They perfected their one shot—flaws and all—without a dress rehearsal, and still remain Canada’s sweethearts.
Directed by Mike Downie, brother of the late Gord Downie, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal is a four-part documentary series showcasing an intimate look into the journey of one of Canada’s most beloved rock bands. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sept. 5 and set to be released on Prime Video on Sept. 20, the series captures the essence of The Tragically Hip from their early high school days in Kingston to their final tour.
The Canadian rock band, formed in Kingston, ON in 1984, consisted of vocalist Gord Downie, guitarist Paul Langlois, guitarist Rob Baker, bassist Gord Sinclair, and drummer Johnny Fay. The docies explores the stories of the five band in a unique and unprecedented way, with Mike Downie offering unparalleled insight. The docies goes beyond their last concert, following the band the dynamics within their circle.
“We are telling the story of the five of the band, right from the beginning, and their Kingston roots when they were performing as a couple of different high school bands that slowly morphed into what becomes the Tragically Hip,” Mike Downie said in an interview with the Queen’s Alumni Review in 2022 when discussing the docies.
Mike Downie was a constant presence with the band, capturing their journey on film, including a video of one of their most quintessentially Canadian songs, “Bobcaygeon.” Over the course of their run, The Hip released 13 studio albums, and received numerous accolades—including 17 Junos, induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, and the Order of Canada. Additionally, in 2017, Queen’s University honoured the band by awarding Honorary Doctor of Law degrees to all its .
But yet with all that was public information about them, much more was left behind the curtains.
For instance, it addresses the built-up resentment when Gord Downie took over as the sole lyricist, making it difficult for the other to contribute as songwriters. It also highlights moments like when The Hip turned down an offer from Tower Records to play at the store’s downtown Toronto opening on its rooftop. Despite the fact that Tower Records would have prioritized the band’s releases globally, The Hip declined the offer, staying true to their own path.
The Tragically Hip remained true to their roots, refusing to let fame or fortune pull them away from the heart of Canada. Their unwavering commitment to their country speaks volumes, deepening the connection between the band and their fans. It’s this authenticity and devotion that keeps their legacy thriving, with countless loyal followers standing by them to this day, their music echoing across time and place, woven into the fabric of Canadian identity.
As a fan, discovering The Tragically Hip and experiencing their music in Kingston has been one of my favourite memories. Walking around the pier while listening to their tracks offers a perfect moment of serendipity. Knowing their dedication to their roots and their commitment to delivering music across Canada brings all the more love that I have for the band.
This docies allows not only Canadian fans to see the history behind the band and grow all the more appreciation towards their work. It also allows their story to be shared widely with the world where people can see what kind of a legacy they built and left behind.
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