The Tragically Hip

Formed in 1983 in Kingston, Ontario, the Tragically Hip came together with childhood friends Gordon Downie (vocals), Bobby Baker (guitar), Paul Langlois (guitar), Gord Sinclair (bass), and Johnny Fay (drums). The group took their name from a Michael Nesmith video entitled Elephant Parts and focused on making a name for themselves in the local scene during the mid-80s. While performing Torontos Horseshoe Tavern, MCA Records president Bruce Dickinson was impressed by the Hips infectious live presence and offered them a deal. A self-titled eponymous EP appeared in 1987, but it took the band two years to get critical attention. Their proper studio debut effort, 1989s Up to Here boasted the swagger of Blow at High Dough and Downies powerful songcraft was blossoming. College charts were instantly attracted and fellow Canadians were appreciative of the Tragically Hips insatiable appeal. Road Apples, issued in 1991, was moderately successful; however, the bands third album, Fully Completely (1993), allowed for international crossover. Singles such as Courage and Wheat Kings became mainstays in pockets of Michigan and New York; the Hip were slowly being noticed and American fans began cherishing them as much as their Canadian loyalists. They continued with a steady rise for 1995s somber storm, Day for Night, and their star power was burgeoning. Sold-out tours across Canada and Midwest America and a spot on Saturday Night Live catupulted the vibrance of Grace, Too onto modern rock charts. The Tragically Hip were becoming an anthemic band among the split indie and rock crowds, practically on the verge of being an arena attraction.