The Tragically Hip

I've seen the Hip at least 30+ times over their illustrious career in some spectacular venues; theaters, fields, islands, theme parks, bars and ballrooms.

The band opened with Grace Too and I was a bit concerned that it might be another of those shows where front man Gordon Downie seems more intent and interested in entertaining himself (and with complete artistic license ignore all vocal cues) rather than allowing us to sing along. The band was tight and kept surging on, like a well maintained freight train dragging him along with them. They were masterful.

The crowd continued to sing along as best we could, and after 3-4 songs, it seemed that a happy medium was found and we all started singing together. (And I get it… he’s been singing these same great songs for 20 years. Even something great needs a spit shine or new coat of paint after 20 years lol, I empathize with Gordon’s plight, but damnit, I, and from what I could see almost everybody else there go to the shows to belt it out with them!)

When the band began their journey through the Fully Completely album and it was there and then that I was reminded (again) at how good of a band the Hip really are. 30+ years of playing together, listening to each other, learning their instruments and each other.

They were on fire on February 6, 2015.

The show brought me back to those full moon July/August nights for Roadside Attraction’s or Great Canadian Parties, when the album was brand new and the band was bringing it… when they wouldn’t shut it down at 11pm and probably got a noise ordinance violation! Such a great album with so many great memories, so many great songs!

I’m so glad I went! (again lol)

The energy of the crowd was amazing as was Gord's energy. Yeah, he didn't do as many dance moves as he has at past shows but he definitely didn't come across as someone who is dying from inoperable brain cancer.

It was an emotional night for many including Gord and his band. A few times during the show, Gord looked like he was about to cry and a few tears may of escaped from him, his band and people in the crowd.

And, the people in the crowd definitely love Gord and the Hip! During the concert, a Canadian flag was passed through the crowd showing our support for Gord and the band as well as a journal someone had started for people to send messages to Gord in. Only in Canada would this happen, I believe.

And, yeah, I would have preferred more of the hits that my husband and I love especially Blow At High Dough for me and Nautical Disaster for my husband but how do you ensure the playlist you play for an audience in multiple cities resonates with everyone especially when you've got 30 years of music to choose from?

Looking at the playlists for previous Hip concerts during the Man Machine Poem tour, they covered a lot of the hits over the whole tour. So, even though they didn't play everything everyone would have wanted at the Hamilton concert, they played for 2.5 hours with one 10 minute intermission and that's darn good for someone I'm sure isn't feeling 100% these days.

Personally, I just feel so honoured that Gord who could have just as easily decided to stay home and get ready for the inevitable next stage of his life decided instead to tour one more time.

As my note in the journal for Gord said, "we love you, Gord and you will be missed".

The Tragically Hip - so hip, in fact, that their fans often just refer to them as The Hip - are perhaps a little long in the tooth these days to genuinely be as down with the kids as their moniker suggests; they celebrated their thirtieth anniversary last year, although you can at least credit them with showing no signs of slowing down as the years roll by. They’ve pretty much stuck with the same lineup, too, over the course of an illustrious career that’s seen them meet with massive success in their homeland of Canada; eight number ones albums, two certified diamond, and a further nine to have gone platinum, too. That they’ve failed to come anywhere close in the U.S. is proof that there really is a divide between the North American nations after all. Needless to say, they tour Canada prodigiously, bringing career-spanning sets to their countrymen and women; their 2013 tour had them playing for two hours each night on average, with flashy light shows eschewed in favour of really allowing frontman Gordon Downie really interact with the crowd; he’s a dramatic performer, with his agitated dance moves really speaking to the fraught nature of the Hip’s songwriting. Last year, they made a quick stop in Europe, too, selling out a show at London’s KOKO; far more intimate a venue than they play back home, of course, but no less loving that night in June, either.

I'm not a major Hip fan, but I enjoy live music and I was excited to see an iconic Canadian band live. Heard great things about their performances from past shows... they sold out right away, added more shows, etc.

Well, I'm sorry I bought into the hype.

No opening act.

Started an hour late (alcohol sales ended before they showed up).

Probably the most boring concert I have ever been to. No interaction with the audience. May as well listen to an album. Other artists do 1:45 long sets and you think it was too fast...this one I was waiting for it to be over. I think they would be awesome in a small intimate venue, not an arena, or at a festival. Sorry that I missed them at Rock The Shores then.

A few neat effects on stage, but they didn't even utilize some until the encore, some were in quasi-use state that made it hard to see.

And way too many crotch shots of Gordie. Just sayin'.

Ottawa: It was without a doubt one of the best concerts I've ever attended. We arrived early - 5 pm - and sat in the parking lot with Hip fans from Nova Scotia, upstate New York and PEI. Everyone was in a festive mood. Happy, singing having some cold beers. The concert did not disappoint. For an Ottawa crowd it was loud. It was one long prolonged singalong with all the great hits. Gord's outfits were outrageous and the cuts on the big screens to his face showed that he was clearly in his element. As 20,000 listened he talked about playing to rooms of 15 then 24 then back down to 17 in Ottawa. But it was a fast paced show and had driving musical force. The band mates hugged each other and there was a clear love on the small stage and between loyal fans and the band. A sad, bitter sweet event that did not disappoint.

A roller coaster of emotions last night. The Elation of getting to see my favourite band for the 25th time. Devastation at the knowledge that it will be the last time I will see them playing together. Incomprehension at how someone so full of life can be dying. A feeling of awe; at the man, the courage, the incredible bond between the band, the roaring crowd, the incredible love, the comforting music, the belted-out lyrics. But mostly gratitude for the music, the memories and the opportunity to say goodbye. We love you Gord, Gord, Paul, Rob and Johnny.

Once Gord Downie appeared on stage, the entire arena lost it. There was tears, applause, laughter, and a surreal realization that this was it.
The Hip did what they're best at, played their hearts out and let us (fans) say goodbye. It's a show I will never forget and will never take foregranted.
If you were there then you know the magic.

The Tragically Hip Man Machine tour is forever etched in my mind as one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I, literally, grew up with this band and have the highest regard and respect for each and every one of them In terms of performance, they gave their all and it was stunningly beautiful.

Great as always! Gord's finding his groove and getting better with each show. At this rate he'll be tired as f$&@ by the time their penultimate Kingston show rolls around, but sounding great. Definitely catch a show on this tour, no matter what you have to do!

Wow! What else can I say. The Hip came and gave everybody exactly what we needed. Emotional, Euphoric, and a show by Canada's band that will stay with me for a long time! looking forward to their next show on Saturday!!