bred Canadian we thank you. Our band always. Deserved more credit across the border. Cheers my man

The greatest Canadian band ever. You picked a great song to start with. RIP Gordie! We are fabulously rich for having known you.

Canada sincerely thanks you for featuring the Hip and for your kind words. They are not only rock royalty in this country, but beloved by a whole country. Their music became the anthem to parties, 5am drives to hockey practice, and lazy Sundays eating pancakes. It’s next to impossible to listen to much of their music without tears in our eyes, a heavy heart, and a smile, all at once. Those fortunate enough to be a part of their final tour shared in a life changing experience. Once again, thank you for taking the time to listen. Hope Grace, Too is just the start of your journey with the Hip.

im 66 years old and never heard of this band , they are amazing and I want to here more

"Ahead by a Century" You need to hear it. #1 in my book

For anyone If this is your first Tragically Hip listen welcome to an endlessly rewarding journey . Keep going

I looked up to the GORD above and said hey man thanks. The Tragically Hip will never die.

Rush and The Hip are Canadian Rock Royalty...Anything by the Hip is amazing.. ...my fav ...Bobcaygen

52 year old Canadian here and Hip Fan forever. I took his death so hard I couldn't listen to them for a few years. Their catalogue is so deep and so Canadian. They represent the best of us. RIP Gordie.

“Armed with will and determination and grace, too”. RIP Gord

They are Canada’s garage band, cottage band, Long weekend band , tavern band, club band, fairground bands and big stadium band.

I first saw them in 1987 in Kingston Ontario. I carried the Hip with me on two tours of Bosnia and almost a year in Afghanistan. They were "home". One night by a fire stove in Banja Luka a friend and I listened to the album Fully Completely while drinking our two beer limit and talking hockey. We were swept home for the briefest of moments. I saw them live after every deployment and their last tour of Canada in 2016. Gord had been diagnosed with brain cancer and they wanted “one last go”. “New Orleans is sinking”, “Locked up in the trunk of a car” and “At the Hundredth Meridian” are deceptively layered musically and lyrically brilliant. Thank you for the reminiscences. Welcome to the Canadian musical rabbit hole, which will likely include Rush and the Guess Who.

I live in Oklahoma and I've been a tragically hip fan since the 80s. "Up to Here" is my favorite album of theirs, and although there are a lot of good songs on the album, my favorite is "New Orleans is sinking"

Well, I’ve just had my horizons expanded. I’ve never listened to them before, but that has now ended. Loved this song, everything about it.

My wife and I (from Indiana) are in Orillia this weekend for a concert. I just randomly came across this video while sitting in the hotel room. Looks like I know whose catalog we'll be exploring on the drive home tomorrow. Serendipity is a beautiful thing.

I played hockey with him in a Hockey for Heart tournament, he was our goalie. Went for beers after he was the most real guy going. He really listened and engaged in the conversation. One of the highlights of my life.

I was watching SNL many years back and Dan Ackroyd was the host. A fellow Canadian and friend of the band he requested they be the musical guests. They did Grace Too and I was home alone and had no skill at recording but they were all I could talk about for so long. I happen to LOVE Canada and Canadiens and of course The Tragically Hip. I was devastated at Gord's diagnosis and I was watching when the Native People of Canada honored him with their tribal colors, hatband and blanket and made him a member of the Native Nation. He was crying, I was crying and I know everyone in the Great White North was crying. I was also watching just after he died when Canada proclaimed a holiday in his honor. The coverage switched from pub to pub across the country where all were filled and everyone was drinking, singing and crying. People too young to drink were sitting on sidewalks where their music played through speakers everywhere. I've never witnessed ANYTHING like it before or since. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful and exceptionally talented man. I never saw them live unfortunately but was told they played every show as if it was the last. The energy and excitement radiated to every single person in the audience and they didn't want the night to end. I'm so glad you heard this, MY personal favorite TTH song.

As a Canadian watching their final concert was heartbreaking. I sang the songs like most Canadians and cried knowing that Gord was dying and he wasnt going to create anymore music. He was a true talent! I have so many favourite songs from The Hip but New Orleans is sinking was my go to song at the bar for dancing.

I heard Gord describe his vocal style once as "imagining rats are biting my ankles", and it always stuck with me. RIP Legend.

On Aug 20 2016 Canada closed for the evening while we all watched Gordie and the boys play their final concert for the country. It was amazingly beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time as Gord said his goodbyes to us all and we to him. ❤🇨🇦

RIP Gord! Every gen x canadian has a special part of their heart for the Hip. They toured hard through Canada every summer. I bet I seen them 20 times live.

I've heard this song hundreds of times and it still gives me chills.

Bobcaygeon is another classic 'Hip tune. They are ingrained in Canadian culture now. RIP Gordie, you were the soundtrack to my youth.

Summer time drives with the Hip playing on the radio. Any Canadian that was around in the 90s can relate. RIP Gord. A true Canadian Legend.

Hip embodied what it is to be Canadian. They sang about this country, loved it, breathed it, and we felt it. If Canada were a feeling.... the Hip is it. Backdrop to our lives. RIP Gord... forever 🙏

In Gord We Trust. Not just a slogan….it’s an anthem. IYKYK

Birmingham Alabama here, I was lucky enough to have seen this band 3 times. One of my favorite songs by THP is, "Nautical Disaster". Give it a listen, thx.

Here in Canada, this band is everything!! We love them, when Gord Downie passed, the whole country hurt😢, they are very special to us, and they rock🤟

29 years after it was released, this track still gives me goose bumps even after listening to it thousands of times.

"The Tragically Hip is the soundtrack of my youth. I first heard them in a coffee bar in a small town in the Netherlands when I was just 14 years old. The barkeeper, a huge fan, introduced me to their music, and he ended up infecting a whole generation with 'The Hip,' creating a group of friends that is still together to this day. I’m still grateful that he made us aware this band existed. Over the years, I went to plenty of their concerts in the Netherlands, and it was always a massive crowd. Their live shows were incredible, with an unforgettable energy that came from being surrounded by people who felt just as connected to the music. The Tragically Hip will forever hold a place in my heart, shaping memories that will last a lifetime."

It’s criminal more people don’t know about The Tragically Hip. So many bangers.

American Hip fan here. They are my favorite band of all-time. Been a fan since their SNL appearance where they played Grace, Too and Nautical Disaster. Grace, Too is an excellent entry point for the band. Welcome, Polo, and RIP Gord

I’m an Aussie who was introduced to the Hip in London 1990 by a couple of Canucks. Saw them live there with about 30 people in the crowd. The slower songs are fire, but they can rock the hell out also. So many great songs…lifelong fan.

As an American that has never lived in a border town, I only recently discovered the Hipp. They are AMAZING - I love them!

They performed this on SNL in 1995. Epic. RIP GORD ❤

I never knew Gord Downie personally, but I felt like I did. The Hip was the soundtrack to a lot of our lives. Such an underrated band to the rest of the world. RIP Gord🇨🇦❤❤❤🇨🇦

Gord always said that it wasn’t a Tragically Hip song until every band member added something. You can really hear it in this track. 🇨🇦❤️

Welcome to our secret national treasure. In Gord We Trust.

I got goosebumps and tears hearing this… again. I’ve been to about 30+ of their shows in US and Canada including last tour. I am Canadian and this is our Music

I have never heard of this band until now. Freaking amazing! Thank you for the reaction and for giving me something new to listen to!

Gord Downie researched each song extensively. His lyrics are poetry and history, perfectly intertwined. When he died, we were all heartbroken. There's an amazing documentary about the band and their final tour called "Long Time Running" which is also the title of one of their songs. I couldn't get myself to watch it for at least a year after his death, but I'm glad I finally did. Rest in Peace Gord.

The music is such a huge part of our culture. Honestly the day Gord died I felt so upset... I called a couple buddies late at night but it was a work night nobody answering... Was a real windy day up in Lake Erie, I was just about five minutes walk from Nickel Beach So, I went for a walk on the beach with my dog and felt so much emotion, I had to just feel something Even though the water was cold, october water, I felt free, so I dove in head first. I swam around and yelled at the stars and moon just because I could! Swam around with my dog in that stormy water Put my clothes back on and walked home... Felt free ever since. It was a feeling that only happens once in a lifetime And my dog never judged me for it :)

I'm not Canadian, but I've been a huge Tragically Hip fan for years. They have such a great catalog of amazing music. Sophisticated music and lyrics in nearly every song. One of the coolest things about their music is the variety. Some killer jams like Poets or Little Bones then some mellow cerebral stuff like this or Bobcaygeon, not to mention the history lessons in lots of their stuff. I'm so glad you dug into this and appreciate it. Great Reaction!

Wheat Kings is my all time favourite Tragically Hip song. Used to put it on the juke box at my old sleezy dive of a pool hall and when those loons echoed through the building it sent shivers down your spine and the room went silent....that isnt just a song, it's an experience....

Now imagine the emotions when you’ve admired them your whole life and you’re seeing them live knowing it’s the last time you’ll ever hear him sing. God bless Gord. One of the most emotional moments of my life. He could have easily spent his final days with his family but he gave it to his fans. I’ll never forget.

Tears flowing freely! RIP Gord❤

The performance of this song during that last concert on the CBC absolutely broke my heart and every time I listen to this track it makes me sob. We miss you, Gord. 💔

I'm jealous watching him experience this for the first time. Such a great song, it sends tingles down the spine!

When they performed this song in their finally concert, even though Gordie couldn't maintain his old ability to sing, the power and performance made me cry. The HIP were there for every part of my life (i'm 49) and was my solace when when my wife got cancer and subsequently passed. POLO, thank you for respecting the song and validating the HIP. 💌

American here. Never lived in Canada. Fell in love with the band when my girlfriend (now wife of 32 years) bought a copy of Road Apples. Have loved them ever since. Thank you for all the great music. Love you.

Kudos to whoever recommended the band, never heard them described better.

The WORLD stood still. I live in the US, but close enough to Canada that the HIP had a LOT of fans here. Hard to explain the HIP to anyone. Just a bit beyond. I watched the last performance and wept mightily along with the world.

As a British immigrant to Canada I have to say that the Hip are probably the only thing that make me feel culturally comfortable

Canadian Gospel right here.

The Hip is and always will be the greatest band 99% of the world never knew.

Most of my friends and family (including me) called in sick to stay home and watch the Hip’s final concert on CBC. It was absolutely one of the most important moments in Canadian music history.

Gord is a national treasure who will never be forgotten, so glad you enjoyed Grace, Too. Welcome to the wormhole!!

When you said they give you "that Tool feeling" I nearly wept. The Tragically Hip and Tool are the two bands that have carried me for the last 35 years

I used to go to Canada to party on the weekends in the early '90s. This band was everywhere.

First time I ever heard them was in drafting class (sometime between 92-93). I was 16 or 17. Our teacher was a huge fan and he made fans of all of us in the class. RIP Gord ❤️

This band is amazing. They have too many great songs to even count.

Thanks for watching this was amazing please be sure to like the video on your way out. Support the show here www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts 🤞🏾

Their last concert was broadcast live by the CBC (national broadcaster). 1/3 of Canada's population watched it live. The Olympics were on at the time and the CBC had the broadcast rights, and advertising income that came with it. They pre-empted the Olympics during prime time to broadcast the concert live, with no commercial interuptions. Thats how big of a deal they were to Canada.

When I was 4, at our camp in the summer of 1969 the Apollo mission landed on the moon. It was on the news. My dad plopped me down in front of the TV and said “just watch this. It’s important.” Fast forward many decades. I’m now the dad and my kids are with me in the same camp and the last Hip concert is on TV. I put my kids on the floor in front of the TV and said “watch this, it’s important.”

Yay love the Hip!!! In Canada we ALL listen to it...starting in high school we'd listen to every song in our cars and know every word🙏🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰

Check out the new Hip documentary "The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal." It's an amazing journey. These guys played a major role in the lives of many Canadians and beyond. RIP Gord.

I grew up near Canada, with a lot of Canadian radio and TV, and the Hip have been one of my favorite bands for decades. "Grace, Too" has been my introduction for lots of friends who have fallen in love with the band, and and there's so much other great stuff out there. Word of warning, though: the last performance of this track at their final show, when singer Gord Downie knew he was dying of brain cancer, is a very tough watch. Not because it's not a good performance - it's great - but because it's so unbelievably raw and emotional.

Their last show was nationally broadcasted and many of us got together for a viewing party. We set up a projection screen and blasted the last show, still one of the greatest weekends of my life.

I was in the fifth row for their last ever concert when Gord was sick. Honour of a lifetime. I sang every word with him cheering and screaming love and appreciation. Canada thanks The Hip! ❤️🇨🇦

When The Hip played their last show with Gord the stats apparently showed that 1/3 of Canadians tuned in. That’s roughly 10.1 million people. 10.1 million people rarely agree on anything. But that’s THE HIP.

One of my favorite bands! I was fortunate enough to see The Hip at small venues in Tucson multiple times and they never disappointed. In fact, they’re among the best live bands I’ve ever seen and I’ve been to hundreds of concerts. I got to hang out with them backstage several times and have signed posters and ticket stubs. Please try Locked In the Trunk of a Car, Three Pistols, New Orleans Is Sinking, Poets, Nautical Disaster, Ahead By a Century, 38 Years Old… Geeze I could go on. America didn’t get them for whatever reason but I was a really into them! Their first five albums or so were really great. 🖖🏼

I grew up in Northern Minnesota in the 80's. The Hip were on the local rock radio station out of Fargo, in heavy rotation from the day "Up To Here" came out. Been a fan ever since. You mentioned his "ad libs" in this song, you really need to hear some live recordings of their stuff. Gord had an amazing free style ability with lyrics and nonsense. He really could become a one-man-show at times during the concert. I had the chance to see them live 5-6 times over the years, and they never disappointed the fans. Once got to see them in Spokane, WA, then two nights later on the pier overlooking Peugot Sound in Seattle while the sun set behind them. It was a great way to celebrate our 4th Wedding anniversary!

I've never heard of these guys before, I love discovering new music through your channel

Most of us stream, but The Hip have never left our play list. They have such a history up here. Thanks for listening. ❤❤❤❤

A National Treasure in Canada. Love them....RIP Gord Downie

As a canadian from the great white north this is some amazing music for you to check out from our Hip ..New Orleans is sinking, At the hundredth meridian,Boots or hearts….great stuff Thank you to the view who sent this song in! ❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦 RIP GD

Up to Here, Road Apples, Fully Completely, Day for Night are all phenomenal albums...RIP Gord

Before "Rush" "April Wine" "The Tragically Hip" there was "The Guess Who".... who opened the ears of the world to Canadian Rock & Roll.

Having grown up as The Hip were rising, for them to be my first big show, and to watch the last show from home, all of us unified in love and grief, it was a real joy to watch you bear witness, Polo. Thanks for doing this. I was truly moved to watch as you discovered this part of our soundtrack in the Great White North.

Scene them several times, from a 100 seat bar to 10000 in the dome. I can tell you, Gord never left a show until he was emotional unable to continue. He POURED it out every show. You feel their music when they play.