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Three New Rules for Everyone About Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip Going Forward

Although we’re still digesting the news about Gord Downie’s health, this special situation calls for some new rules to which everyone–and I mean everyone–must adhere. I humbly propose the following.

1. NO EULOGIZING. Gord is still with us. Let’s not talk about him like he’s already passed on. That’s rude, insensitive and wrong. If you find yourself or anyone else referring to Gord or The Hip in the past tense, STOP IT.

2. STOP ASKING ABOUT THE HIP’S LACK OF AMERICAN SUCCESS. It doesn’t fucking matter that The Hip had limited success in the US. There’s only one reason why things didn’t work out: bad record contracts. It had nothing to do with the band being “too Canadian” or the inadequacy of their music. Besides, haven’t we grown out of needing American approval for everything we do with music?

3. NO CRYING. I know, I know, this is a hard one but there should be no pre-mourning. Take a lesson from Gord and the band and live in the moment. Enjoy today because tomorrow…well you know.

Anyone have anything else to add?

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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