The Tragically Hip | CBC Music in Studio at the Junos: CBC Q Live

Gord, Rob, Johnny and Paul of The Tragically Hip sit down with Q's Tom Power for an exclusive interview about their career, their long-lasting friendship, the 2021 Juno Humanitarian Award and the loss of their friend and bandmate Gord Downie. #JUNOS
Subscribe to our channel! / qtv
Meet the artists you're talking about, and the ones you'll soon love. From music, TV and film to visual arts, theatre, and comedy- q is there. Expect deep insight and big surprises, because on q, arts and entertainment get personal. Visit www.cbc.ca/q for more!
Follow us on Facebook: / qoncbcradio
Or Twitter: / cbcradioq
Or Instagram: / cbcq
--------------------------------------------------
Discover more from the music world at: / cbcmusic

[@chantal2067]

When Tom said Gord Downie "had no reason to be nice to me," I felt that. I met Gord Downie at 1AM after he'd done a solo gig with the Country of Miracles back in 2010. I waited around after the show just in case, not expecting him to come out. He saw me and the three other fans waiting near the gate, he popped out and said, "Hey guys, give me like, fifteen minutes, I gotta clean up and I'll be out." We waited a half an hour, he walked out of the bus and spent an hour chatting with us about everything and anything. Middle of the night in Sudbury. He didn't have to do that, but he was so polite, gracious, and he was tired but luckily those other fans and myself were just happy to see and talk to him and we weren't hyper or full of big demands. The vibes were chill and good. We all thanked him for his time. He kissed the top of my head and thanked us all for coming out. I still think about that visit with him a lot.

[@sotampacane]

Wow. What a story and experience. Thanks for sharing

[@mgansworth78]

That is amazing what a beautiful human being he was !!

[@JGProductions6581]

I wish i was there. But I didn’t know who this band was until years after his death.

[@bchuntfish]

The Hip are more than a band of musicians. They painted a tapestry across this country of art, lyrics, and sound that penetrated the soul of many Canadians including myself.

[@lydiastevens-ackley1197]

my tears are sadness of thewr😢ongs done to all nations & tears of joy for understanding, recognizing the wrong & rights we have done ❤

[@TippiGordon]

I've been a Tragically Hip fan ever since "Blow At High Dough" made its way across Lake Ontario to my radio in Western New York when I was a kid. I saw them at the Fillmore in San Francisco in 2002, standing just a few feet from Gord Downie. I watched the last show on my laptop with my wife, who I introduced to the Hip by giving her a copy of Live Between Us on one of our first dates. They were and are as much a part of my life as any musical artist ever has been. This was a wonderful interview, and I hope we hear more from them, in interviews, musically, or otherwise.

[@jethro470]

Having Leslie play w The Hip was brilliant. Props to the engineers at CBC, they created very very good audio at the Juno’s . Ethereal and pure sound. The whole country needed that performance.

[@eddiejr540]

I feel sorry for all the people that never got to experience Gord Downie do his thing in a live show...absolutely one of the Greats....rock on my brothers!!!

[@la73sh19]

Still wish my son could see him live. Funny thing; back when he was just a toddler, his favorite song, from Mama's playlist, was, "Nautical Disaster." Now that he's 14, it's still his favorite! 💙

[@heatherwalker9776]

@@la73sh19 right. I grew up on the HIP. So of course my girls have been brought up around every HIP song possible. And it absolutely warms my heart to hear them choose the HIP on their own. The HIP is Canada and there will NEVER be another band or front man as the HIP. Gord is God,and Canada lost something real special when sir Gord left us.

[@josephtaylor3857]

Excellent interview, thank you for this. The greatest rock 'n roll band in the world. Period. To Mr. Fay, Mr. Baker, Mr Sinclair, Mr. Langlois and Mr. Downie (RIP): THANK YOU. From: a fan.

[@tothelighthouse9843]

It's so comforting to hear these guys just talk about their grief. I've felt out of place not being able to listen to the Hip anymore--the music hurts now, with Gord's passing, rather than heals the way it used to before 2016. It's just too painful to listen to. So I appreciate that these guys talk about having drifted too--discuss having lost the connection a bit, moving on & avoiding the music & the past because it hurts so much. It's a comfort to hear them talk about not being able to make it thru certain songs yet without crying. It's a relief to hear that they haven't thrown themselves into Hip projects because it hurts & just doesn't fit the way it used to. But it's also a joy to see them willing to take up their Hip mantle again from time to time. It's a thrill to hear their stories from the past, & to know that with each wander into the past it hurts a little but heals also. Time--the great stealer & the great healer.

[@hipaholic9444]

My son turned 21 yesterday - pregnant and visiting Victoria .....a little Tragically Hip song came across the radio (NOIS). My life hasn't been the same .....and now Saskadelphia. Love this band and these guys. Fabulous interview and so nice to see them together. As an American I raised my kids on all the Hip classics .....love it when they sing along. Grateful for the new album. Thank you .....I can't ever, never, ever get enough of the Hip.

[@civilape]

Road Apples is one of my fav album so to have extra songs from that era is fantastic, for me.

[@janetkizer5956]

The Tragically Hip were just wonderful that last show. I was watching TV here in Vancouver, and marvelling at how they were dealing with the situation. I was a mess, myself. ❤

[@1962RJP]

Man, what a heart warming interview. They (and I’m including Tom) are the best of us. I’m not crying, you’re crying.

[@MrSullyO]

Exactly.

[@wavywav7556]

Very touching interview. Heavy, hearing each of the guys talk about their grief, grieving and sense of loss.

[@markmalinowski9541]

Gratitude for bringing Saskadelphia back to us all. Gratitude for Tom Power bringing these stories and memories from Canada's band.

[@msmoniz]

Since I first heard and became aware of The Hip back in 1990, I've always loved their meat and potatoes rock and blues style, that still shone through even their most experimental songs, which I adore even more because they wanted to push themselves. But as a guitar player myself who tried for years unsuccessfully to start or join up with bands, what I've always admired the most and have been incredibly envious of is the friendship that the band has, which you could tell always came before the music. The music sprang out of the friendship, not the other way around. A true band of brothers, not just music business partners, that unfortunately, more bands end up being.

[@eddiejr540]

Agreed... well said!!!!!

[@Killenmachine05]

I was there in market square standing next to the mega screen they had set up when the band took the stage, I will never ever as long as I live, forget the feeling of the roar of that crowd, it still floors me to think about and makes my hair stand on end.

[@marcrobinson9771]

Thank you so much for this. It wasn't only in Canada that the boys were loved. I am proud to have followed them for the last 20 years.

[@JonesStreetMusic]

That's really cool. May this Canadian long-time Hip fan ask what country you're in/from? Very cool to know they weren't just beloved here at home in Canada.

[@davidadams2395]

@@JonesStreetMusic I don't know where Marc's from, but I am from the U.S., and I discovered The Hip in '89 in Dallas, TX, when I was twenty. I can't believe I've been a fan for 32 years, and they're sound never gets old.

[@la73sh19]

@@JonesStreetMusic, almost 30 years for me, here in Detroit.

[@schizo910]

@@JonesStreetMusic Dutchie here... Still love them! Went to Canada in 2018, visited Kingston too.

[@Johan_Asp74]

@@JonesStreetMusic I´m from southern Sweden, and I fell in love with the hip in 1992 (when I was 18). I got to see them at Roskildefestivalen (Denmark) in 1993. Their music has been a big part of my life since then, and still is! Not many people here know about them when I bring them up, but all the people I´ve played their music to over the years have said: Wow, how is this band not more famous, they´re amazing. Well, to me, part of the greatness is what they say... "Canadas best kept secret".❤

[@Tinclogs]

I went to Toronto at 21 from Ireland for 2 years, and had I not I would be one of the unlucky ones who will have never found this band. A true poet and ‘band’ in the purest sense. RIP Gordie amd thank you for the memories, time-out and feelings you gave me.

[@ericz339]

The Hip truly are the most underrated band when it comes to the US…. I cannot believe that they weren’t way bigger than they were. I’m from Buffalo so I feel it’s easy for me to say that but also, it is a true statement

[@danieldaniels7571]

I often feel like thier only fan in Arizona.

[@marcus_starr]

This interview is gold

[@Val_Halla777]

Wow.Great interview. Since Gord’s passing it’s been too hard for me to listen to them. I’m finally able to and for the last week I’ve been listening every day. Man, it’s great there’s so much live concert footage on KZbin..I can try and pretend Gordie’s not really gone.

[@mikelee7208]

Yep, same here, i still tear up

[@Martin-ol4uq]

Me too. 67 years old and I'm still broken by some of the tracks. It's taking time but it's going to be a while before I can listen to the whole Hip catalogue without misting up.

[@thejman7399]

So great to hear from these gentlemen and what an interview! Someone who understands what it means to allow their guests to speak their minds without interrupting. I could listen to their stories for hours, they have so many after living the lives they have. The loss of Gord Downie still affects them to their core, a testament of their love and bond with him. Just heart breaking and beautiful at the same time.

[@karynhall6075]

That was the best Tom, thanks so much for facilitating this wonderful conversation with the Hip. We will always love and remember this amazing group of musicians.

[@gilbertdueck4826]

Tragically Hip was with us so many nights driving around in our Hot Rods, Road trips, parties and many other events we had the Fully Completely album playing all the time, Thank you guys for making cool awesome meaningful music for us to enjoy, you guys never knew or met any of us guys from Southern Manitoba but you guys were our buddies for years growing up, Thank you for those times and thank you for sharing your last tour across Canada with all of us your fans and friends!

[@stacydornan9765]

Greatest Band to see live ever,saw them several times at Molson Park in Barrie,best days of my life on Canada day

[@chrisclare2689]

Molson Park shows were always the best!

[@harley1474]

That’s where my Hip fandom began as well. I was well into what was to be a huge shift in listening to CFNY ‘The Spirit of Radio’, 1985 onward. The station hosted and sponsored so many great live shows. The station was heavy in supporting CDN music👏🏻 Then of course, involved in the Canada Day events at Molson Park. 1989 was the first for me. I have a photo of a banner from the event in 1990 attached to a fence...wow! Tickets $5 from Pizza Pizza and 8 -9 bands, just unreal. I couldn’t believe The Hip, so into them and timing was incredible (the same age as Gord D). We really were blessed as plenty of bands up and coming within our own country. The Hip were incredibly supportive and as we know invited other bands to join them at shows and tours💜🤘🏻🇨🇦

[@RobinTrevorPike]

Listening to the "new" album...has brought back a LOT of memories. Then watching some of the videos on KZbin...so many emotions. A lot of us grew up listening to the Hip, seeing them live. They were the soundtrack of our youth. They were always there. They were our band. A Canadian band. It's been nice to re-visit the music, and hearing something new and fresh is beyond words. So appreciative of these guys. I saw them at least 10 times, and met them all (except Rob Baker) in the Fat Cat on George St. in St. John's, NL in 1996! I was there with a group of buddies and we were so pumped and enthralled. Gord Downie took the time to chat with us and even discuss lyrics. I miss him so much. Thanks Guys. Thanks Q.

[@ameliaterrell1953]

Grateful to hear from you guys. ❤ The Hip forever.

[@MATTA74]

I remember the first time I heard the HIP and the song was the Hundredth meridian and I have loved them for 28 years now!

[@danieldaniels7571]

That's the first song I ever heard from them, too. It was on a new music video compilation VHS tape and rocked my world.

[@debigilmour1873]

That is a good interview. The CD is great. Grew up in Kingston and was a fan as a teen. Met Gord Sinclair and Paul Langlois (twice). I have signatures and saw them in concert 3 times and have 5 shirts ( one signed). Even saw the documentary first night on the big screen.

[@MrSullyO]

Great job Tom on being earnest and keeping the flow going. Wonderful questions and honest responses from the guys. Hockey, beer and the Tragically Hip indeed. ⭐️

[@anne-mariel.6517]

Yes! Keeping it real the whole way through. Masterful interview. We’ll done, Tom! So grateful for the guys’ willingness to be so open and sincere. I hung to every word and facial expression.

[@Remedy613]

As always, fantastic interview. Thanks Tom.

[@dixienormous3262]

God I love these guys. They are the epitome of true Canadian integrity and musicianship. I could listen to this over and over, it's so interesting and nostalgic. True down to Earth gentlemen. I see Rob Baker from time to time on the streets and he will say hello. Thank you gentlemen for your legacy and RIP Gordie.

[@musingwithreba9667]

my eyes are leaking 😢 I miss Gord Downie and the Hip a lot.

[@klehtun]

this was so beautiful, loved being reconnected with these souls, thank you so much tom & all involved

[@stacydornan9765]

Loved By this Dude who Lived in Brampton the whole time I saw every Molson Park and To shows.Ledgends for Life RIP GORDIE

[@onelove1968]

When you listen to the HIP, you're not just listening to a band, you're actually listening to an entire country.

[@dd5921]

What a fantastic interview and collective Canadian carthartic experience. This interview was so well done and asked all the questions all Canadians are wondering about their band. I literally grew up with these guys since the 80’s, and am from Brandon Manitoba, and just for the record, these guys set the town on its ears when they came here and it wouldn’t matter when it was....saw them every time they came and I ve never experienced better concerts than theirs, never. Met Robby baker at the Toronto airport in 2019 and he was the best to talk to, true Canadian brother!! ll love these guys forever!! Peace out from the 100th meridian......

[@my80yearoldman]

Watched the entire concert, from Market Square. I can assure you it was packed! One of the best nights of my life!

[@kennethchartrand4251]

What an amazing interview...You can tell that the band still to this day is very emotional when they talk about Downie. Heck, I even re-watch that final Kingston show on BluRay 47 times so far and never ever get bored. They are without doubt my favourite band and yes: Beer/Hockey/Tragically Hip can't be more Canadian than that.

[@tredwmiche3442]

Real guys telling real stories. BRAVO

[@robbender4129]

What a captivating interview...hays off to Tom Power...hats off to CBC and foremost hats off to the guys...what a great bunch of fellows...they will live on forever✌️

[@robsmith4794]

Great interview and nice to see the boys out there again. When they shared their personal feelings about the Kingston show it brought back so many memories. I was lucky enough to be in attendance for that final show and will never forget the emotions.

[@anthonysilva5312]

Mad respect to Rush and those in their wake.

[@CrueMagnon]

I would love to see a one off, Tragically Hip concert honoring Gord Downie with a variety of Canadian singers taking turns at the mic. Especially giving Steven Page a bunch of songs.He could pull it off quite nicely.

[@danieldaniels7571]

I'm an American, but long time Hip fan, and do one hell of a Gord impersonation when I sing their songs at karaoke bars. I hosted for years at a bar in Old Town Scottsdale where many Canadians visited, and they'd always go nuts when I'd sing anything from The Hip

[@TrevorConnell]

Thank you so much for the inspiring and heartfelt interview. Simply fantastic!

[@fr9579]

WOW! What a great interview! Thanks Tom.

[@jb1934]

I've always liked Tom Power on the radio, CBC was lucky to find him and get him this show after the disaster it went through, but seeing a live interview done so exceedingly well is better still! I saw one of those concerts at MLG with Rush in 1991, still have the ticket stub. Much like Rush, these guys were successful because they were committed to a friendship as well as just a band. Such great music over so many years...

[@sotampacane]

Just splendid. I watched this once before but wanted to hear it again. Rob Baker was so candid and I felt his pain at the retirement response. It has to be tough. But what a career they had.

[@annettematisz46]

Thank you Hip for touching my soul!!! RIP Gord Downie ♥️😎🤘💥🙏

[@benjaminwheaton3481]

Thank you for this beautiful interview. The raw, beautiful emotions from this brought me to tears.

[@joyfuljourney6854]

Deep love!!! Tears in my eyes throughout the whole interview.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JGProductions6581]

It’s sad Gord didn’t make it to the interview cause he is still in heaven. RIP.

[@davehpratt]

There's a lot to love about these guys! In listening to them over this extended interview it became apparent to me they could have really benefited by getting together after Gord's death and grieving and playing and going through that together as well. It's a lesson we men could do well to learn from our women. And that perhaps doing more one off performances with various guest vocalists like this one with Feist could be a real win win for everybody.

[@Uncle_Dirt]

Learn from our women?

[@davehansford7677]

Great interview, Tom. It was great to hear from these guys. I don’t think I’d ever heard Johnny Fay interviewed before. I’m so looking forward to The Junos. Keep up the great work!

[@richardbullis8413]

Tom Power....fantastic interview and interview style!

[@boltonsteele]

I said, hey man, thanks. So good to hear you all again.

[@pty8s]

It’s periodically difficult as a pursuer of truth modern history and the turmoil of our generations starting out of the ‘60s. But the references of taking me from my daily activities immersed in a full day then quelling the storm of people that demand attention and then returning to the busiest days of keeping these days important to history dissecting the truth of good people. TY Tr.Hipsters. Gord and Neil, you two are responsible for refilling your seats and sounds abandoned.

[@robibanerji]

Love these guys as people and as a band.

[@emmaleechase613]

This interview is gold.

[@JayBuff19]

beautiful, thanks all!

[@ericshaw760]

This is so amazing. What a gift for us fans.

[@jenniferdyson4169]

Thank you so much these are greatest memories - love this band!

[@jf11111]

Thanks tom for great interview.

[@xo5042]

This is incredibly powerful. Thanks for posting.

[@CoolmoweeMusic]

This is great. Saw them so many times - but best was in the University of Calgary bar/lounge in 1989!!!

[@eugenea7886]

These guys are so cool. I love their speaking voices. Anyways, I was crying on the Go bus today listening to wheat Kings and fiddler's Green. Gord's voice is so powerful. Thank you, guys.

[@katherinemacdougall3490]

Amazing interview! Loved every minute!

[@jimrussell8376]

Great interview, thank you!

[@kamac8761]

Wow, that was great, thank you, Tom!

[@YardpigTSI]

What an incredible interview. Thank you! A+++ A1

[@klehtun]

cant wait to check this out on my day off

[@davemurchison6229]

Such great guys!

[@thedemonhunter805]

Awesome 👌 God bless the Tragically Hip Rest In Peace Gord Downie You are definitely the last of the uncut Gems 💎

[@ootbma1]

I am from Kingston and ñow living in LIverpool. I luv you guys!!!

[@Joe-mz6dc]

THANK YOU HIP!!!

[@CT0510]

This is a fantastic interview

[@chefjeff1366]

Johnny JUMPING to the defence of Manitoba @24:47 is as Tragically Hip as it gets

[@chefjeff1366]

then Gord absolutely THROWS Brandon, MB under the bus at 26:10

[@JimmysOldTimeRadioShow]

Savoured every moment. Beauty. Thanks...

[@cdigdawg]

Thank you for this!

[@stephaniemack5975]

Love u John. My partner is a drummer so I have a HUGE soft spot for men behind the kit.

[@paulagwhyte1720]

Whew, that was tough in spots, a lot of them but beautiful.

[@johntbd]

Super interview. Thanks

[@playa3214]

I must hear that Fiddlers Green demo.

[@Guetender35]

I hear ya

[@MrSullyO]

Exactly!

[@kamac8761]

Yes!

[@thejman7399]

Oh man, that would be incredible, up vote times a million!

[@MathieuLLF]

What a great interview

[@davedaveson100]

Road Apples is one of the greatest top ten albums of all time!!!!!!!!!!

[@jeffclem750]

Long live the hip.

[@aaronrogers8846]

Sure wish the boys would release their much music show from the misty moon in Halifax..classic

[@james-lt8ry]

There is or used to be a whole misty moon concert on here (youtube)

[@aaronrogers8846]

@@james-lt8ry I’ve got my original vhs copy on a hard drive, while it’s in great shape it be awesome if the band released it in blue ray quality. Cheers

[@james-lt8ry]

@@aaronrogers8846 agreed !

[@johnnyvain6919]

Impressive this documentary

[@benjameshowden]

Beautiful

[@gibbynik]

The Hip saved my life too Mr. Baker.

[@Guetender35]

I think Gord started that fire. Just to get the band together

[@eyeexaggerate7687]

Listening to this as opposed to watching it and I’ve noticed that Paul sounds a lot like Neil Peart.

[@garylarocca6901]

Canadians, and by extension the government are not listening to Gord Downie's final request. RIP

[@bbutler5090]

Which was what? Thanks

[@garylarocca6901]

Who cares...

[@emmaleechase613]

Thank you for mentioning that. So important. Canary in the gold mine for a lot of Canadian social justice issues…

[@427bullis]

Paul has aged. The band was tight. Saw em in buffalo real early. Enjoyed their music

[@sotampacane]

Who doesn't age in their late 50's? Guess what, it happens to everyone. He still has great hair that is for sure. Look at passport photos. I see mine from 31, 41, 51 and now 61 and cringe.

[@danieldaniels7571]

We're all getting older. Except Gord. 😢

[@427bullis]

Mick jagger hasn’t

[@DylanMattina]

Hip♥

[@JohnnyPerth]

Canada's band

[@427bullis]

Saw the guys in 1991 small show at Sinbads

[@kjw7815]

What about videos of the band? Did they find anything there?

[@Blonde464]

BRITNEY SPEARS IS A TRUE ICON.

[@j_freed]

Oh this is wild… I grew up in Kingston Ontario, but my father in Toronto was for many years working in a business with Leslie Feist’s dad... an odd confluence with these people.

[@jenq436]

Anyone know where I could check out Italian Tragically Hip singer??

[@harley1474]

Do you mean Luca Taddia? If so, check his Instagram acct. Facebook ofc. He certainly is a massive Hip fan and is an amazing musician! His love and mad respect for the band is admirable.