Practically Hip
Manny’s Place
Brantford, Ontario
October 20, 2017
Editor’s Note:
Although we normally don’t cover tribute bands, we, at Music Life Magazine, decided to make an acception this time around showcasing THE best tribute act paying homage to Canada’s own, The Tragically Hip.
The Practically Hip is the closest you will come to seeing The Tragically Hip live. In fact, their motto is: “Only the Hip do it better!” Unfortunately, on Oct. 17, three days prior to this show, Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie passed away at age 53 after suffering from a terminal brain tumour called glioblastoma.
Although Downie was diagnosed in December 2015, it wasn’t announced publicly until May 2016. That summer, The Tragically Hip did one final tour across Canada ending the tour in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario with a show that lasted over three hours and was broadcast live across Canada on the CBC network on Aug. 20, 2016.
The Practically Hip formed in 1997. If you’re a Hip fan then I highly recommend seeing The Practically Hip. Singer Dean Hughes does an amazing job as Gord Downie and the rest of the band are spot on musically. Watching them makes you forget they’re a tribute act. I have seen them twice in the last year and a half and I would highly recommend seeing them, especially if you’re a Hip fan!
This was the first show for Practically Hip since Downie’s passing. Music Life Magazine photographer Paul Barrie was there to capture some shots. It was a night of mixed emotions for both the band and fans.
R.I.P. Gord Downie.
All photos by Paul Barrie
©2017. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
