The Tragically Hip Podcast Series

The Tragically Hip Podcast Series.
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A Series of Podcasts devoted to Canadian supergroup, The Tragically Hip.

  1. Gord Downie, The Sadies, and The Conquering Sun: LIve At SIx

    6H AGO

    Gord Downie, The Sadies, and The Conquering Sun: LIve At SIx

    Discovering Downie: Live at Six (Gord Downie + The Sadies + The Conquering Sun) — Track-by-Track on Release Day On launch day, jD reunites with Craig Rogers, Kirk Lane, and Justin St. Louis to break down Live at Six, a newly released live record featuring Gord Downie, The Sadies, and The Conquering Sun. It’s an eight-track collection drawn from four shows (Sarnia, Fredericton, Cambridge, MA, and Dundas) spanning 2012 and 2014. This episode is a full-on fan-and-musician conversation: play it loud, follow the rabbit holes, and enjoy a record that feels like you’re right up against the stage, even when it was recorded outdoors. MVP picks, deep cover-song origins, live-record sequencing debates, and a whole lot of gratitude—plus a reminder that sometimes the point isn’t to decode everything. Sometimes it’s just rock and roll. Episode HighlightsThe crew gets back together to cover Live at Six on release dayWhy this record feels like a sweaty club even when it isn’tThe meaning behind the title Live at Six (and where “six” actually comes from)Major rabbit holes (including the story behind “If You Have Ghosts”)Covers that still sound unmistakably like Gord Downie + The SadiesLive energy: loose-but-tight, tempo shifts, extended outros, and why that’s part of the magicMVP picks from each host—plus what track people “need to hear” first Tracklist Breakdown (as discussed) 1) “If You Have Ghosts” — recorded in Dundas, Ontario (Sept 1, 2012) Huge reactions to Dallas Good’s performanceDeep dive into Rocky Erickson and the song’s backstoryWhy the lyric “If you have ghosts, you have everything” hits so hard 2) “So Sad About Us” — Sarnia (Aug 30, 2014) — a The Who cover Noted for harmonies and a vibe that recalls early rock/pop influenceDiscussion of how naturally it sits in Gord’s wheelhouse 3) “It Didn’t Start to Break My Heart” — (live version discussed as an all-time banger) Faster than the studio version; jam section praised heavilyDescribed as completely over-delivering as a live performance 4) “Grey Riders” — Fredericton, New Brunswick (Sept 12, 2014) — Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival — a Neil Young song Strong praise for backing vocals and arrangementConversation about preferring this version vs. the one they heard from Neil 5) “Generation” — Fredericton (Sept 12, 2014) — a F****d Up cover Album title reference comes from Gord speaking right before/around this track (“at six o’clock”)Note: the group didn’t have as much time with this track due to a file miss 6) Cambridge, Massachusetts set (May 3, 2014) — a track originally by The Gun Club (from Fire of Love, 1981) Described as the most “Sadies-sounding” song on the recordTalk of punk lineage and guitar swagger 7) “Demand Destruction” — revisited live (from the Sarnia show) jD’s MVP: the live performance hits harder than the studio versionFavorite lyric noted: “Breakdown in the verse part / Dead spot in the lyrics…” (songwriting “fourth wall” moment) 8) “I Gotta Right” — The Stooges cover (closing track) Described as a “punch in the face” closerLeaves everyone wanting more; debate about wishing the album was longerJustin mentions being disappointed it wasn’t “Search and Destroy” (also performed by Gord + The Sadies in other live clips) MVP Picks Craig: “If You Have Ghosts”Kirk: “Grey Riders” (and says “I Gotta Write” is the one people need to hear)Justin: “It Didn’t Start to Break My Heart”jD: “Demand Destruction” Production Credits (as stated on the episode) Mixed by Ken Friesen (all tracks) except “Goodbye Johnny”“Goodbye Johnny” mixed by Dallas Good and Guillermo SabatzeMastered by Philip Shaw Bova Timestamps (approx. from transcript) 0:49 — Welcome + what Live at Six is + who’s on the mic3:36 — Release context: 4 shows, 2012/2014, where the recordings come from9:14 — Track 1: “If You Have Ghosts” deep dive begins21:57 — Track 2: “So Sad About Us” (The Who cover)33:11 — “It Didn’t Start to Break My Heart” (live version reaction)38:27 — “Grey Riders” (Neil Young)43:54 — Side B + “Generation” (F****d Up) + title explanation51:07 — Cambridge, MA track (The Gun Club origin discussed)55:26 — “Goodbye Johnny” (live vs studio)59:11 — Closer: “I Gotta Write” (The Stooges) + credits1:09:24 — MVP picks1:17:41 — Final thoughts + gratitude + community + live music plug Listen / Follow / Join the Community Instagram: @tthpodseriesYouTube: youtube.com/@tthpodsFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/tthpodcastseriesEmail: TTHtop40@gmail.com SEO Keywords Primary: Discovering Downie, Live at Six, Gord Downie, The Sadies, The Conquering Sun, Gord Downie live album, Gord Downie covers Secondary: If You Have Ghosts, So Sad About Us, Grey Riders, Demand Destruction, Generation (F****d Up), I Gotta Write (The Stooges), live record review, track-by-track breakdown Long-tail: Gord Downie Sadies live at six tracklist, Live at Six album discussion, Discovering Downie Live at Six episode Hashtags #DiscoveringDownie #GordDownie #TheSadies #TheConqueringSun #LiveAtSix #CanadianMusic #LiveAlbum #MusicPodcast #TheTragicallyHip Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 36m
  2. The Tragically Hip On Shuffle - Fully Completely

    1D AGO

    The Tragically Hip On Shuffle - Fully Completely

    On this episode of The Tragically Hip On Shuffle, we landed on “Fully Completely,” the title track from The Tragically Hip’s landmark 1992 album Fully Completely, and brought together Toronto Mike, Joe Cad of Forever Hip, and Duxoop Douglas to unpack it properly. This is a song that finished #13 in the fan-voted Top Forty Countdown and continues to hold a unique place in the Hip catalogue — not the loudest track on the record, but one that reveals itself more the longer you live with it. With Fully Completely sitting among some of the band’s most iconic songs, this conversation digs into what makes the title track endure — structurally, emotionally, and personally — decades later Episode Summary From the jump, the panel keeps circling back to how much weight “Fully Completely” carries in such a compact frame. jD points out the song’s efficiency — how there’s nothing wasted in its structure, lyrically or musically. It moves quickly but never feels slight. Instead, it builds tension through groove and restraint, creating something that feels dense despite its relatively short runtime. Toronto Mike situates the track within the broader context of the Fully Completely album, a record stacked with defining Tragically Hip songs like “Locked in the Trunk of a Car,” “Courage,” and “50 Mission Cap.” In that company, the title track can sometimes feel overshadowed, but he emphasizes how it stands on its own — particularly in live settings, where its emotional and musical arc becomes even more apparent. Joe Cad brings a performer’s lens to the discussion, describing “Fully Completely” as his personal favorite Hip song. As the frontman of Forever Hip, he speaks to the physical and emotional experience of performing it, highlighting its gradual build and payoff. He describes it as a kind of musical ascent, where every section contributes to a sense of lift and release by the end. Duxoop Douglas reflects on discovering the song in a different way — through individual listens rather than as part of the original album rollout. His experience mirrors the premise of the show itself: rediscovering The Tragically Hip one song at a time. Over time, “Fully Completely” earned its place as a standout, not because it demanded attention immediately, but because it rewarded repeated listening. Interpretation becomes another thread running through the episode. The panel explores different readings of Gord Downie’s lyrics, reinforcing how the song’s meaning remains open and personal. Like many Hip songs, “Fully Completely” doesn’t hand you a single answer — it leaves space for listeners to find themselves inside it. Topics Discussed • Why “Fully Completely” feels dense and efficient despite its short runtime • The song’s place within the Fully Completely album and the Tragically Hip catalogue • Differences between studio and live performances of the track • Joe Cad’s experience performing the song with Forever Hip • How listeners discover Hip songs outside of traditional album listening • The interpretive openness of Gord Downie’s lyrics • The song’s placement at #13 in the fan-voted Top Forty Countdown Pull Quote “It’s very economical. I don’t know that there’s 150 words in it. And yet it feels f*****g dense, pound for pound.” About Our Guest(s) Toronto Mike Toronto Mike is the host of Toronto Mike’d, a long-running podcast featuring interviews with musicians, media personalities, and cultural figures. A lifelong music fan, he brings historical context and deep personal experience with The Tragically Hip’s albums and live performances. Joe Cad Joe Cad is the frontman of Forever Hip, a Tragically Hip tribute band dedicated to performing the band’s catalogue for audiences who continue to connect with the music. His perspective combines fandom with the lived experience of performing these songs. Duxoop Douglas Duxoop Douglas is a dedicated Tragically Hip listener whose discovery of the band unfolded gradually through individual tracks and repeated listening. His perspective reflects the personal and evolving nature of connecting with the Hip’s catalogue. Guest Links Toronto Mike • torontomike.com Joe Cad • foreverhip.ca Duxoop Douglas • No link provided Subscribe Never miss an episode. Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Instagram: @tthtpods Facebook: The Tragically Hip Podcast Series Support If you value this work and want to help keep it going: buymeacoffee.com/tthtop40 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    59 min
  3. Fully & Completely: redux - Phantom Power

    4D AGO

    Fully & Completely: redux - Phantom Power

    🎙️ Fully & Completely: Redux Phantom Power (1998) — Remastered. Revisited. Reconsidered. Originally released in 2018. Re-edited, remixed, and reintroduced in 2026. July 14th, 1998. Steve Berlin at the helm. The band at full stride. The ice storm still in the trees. Hockey still in the bloodstream. And somehow — almost impossibly — The Tragically Hip delivered a “comeback” record that never needed a comeback. We went back into the bathhouse for this one. We cleaned it up. We tightened the mix. We added a short 2026 intro from Greg and I. It’s quick. It’s sweet. It sets the tone. And then we let 1998 breathe again. 🟡 Phantom Power — The Yellow Record We’ve always talked about this stretch: Day for Night — blueTrouble at the Henhouse — redPhantom Power — yellowPrimary colours. Primary era. Primary stride. This is the record where: 🎸 The rock came back🎭 The art never left🏒 Hockey met heartbreak🇨🇦 Canada stayed cinematic🎤 Gord Downie hit that upper register and meant it 🔥 The Run Is Unreal Poets — the perfect lead single. Something On — the ice storm riff. Bobcaygeon — say less. Thompson Girl — that vocal lift. Fireworks — romance + Bobby Orr. Escape Is At Hand — narrative brilliance. Emperor Penguin — matriarchal masterpiece. There are no throwaways here. No padding. No “yeah, it’s fine” tracks. Just a band fully hitting its stride. 🎧 Why This Redux Matters When we first recorded this episode in 2018, we loved it. But revisiting it now? With more context. More history. More loss. More gratitude. It hits different. There’s a warmth in Phantom Power. A confidence. A joy that doesn’t feel naive. It feels earned. And hearing it again in 2026 — cleaned up and tightened — reminded us: This isn’t just a “great Canadian rock album.” It’s one of the strongest records in The Tragically Hip catalogue. 🎙️ Pull Quote “This is a band fully hitting their stride of what they do right… unconventional, but it completely works.” 💬 Let’s Talk I want to hear from you: Where were you in 1998 when Phantom Power dropped?Did this feel like a comeback?Is Bobcaygeon still the one?Has Escape Is At Hand grown on you?Do you skip anything? (be honest) Tag someone who needs to rediscover this record. Let’s spark something. Searchable Keywords (for the algorithm gods) The Tragically Hip Phantom Power 1998 Fully & Completely Podcast The Tragically Hip Podcast Series Bobcaygeon meaning Fireworks Tragically Hip Gord Downie lyrics analysis Canadian rock albums 1998 Steve Berlin producer Hip deep dive podcast Bathhouse studio Kingston The Tragically Hip fandom ☕ Support the Show If you believe in what we’re building here — independent Canadian music storytelling — you can leave a tip here: 👉 buymeacoffee.com/tthtop40 No pressure. Just appreciation. 📱 Follow the Ecosystem @tthpods We’re not done telling these stories. And we’re not done rediscovering the records that raised us. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 30m
  4. The Tragically Hip On Shuffle - Nautical Disaster

    FEB 20

    The Tragically Hip On Shuffle - Nautical Disaster

    🎙️ The Tragically Hip On Shuffle Episode: Nautical Disaster (Day for Night) This week on The Tragically Hip On Shuffle, we pulled a heavyweight. Nautical Disaster. jD is joined by Scott from Lunenburg and Dave from St. Louis for a deep dive into one of the most cinematic, structurally daring, and emotionally layered songs in The Tragically Hip catalogue. From that opening Gord Sinclair bassline to the fade-up intro, no traditional chorus, and the full minute-plus instrumental outro, this episode unpacks why Nautical Disaster breaks the rules — and why it still works. As jD puts it, it’s “a rhythm poem” and possibly the keystone of Day for Night . 🔍 What We Explore First memories of hearing Nautical Disaster live and on recordThe Day for Night era shift from Fully CompletelyThe song’s unconventional structure (no chorus, fade-in, extended outro)Gord Downie’s lyrical cadence and conversational storytellingThe “parasites in your blood” imagery and themes of empathy and survivalThe role of the MuchMusic video and the SNL performance in expanding the band’s reachThe ongoing debate: historical event or metaphorical shipwreck? Scott, a longtime broadcaster and station owner, breaks down the musicianship — especially Sinclair’s bass work — while Dave reflects on discovering The Hip from the U.S. through MuchMusic tapes and the cult-like conversion experience . 💬 Why This Song Endures Thirty-plus years later, the panel agrees: this one has no shelf life. It’s cinematic. It’s conversational. It’s haunting without being theatrical. And it rewards repeat listens in a way casual fans may miss on first pass . If you’ve ever wondered why Nautical Disaster still hits like it does — or why it feels bigger than a “radio single” ever should — this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. #TheTragicallyHip #NauticalDisaster #DayForNight #TheHip #TTHOnShuffle #GordDownie Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1 hr
  5. Fully & Completely: redux - Live Between Us

    FEB 16

    Fully & Completely: redux - Live Between Us

    Live Between Us – Essential Tracks, Layered Lyrics & Hip Obsession Fully & Completely – The Tragically Hip Podcast Series This week on Fully & Completely, jD and Greg dive into Live Between Us, The Tragically Hip’s electrifying 1997 live album — and they’re joined by music publicist, historian, and walking encyclopedia Eric Alper. Together, they unpack what makes these tracks “stone cold classics,” how Gord Downie’s lyrics evolve over time, and why some songs reveal entirely new meaning decades after first listen. If you’ve ever sung a Hip lyric confidently… only to realize years later you completely misunderstood it — this episode is for you. 🎯 Brief Summary Is Live Between Us simply a live album — or a defining snapshot of peak-era Tragically Hip? Eric Alper joins the show to explore: What makes a song “essential”Why some Hip tracks feel tailor-made for new listenersThe layered brilliance of Gord Downie’s lyric writingHow deeper research transforms appreciationWhy revisiting songs years later changes everything The conversation moves from “make me a tape” essentials to peeling back lyrical layers — and celebrating how the band’s live energy elevated already iconic songs. 🔥 Pull Quote “You think you know what the song means… until one day you realize you’ve been singing it right — but understanding it completely wrong.” 🧠 Broad Topics Covered Live Between Us (1997) live album analysisEssential Tragically Hip songsGord Downie’s layered lyricismThe evolution of meaning over timeCanadian rock historyThe difference between studio and live performanceHow fandom deepens through researchSongs misunderstood as love songs (and why context matters) 👤 Our Guest: Eric Alper Eric Alper is one of Canada’s most respected music publicists and a celebrated social media presence known for sharing deep-cut music facts, pop culture history, and industry insights. Follow Eric: Twitter/X: @ThatEricAlper Website: www.thatericalper.com  If you love music trivia, archival rabbit holes, and “wait… WHAT?” moments about your favorite artists, Eric’s feed is pure gold. 🎸 About the Album Album: Live Between Us Release Year: 1997 Recorded: Cobo Arena, Detroit Live Between Us captured The Tragically Hip at a commercial and creative high point. More than a concert recording, it serves as an entry point for new fans and a definitive live document for longtime listeners. 🔍 SEO Keywords The Tragically Hip Live Between Us Live Between Us album review Gord Downie lyric meaning Eric Alper podcast interview Canadian rock podcast Fully and Completely podcast Tragically Hip essential songs Live album analysis Gord Downie songwriting layers Hip live performance history 📲 Follow The Tragically Hip Podcast Series This episode is part of The Tragically Hip Podcast Series. Instagram: @tthpodseries Facebook Group: The Tragically Hip Podcast Series Email: tthtop40@gmail.com  Join the conversation with fellow fans and obsessive lyric analysts. ☕ Support the Show If you love these deep dives and want to help keep independent Hip content alive: 👉 Leave a tip at: buymeacoffee.com/tthtop40 Drop a caribou or two in the jar and help keep the flag flying. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 40m
  6. The Tragically Hip On Shuffle - At Transformation

    FEB 13

    The Tragically Hip On Shuffle - At Transformation

    The Tragically Hip On Shuffle This week on The Tragically Hip On Shuffle, we pull “At Transformation” from Now For Plan A and let it breathe. Is it about Gord Downie’s wife’s cancer battle? A marriage unraveling? The band’s own evolution? Or something more universal — the moment when life tilts and you realize you’re different now? jD is joined by Tim (Columbus), Shawn (Edmonton), and Jeff (Vaughan) for a layered, passionate, and occasionally chaotic deep dive into one of the most emotionally charged songs from the later Hip catalogue. 🎯 Episode Summary “At Transformation” doesn’t explode — it presses forward. With grit, propulsion, and urgency, it opens Now For Plan A in a way that feels both classic Hip and unmistakably late-era Gord. The panel explores: The emotional context surrounding the albumWhether knowing Gord’s personal backstory enhances or complicates interpretationThe song’s lyrical ambiguityJohnny Fay’s relentless drummingGord Sinclair’s muscular bass workRob Baker’s textured, hammer-on lead workWhy this track became a live show openerHow it echoes Day for Night while signaling something new And yes — we debate what “transformation” actually means. 🔥 Pull Quote “It’s not just about someone else transforming. It’s about realizing you’re different now — and there’s no going back.” 🧠 Broad Topics Covered The Tragically Hip songwriting evolutionNow For Plan A album context (2012)Gord Downie’s lyrical ambiguityLive performance history (Mod Club pop-up show)The band’s internal tensions in the late 2000sClassic Hip dynamics: loud/quiet propulsionSports metaphors vs. emotional metaphorsThe concept of transformation (personal, medical, relational) 🎸 About the Song Song: At Transformation Album: Now For Plan A (2012) Notable Traits: Aggressive opener energyFuzzed-out Gord Sinclair bassJohnny Fay playing heavier than usualRob Baker’s distinctive hammer-ons and outro soloBecame a live set opener on the 2012 tour 👥 Our Guests Tim – Columbus, Ohio Co-host of the Dig Me Out Podcast (16 years, 850+ episodes). Longtime Hip champion south of the border. Shawn – Edmonton, Alberta Director with the Edmonton Blues Society. Deep early-days Hip memories and strong connection to the Day For Night era. Jeff – Vaughan, Ontario Veteran live-show attendee who caught “At Transformation” during its early Mod Club performance and multiple shows on the 2012 tour. 🔍 SEO Keywords The Tragically Hip At Transformation Now For Plan A album discussion Gord Downie lyrics meaning The Tragically Hip podcast At Transformation live Mod Club Johnny Fay drumming analysis Gord Sinclair bass lines Rob Baker guitar solo The Tragically Hip deep cuts Canadian rock band analysis Day For Night comparison Late-era Tragically Hip songs 📲 Follow & Connect Instagram: @tthpodseries Email: tthtop40@gmail.com Facebook Group: The Tragically Hip Podcast Series YouTube: Search The Tragically Hip On Shuffle ☕ Support the Show If you love these deep dives and want to keep the windows down and the engine running: 👉 Leave a tip at: buymeacoffee.com/tthtop40 Drop a caribou or two in the tip jar and help keep independent Hip content alive. Next week: Nautical Disaster. Set aside three hours. 😉 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    55 min
  7. Fully & Completely: redux - Trouble at the Henhouse

    FEB 9

    Fully & Completely: redux - Trouble at the Henhouse

    Fully & Completely: Redux Episode 6 — Trouble at the Henhouse (1996) In this episode of Fully & Completely: Redux, we land in 1996 and crack open Trouble at the Henhouse — one of the most misunderstood, emotionally loaded, and quietly radical albums in the catalogue of The Tragically Hip. What should have been a victory-lap record turns into something stranger and braver: stripped-back, red-toned, reflective, and full of songs that don’t explain themselves — they linger. This is the sound of a band surviving the 90s, refusing to coast, and accidentally making one of the era’s most enduring records. Hosts jD and Greg LeGros dig into the album track by track, placing it inside the cultural hangover of the mid-90s: the end of high school, the death of grunge’s innocence, shifting radio formats, CanCon realities, and the moment when everything felt like it was changing — whether you were ready or not. What We Talk About Why Trouble at the Henhouse feels like the hangover to Day for NightThe opening five-song run (Gift Shop → Flamenco) as one of the strongest stretches in the Hip’s careerRobbie Baker’s guitar finally stepping out of the shadowsThe sequencing controversy (yes, we’re talking 700 Foot Ceiling and Butts Wiggling)“Ahead by a Century” as a once-in-a-generation song — and why it had to be the oneGord Downie’s writing shift: misdirection, restraint, and devastating clarityDon’t Wake Daddy as the emotional centre of the record (and the 90s)Sonic Youth, PJ Harvey, Eric’s Trip, and the ghosts living between the groovesWhy this album was divisive then — and why it’s essential now Standout Moments The bleed from Gift Shop into Springtime in Vienna as a mission statementThe Kurt Cobain reference that somehow lands with graceFlamenco as both comfort and confrontationSherpa as pure atmosphere — the quiet psychedelic cousin of Day for NightPut It Off as an ending that feels like everything slowly going dark Why This Album Still Hits Trouble at the Henhouse isn’t flashy. It doesn’t chase hits. It doesn’t hold your hand. It sits with you. This episode makes the case that the record’s power lies in its restraint, its refusal to repeat past triumphs, and its willingness to capture a moment when music — and life — felt heavier, stranger, and more complicated. Red instead of blue. Morning instead of night. The hangover instead of the party. Listen & Follow 🎧 Listen to Fully & Completely: Redux wherever you get your podcasts 📲 Follow the show on Instagram: @TTHpodseries 💬 Join the conversation in our Facebook group with fellow Hip fans 📩 Contact the show: TTHtop40@gmail.com SEO Keywords & Tags The Tragically Hip, Trouble at the Henhouse, Fully & Completely podcast, Tragically Hip album analysis, Gord Downie lyrics, Ahead by a Century, Gift Shop, Springtime in Vienna, Don’t Wake Daddy, Flamenco, Canadian rock history, 1990s alternative rock, CanCon, Day for Night, Tragically Hip podcast, Hip discography Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    2h 3m
  8. The Tragically Hip On Shuffle - Fire in the Hole

    FEB 6

    The Tragically Hip On Shuffle - Fire in the Hole

    🔀 The Tragically Hip On Shuffle Fire in the Hole (Day for Night, 1994) Every Wednesday, The Tragically Hip On Shuffle spins the wheel and lands on a random song from the Hip catalogue—then assembles a panel to tear it apart, stitch it back together, and see what still smoulders. This week’s draw: Fire in the Hole—a blistering, confrontational cut from the band’s 1994 masterpiece Day for Night. What follows is a loud, thoughtful, occasionally unhinged conversation about rawness, rage, punk energy, fascism, notebook lyrics, and why this song—despite being under-streamed—was a live-wire monster onstage. 🎙️ This Week’s Panel Sara J.Tom HortonMark Hebscher Together with host jD, the panel explores Fire in the Hole from every angle: sonic, political, emotional, and physical (yes, including neck injuries and sweat-soaked encores). 🔥 Episode Highlights Why Fire in the Hole may be The Tragically Hip’s most punk-rock songGord Downie’s anti-fascist live rants and how they reframed the studio versionThe song’s roots in old mining folklore and earlier folk recordingsGord Sinclair’s underrated, punishing basslineJohnny Fay as a human jackhammerThe lyric “that kid’s a f*****g goof” — notebook throwaway or brutal narrative precision?Why this song destroyed Gord’s voice and often closed showsFirst-hand memories of Woodstock ’99 and early Day for Night tour chaosWhy the studio cut feels like a teaser—and the live version felt like a threat 🧠 Why This Song Still Matters Short. Violent. Uncompromising. Fire in the Hole doesn’t explain itself—it hits, gets out, and leaves you rattled. This episode makes the case that while the song may never top streaming charts, it remains one of the Hip’s most honest expressions of rage, resistance, and release—a reminder that rock & roll doesn’t always need poetry to be profound. Sometimes it just needs three chords, a warning shout, and absolutely no mercy. 📀 Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Listen to The Tragically Hip On Shuffle wherever you get your podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube 🔔 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps more Hip fans find the show 🔎 SEO Keywords & Tags The Tragically Hip, Fire in the Hole, Day for Night, Gord Downie, Tragically Hip podcast, Canadian rock history, Hip deep cuts, Fire in the Hole live, Woodstock 99 Tragically Hip, anti-fascist rock songs, Gord Downie lyrics, The Tragically Hip analysis, Hip On Shuffle Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 2m
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About

A Series of Podcasts devoted to Canadian supergroup, The Tragically Hip.

Information

  • Creator
    The Tragically Hip Podcast Series.
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    310
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dewvre podcasts and such. 2025
  • Show Website
    The Tragically Hip Podcast Series

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