The Tragically Hip rose to prominence in the late 1980s with their blues-infused alternative rock, becoming a cornerstone of Canadian cultural identity in the process. Led by lead singer Gord Downie, whose evocative lyrics painted vivid portraits of Canadian landscapes and histories, The Hip struck a chord that resonated deeply with fans across the country. Fully Completely blends heartfelt storytelling with raw, driving guitar riffs. While they never achieved massive commercial success outside their native Canada, that only seemed to amplify their legendary status at home, where their music became a soundtrack for road trips, hockey games, and moments of national pride. As someone who worked in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks for four years it was clear the impact Downie and his bandmates had on the Canadian discourse– the boys would play their music in the locker room and I had more than a few conversations with Jamie Baker about how impactful their music had been on his life.
There’s maybe no better representation of this than their 2016 farewell tour. Lead singer Gord Downie had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and responded by spending the precious time he had remaining on this Earth in the only way he knew how— making music. The band played a 15-show run across Canada that culminated in a sold out show in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario and broadcast on CBC where millions tuned into to see the band play for the final time.
Standout Songs: “Courage (For Hugh MacLennan)”, “Lionized”, “Fifty-Mission Cap”, “Wheat Kings”
