The Tragically Hip



The Tragically Hip (1984–2017) were one of Canada's greatest bands -- there's a friendly rivalry as to whether "The Hip" or Rush should take the top spot on the list. The Tragically Hip were definitely Canada's greatest socially-aware rock band for three decades, and they only reason they stopped performing was because their vocalist/songwriter Gord Downie passed away from cancer.

"I was in a lifeboat designed for ten Ten and only And anything that systematic would get you hated It's not a deal nor a test nor a love of something fated The selection was quick, the crew was picked In an order And those left in the water were kicked off our pantlegs And we headed for home"
 * Cold Equation: "Nautical Disaster":

"Twenty years for nothing, well, that's nothing new Besides, no one's interested in something you didn't do"
 * Funny Aneurysm Moment: 1989's "New Orleans is Sinking" and 2003's "If New Orleans is Beat".
 * Nice Hat: Gord Downie was known for them, and in his final years usually wore one - or more, one after another - on stage.
 * Protest Song: The Hip preferred non-obvious lyrics, but a number of their songs can be considered protest songs. Examples include "Vaccination Scar" and "Gus The Polar Bear From Central Park".
 * Real Song Theme Tune: "Blow at High Dough" was used as the theme for Made in Canada.
 * Self-Titled Album: Played with, with their greatest hits album Hipeponymous.
 * Some Anvils Need to Be Dropped: "Wheat Kings", about the Real Life case of David Milgaard being wrongfully convicted of murder and spending 23 years in jail.


 * Spell My Name with a "The": Call them "The Tragically Hip" or "The Hip", and almost everybody in Canada will know who you're talking about. Leave off "The" (or fail to capitalize it) and you'll get fan backlash.