KINGSTON CELEBRATES THE TRAGICALLY HIP
In 1984, a group surfaced in Kingston and started making waves, especially in local pubs, such as Clarke Hall Pub, Alfies and at Queen’s University Pubs. The Tragically Hip began getting shows in Ontario, and it wasn’t long until record companies sat up and took notice. MCA Records was the first to offer the band a deal, and the rest is, as they say, history. The band consisted of Gord Downie (lead vocals, occasional guitar), Rob Baker (guitar), Gord Sinclair (bass, backing vocals), Johnny Fay (drums, percussion), Davis Manning (saxophone) and Paul Langlois (guitar, backing vocals) who joined the band in 1986. Their debut album, Up To Here (1987) and went on to release a total of 13 albums, all which made the Canadian top ten, with nine of them making number one.
Sadly, in 2015, Gord Downie was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. Doctors at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre confirmed that it was a glioblastoma, which had responded favourably to radiation and chemotherapy treatment but was not curable. He continued to work with the band, and recorded several solo albums . He continued to tour with The Tragically Hip, well into 2016, with their final concert at the Rogers K-Rock Centre in Kingston, Ontario, on August 20 and was broadcast and streamed live by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on television, radio and internet. It was viewed by an estimated 11.7 million people.
Gord Downie passed away in 2017, and Davis Manning in 2023. However, the band has never gone away, and are as popular today as they were ten years ago. Kingston is now celebrating the band with a number of events scheduled throughout the year
In June, a free, year-long exhibition exploring the city’s rich and far-reaching music history was launched (sponsored by Empire Life). Located in Market Wing in City Hall, visitors can experience never-before-seen artifacts, personal stories and behind-the-scenes pieces connected to Kingston’s most iconic band. The exhibition goes beyond The Hip, placing the band within the wider music scene that helped shape them and showcasing the many voices, places and influences that continue to define Kingston’s sound.
You can go on Music Walking Tours and host a Music Merch Market, showcasing the talents of local musicians and makers offered by The Kingston Music Office. It is a free, self-guided route connecting visitors to places tied to the band’s early years and lasting legacy. Through archival images, video clips, behind-the-scenes stories and a robust itinerary of local sites, visitors can discover how Kingston’s neighbourhoods, venues and landmarks helped shape the band’s story.
Starting in August, there will be a new Downtown Kingston BIA temporary public art installation. Titled, Play Me Kingston, the installation will transform downtown into a living gallery featuring 10 large-scale guitar sculptures designed by local and regional artists and inspired by Kingston’s music scene, its history, performances, artists, venues, and the sense of connection music brings to the community.
On Thursday, August 20, a free event titled Rockin’ the Square featuring Choir! Choir! Choir!. Those familiar with Choir! Choir! Choir! Need no introduction to their shows, Epic anthems unite us. Springer Market Square will come alive as hundreds (possibly thousands) of voices come together to mark 10 years to the day since the band’s final concert in Kingston. The following day, Springer Market Square will be screening videos and clips on the big screen that reflect on The Tragically Hip’s ongoing legacy in Kingston, capped off in the evening with a screening of the documentary Long Time Running. On August 22, the anniversary of their final show, fans are invited to gather in the square for a screening of CBC’s commercial-free rebroadcast and global livestream of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration.
And although the summer’s over, celebration continues in October when the new jukebox musical, It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken, will make its way to Kingston opening on October 22. The play uses music from The Tragically Hip and is used to tell the story of the band and their place in Canada’s history. It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken is produced by Thousand Islands Playhouse and Theatre Aquarius, in partnership with David and Hannah Mirvish, and Michael Rubinoff (Originating Producer of Come From Away).
Kingston, once again, seems to be the place to be for fans of The Tragically Hip. It is hard to summarize their career in a short article, but this is why Kingston is an exciting place to be this summer and autumn. One can take their time, explore their history and relive some incredible moments of the band.
The Tragically Hip Links
Choir! Choir! Choir! Links
Downtown Kingston Links
Photo Credits: David Bastedo
