SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE TRAGICALLY HIP – LIVE JULY 22 – AUGUST 20, 2016

THE TRAGICALLY HIP
LIVE JULY 22 – AUGUST 20, 2016
UNIVERSAL MUSIC

The Tragically Hip burst onto the music scene from Kingston, Ontario and very quickly ascended to rock royalty in Canada. There were many factors. Their music, their stage presence (they were renowned for their live shows) and their own distinct music that appealed to many different audiences from different genres. Over the years they produced 13 studio albums that remain classics to this day.

In 2016, Downie was diagnosed with glioblastoma. The Tragically Hip decided to tour in support of their then current album Man Machine Poem. Knowing that this was to be their final tour, the shows took on a bittersweet quality. Live July 22 – August 20, 2016 documents that tour, including songs from their final concert at Rogers K Rock Stadium in Kingston. That was an incredibly emotional show broadcast across the country, being viewed by an estimated 12 million people.

Listening to the album, one hears a band at the top of their musical ability but one also hears defiance. The Tragically Hip, especially Downie, was not going to end quietly. The energy that comes through the speakers in listening to this album is palpable. “Family Band,” for example, explodes and the power in Downie’s voice as he sings “One day I will make some honest rock ‘n’ roll” is brilliant. The band provides the perfect musical backing. This was a tight band, and you can hear it.

The band samples songs from the 15-date tour, some songs captured in Toronto, Calgary, Hamilton, to name just a few. But it is the Kingston show that ends the album, with a recording of “Ahead By A Century” that hits home and brings the sadness and reality of the ending to light. A lot of bands have final tours not knowing it was to be their final tour, The Tragically Hip knew.

Downie lost his battle in 2017, and now, 10 years later, we have a document of the final shows. It is interesting that the album is being released on the 10th anniversary of that tour. It is almost to remind the world about The Tragically Hip. But the truth is, no one needs reminders. This band has never gone away. It is an essential document, however, and in a sense, it brings the story of The Tragically Hip to a close. But, as it shows, they were a powerful and amazing live band (their records were pretty fantastic too), and even though health was waning, and the end was nigh, this band played their hearts out. And in return, they received love from the fans. One can absolutely hear it on this live album.

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