The Tragically Hip will perform at the Junos. Wait–what?
After a long quiet period following the death of Gord Downie, it appears that the Tragically Hip is ready to step out into the public again. First, they announced that they’ve joined TikTok. And now comes news that the four surviving members of the band will perform at the Juno Awards on June 6. Sitting in for Gord? Feist.
In a move that will remind music fans of the time in 2014 when Nirvana performed at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with Joan Jett, Kim Gordon, St. Vincent, and Lorde out front, the Hip will give their longtime friend the place of honour–probably the toughest vocalist gig to fill in all of Canadian music.
Here’s what the band said:
“We’re really happy to be performing on The 50th Annual JUNO Awards. We’ve known Leslie Feist for over 20 years, having toured together in 1999. We are all huge fans and Gord loved her. It’s an honour to be able to play one of our songs with her. It’s been such a difficult year for our fellow musicians, we wanted to do something to honour them in a way that would make Gord smile.”
Feist says:
“I had a chance to tour with The Hip early on in my touring life, for something like a year. Getting to be a fly on the wall of a camp that operated with such warmth and community by day, and then watch them transform and transcend every night to touch so many people was my first big education. I was a kid in their midst and I’m touched to be invited into the clan now, to play alongside them. The only way I’m making any sense of it is to imagine I’ll be singing backups for Gord, and know my 20-year-old self wouldn’t believe it. Like the rest of Canada, I’ll be so happy to hear these kings of song play again, and am very honoured to join them as they receive their Humanitarian Award.”
The Hip will also received the Humanitarian Award. Presenters will be Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush.
The Junos are coming up Sunday, June 6 and will run on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music and streaming globally on CBCmusic.ca/junos.
I just bought Live Between Us on vinyl!
What a Herculean task she’s undertaking. Any word on what they’re playing? My money is something like “Ahead By A Century” and it will sound wonderful.