Gord Downie Tribute!
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“I left your house this morning” a lyric from The Tragically Hip’s “BobCaygeon” A song I thought of first when I woke up this morning to the sad news of Gord Downie’s passing at the age of 53. So how do we pay tribute to this artist who was a true Canadian, who’s voice and stage presence inspired and impressed so many?
I thought about this when I heard Kiss Morning’s Jason & Jen belting out The Hip tunes today. I decided another way to pay tribute was to bring in a special award that was presented to myself and former Kiss FM salesperson Wayne Buck. Back in 2002 we were approached by The Tragically Hip’s music label and asked if we thought a show in Vernon would work? The result, they played Sept 21, 2002 at the Vernon Multiplex, now known as Kal Tire Place. Sam Roberts opened up for them, but the fans were there for The Hip.
Personally, over the years I had the fortune of seeing The Tragically Hip about 8 or 9 times. The first time was in Fredericton, New Brunswick in the late 80’s. They played at the Club Cosmopolitan, a dance club, that became a mosh pit that night. For anyone who ever saw Gord Downie in person, they knew how much he got into his music, singing with his perspiration streaming down his face and body showing his love and commitment to his craft.
I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have seen the Hip at smaller venues before they became so popular and entered the bigger arenas. I also had the opportunity to meet Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip backstage in Kamloops in the 90’s. Gord was a bit reserved but did have a way of talking to his fans. Backstage at that show he wrote on my friend Brenda’ss ticket “You’re Ginchy”!
I think about seeing The Hip as a single gal, going with friends, taking my boyfriend (eventually my husband Curtis) to see them again in Kamloops, and finally in Kelowna, where we went to see them at the sold out Prospera Place with a friend who has also since passed.
I think about going into a vinyl record shop in 1987 and finding this cassette of this band called The Tragically Hip who weren’t known back then.
I took it home and played it over and over and went to college that week and played it for classmates who were then more into Guns N Roses. They thought I was weird for liking this band. This same group of classmates 2 years later were playing in a band and playing covers of The Tragically Hip. Andy Parks, the lead singer told me “We remember you bringing that music into the class, look where they’ve come now”. This song was on that cassette!
I think about Gord Downie’s family who were gathered around their father, husband, friend who passed last night. Hi passing resonates with so many of us on so many levels. Gone to soon!
Gord Downie you will be missed. Thankfully we have your music to listen to!
If you were to ask me what song is my favourite of The Tragically Hip, I would have a hard time answering. In my mind there are so many songs. Bob Caygeon, Wheat Kings, Twist My Arm, At The 100th Meridian, so many. Here are few memories of Gord Downie’s unmistakeable voice below!
What are your favourite Tragically Hip tunes? TALK or TEXT 250-545-7557, use the new KISS FM APP. Facebook, Instagram, email melanie.ohara@jpbg.ca, or use Twitter.
RIP in peace Gord Downie!
A reminder that Gord Downie’s Secret Path in concert airs at 6 PM PST this evening Sonday, Oct 22 on CBC. for more details click below.
Melanie.
