were simply too Canadian to make the kind of impact in the U.S., and that die-hard fans and proud Canadians are perfectly happy with that. I once read that the Hip was the greatest band to never make it in the United States and I agree with the assessment, especially with the fundamental conclusion that Downie and Co. There aren’t many entertainment acts or entities that can claim as much of a nation’s identity and conscience as The Tragically Hip, in the embodiment of Gord Downie, can. Go ahead and try to find a Canadian who doesn’t at least have a passing knowledge of Gord and the Hip- I’m not saying they’re not out there, but good luck finding someone in that great country to our north who hasn’t at least been touched in some way, shape or form by the Hip’s music, or who is completely unable to recognize Downie’s signature lyrical stylings and vocal sound. Downie was once a pretty decent hockey goalie before he traded in the pads for a guitar and chance to transcend the aspect of being a simple entertainer- be it a professional athlete or musician- by becoming one with the social fabric of Canada. But no, I liked the Hip long before I learned of that neat connection, not to mention that Mr. It makes sense that I would be a fan of the proud Kingston, Ontario-native rock band The Tragically Hip because, after all, the band’s frontman is Harry Sinden’s godson and a lifelong Boston Bruins supporter. The band released a statement today and those of us who loved the Hip are now left to deal with the emotions of news that was expected, yet unexpected, in that nothing really completely prepares you for that moment when you have to make a final goodbye. The man who made song called “Courage” famous, finally succumbed on Tuesday night to his long bout with brain cancer at the age of 53. Three simple words, and yet I struggle to convey the extent of how true they are in the aftermath of singer/songwriter/Canadian icon Gord Downie’s passing. Make no mistake- I am a proud American, but Canada owns a near and dear place in my heart- always has, always will. So, when I got the news of Gord Downie’s passing, I believed that there was no better way or platform for me to pay tribute to the man and band. So, here it is- probably nowhere near the best thing you’ll read about the Hip on this tragic day, but it’s from the heart. I’ve thought of ways to re-engage, but could never quite get the topics right, and the last thing I want to do is confuse people by posting subjects that lead folks to believe I’m still in the covering the Boston Bruins and prospects biz. What an amazing band and truly a poet of our generation.(Editor’s note- It’s been a while since I posted on the blog after my announcement about my work with the Omaha Lancers. It was in Bobcaygeon, I saw the constellations 'Cause that's what we thought married people doĬomplete with the grip of artificial chaosĪnd believing in the country of me and you" Not one ambition whisperin' over your shoulder When the little sensation gets in your way Isn't it amazing anything's accomplished? You held my hand and we walked home the long way "You said you didn't give a **** about hockey When the appearance of conflict, meets the appearance of force." "The secret rules of engagement, are hard to endorse. They didn't win another until 1962, the year he was discovered." The last goal he ever scored won the Leafs the Cup. Besides, no one's interested in something you didn't do." Twenty years for nothing, well that's nothing new. Maybe it's someone standing in a killer's place. "In his Zippo lighter, he sees the killer's face. With illusions of someday, cast in a golden light. So I'm a 24 year old American, but I've just discovered the Tragically Hip and I'm absolutely hooked, like, the expansive sound of blues and alternative and folk country and these lyrics, man:
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