For thirty years the Tragically Hip has amassed a long list of staples in popular music like New Orleans is Sinking and In View. Having repeatedly toured Canada, they are the quintessential Canadian band that has earned accolades worldwide for their albums and live shows. Their February 9th concert at the Saddledome featured their 1992 album Fully Completely in its entirety.
The concept of playing an entire album, whether the latest release or a classic album isn't new. Only a few weeks ago Bryan Adams played Reckless in it's entirety and bands from The Smashing Pumpkins to Our Lady Peace have done similar shows. Choosing their biggest album featuring songs like At The Hundredth Meridian and Courage (for Hugh MacLennan) is a wise choice. The thousands of fans that filled the seats at the Saddledome were ready to relive the classics.
The Hip have a reputation as a live band. I've only seem them once prior, headlining 2008's Virgin Festival, but was excited to see the band again. It's a Canadian thing to do and most music fans over the age of 25 have probably seen them live at least once. The V-Fest show was great, which is why 7 years later the performance of singer Gord Downie was somewhat shocking. Known for his charisma, jerky movements on stage and being somewhat crazy, what I learned at this show was the quality of his vocals has pretty much disappeared. He spent more time shouting the lyrics then singing, and one friend commented that it was like William Shatner was covering the band. It was at times painful to listen to.
But the audience seemed not to care. Fueled by beer, pot, and just a love of the band they sang along (as much as they could when Downie was frequently off rhythm) cheered, stood and stomped along. There is no doubt that Downie is still a captivating showman and fascinating to watch. The rest of the band – guitarists Paul Langlois & Rob Baker, bassist Gord Sinclair and drummer Johnny Fay – were tight. Instrumentally the show was spot on.
Whether a casual fan or a multi-time Hip concert-goer, we were there for the hits and they came one after another – no banter from Downie during the set. From the opener Grace, Too to the multiple familiar Fully Completely tracks like Looking For A Place To Happen and Fifty-Mission Cap there as familiar single after familiar single. It speaks to the length of their career and how many hits the band has amassed that songs like My Music At work didn't make the set. The show wrapped up with Bobcaygeon, Nautical Disaster and Little Bones.
Was the Tragically Hip a good show? To me personally, no. But it doesn't seem to matter. Whether it is respect or just rabid fandom people overlooked the screamed vocals and just rocked out. Which ultimately seems to be very Canadian.
Just like the Tragically Hip.
