The Tragically Hip at Downsview Park – Canada Day 2011

How does one even review a performance from The Tragically Hip? There cannot be anything original left to say about this classic Canadian rock band that headlined and hosted a memorable Canada Day concert in the middle of a field, for lack of a better description, for a sold-out crowd of thousands. Opening with “Grace, Too” and of course including “Wheat Kings” in their three-song encore, The Hip were in fine form owning the stage in which they metaphorically built for upwards of two hours. As always Gord Downie was as dramatic and theatrical as ever making it hard to tear your eyes from the giant close-up projection screens bookending the stage to the man himself. It’s hard to describe how a five-piece could own the stage more so than the bands before; it’s something you would just have to witness yourself. The lighting, the movement, and of course The Tragically Hip’s tunes made a day with the crowds and in the sun worth it, and let’s be honest, what other band reeks of that much Canadian pride? More concert photos after the page jump!