In a way that I can't adequately express, The Tragically Hip and Gord Downie described what it is to be Canadian better than any music artist. Gord didn't write exclusively Canadian stories but wrote on universal themes with a voice that is uniquely Canadian. The nationwide outpouring of affection for him and the band on their bittersweet farewell tour is evidence of Canada's deep connection to and love of the band. The Hip never really attained a deep international appeal, so it's good to see you enjoying their indefinable music.
He was a showman. I went to a show at Hamilton Place, where the seating is fixed, and he walked out into the middle of the crowd on the backs of the chairs, singing the whole time. 😎
My formative years were in a border town with Canada and my musical interests were heavily driven by that. Rush are my #1, and TTH are my #2. The Hip are pure Canadiana and are probably revered more in Canada than Rush (?). I was lucky enough to see them live 3 times. Once in that border town where they filled a hockey arena with 12-14000 people and then twice more inland in the US in front of maybe 1500 each time. I so don't understand why they weren't HUGE in other places, they're so good.
You’re right. The Hip is vastly more celebrated then Rush here. Almost all of us can sing every song word for word. Look up Killer Whale Tank it’s one of their bootlegs. It’s a great version of New Orleans is Sinking
This is the fouth live Hip video I've seen Rory react to. I see your smile in those first reactions and it warms my heart ❤️. All four songs included lyric additions with Gord's scat rap style. Part of song 3 was actually included in the middle of the New Orleans Is Sinking (song 1) performance. The studio versions of these songs are much tighter with crisper vocal performances by Downie and are well worth the listen. However, they do miss the stage drama. I was lucky enough to see The Hip in 2013.
I am loving the fact that you are enjoying the Hip so much! I think you being a Brit you get the Canadian quirkiness. This is one of my favourite Hip songs. Cheers 🇨🇦
I think Gord picked up the guitar for a couple of songs every show to take a breather. As their shows got longer and longer he needed those breaks (who wouldn't?)
Gord said he liked the guitar partly because it allowed him to take a breather. If you watch he doesn't really add much beyond making the sound full. Pretty sure he keeps all the strings closed most of the time.
The Hip is the only band where I try to pick a favourite song, but then I remember another one, and another and so on. It’s almost impossible to have a favourite Hip song. Especially for Canadians lol.
