I could list a good 40 or 50 songs by that band that I feel are just pure genius. Hip lyrics, like the lyrics in Neil's best songs, were enigmatic and often dark. Gord's stream of consciousness ranting during shows is something to behold. If you never saw them perform, find some concert footage on Youtube. I saw The Hip four times in concert and they were my absolute favorite live band. I am not Canadian but music from The Tragically Hip was played a lot on Windsor, Ontario stations (89X and 97.1 The River) whose signals were easily received on our Detroit radios. I didn't personally know the guy but I'm sure we've all experienced that thing when someone you appreciate is taken away too soon and the world becomes a little dimmer. His death has left a legit void in my life. It's been almost two years without Gord Downie now. Neil became a favorite of mine in the 80s when as a teen I discovered his music and The Hip followed a decade later. I printed out and framed that photo of Neil & Gord and now it's in my living room. Even through his terrible illness, Downie remained active in helping our Native people. There is a great concert/cause to raise money for Leonard Peltier, another injustice that has not been righted, on Novemeber 6th in Tulsa (Kris Kristofferson and many others).
Unfortunately Canada and the United States have a horrible history regarding our treatment of Native people. He made a great documentary last year - "The Secret Path". His commitment to Native Canadians was amazing. We are all much richer for having known him. Gord's impact on the world is immeasurable. He cared deeply for his fellow Canadians and stood with indigenous peoples for justice. His lyrics and live performances were sublime.
#Gord downie young free#
Glad Gord & Neil got a chance to rock the free world together.
The connection between the music created by these two is too great to be ignored. I wish Neil would tweet on this Canadian songwriting genius to show us that he is at least aware of the importance of Gord Downie to music and to Canada. And something Neil and Joni will likely not see should they ever pass on, no matter how 'Canadian' their songwriting is. The status Gord has achieved as a symbol OF Canada is something that likely has no equal in America. Two bands that have always maintained their guitar heavy sound and never once straying towards anything cheesy. And I find The Hip as a band are the most similar to Crazy Horse.
I find Gord to the most similar songwriter to Neil Young, in the way he turns events into abstract imagery. It's been a pleasure doing business with you. The only comment thus far on Gord Downie is from Syscrusher:
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