“Hip” in the Hammer

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Gord Downie once said that the city of Hamilton is the best place for live music and one of his favourite cities to perform in and with the sound check complete at FirstOntario Centre, the city of Hamilton is ready for The Tragically Hip and so are fans from across the continent. Patti Pierce travelled from South Carolina to see the show.

“It’s going to be awesome but really sad too. I’m already tearing up, just thinking this is going to be it.”

Anthony Botting is a Niagara Falls rocker who recently lost friends to brain cancer. Botting’s band, “A Book for Wanderers” is raising money performing The Hip’s songs as a traveling tribute show.

“We decided that all of the shows that we had booked all summer, 100% of the proceeds that we make whether it’s the payments at the bar, the albums that we sell, shirts, everything , we’re just sending it to Sunnybrook.”

At this point they’ve raised upwards of $3000.

“Courage for Gord” is a fundraiser organized by some of the band’s faithful fans. Rod Nolan ran a silent auction ahead of the concert and was blown away by the support from the community.

“People have been working really hard. This band… they just get in your soul.”

For decades, The Hip have provided hit songs and memories and for many, tonight will be one last time to say goodbye.