04-29-2007, 01:27 PM
April 29, 2007
For transplanted Canadians, magically, up close with the Hip
As they strolled down Lansdowne Street on a recent Friday night, saluting their own red-and-white kind and announcing their avidity to strangers, they appeared at first glance to be members of Red Sox Nation. But their oversized jerseys pledged allegiance to Team Canada and their voices revealed the occasional "Eh?" Soon they passed Fenway's gates and headed straight to Avalon, members of a subculture of Canadian transplants found in these and other south-of-the-border climes. These were fans not of the Sox, but of the Hip.
The Tragically Hip, that is, an indie-leaning rock band formed in Winnipeg 20 years ago which has achieved mega-success up north and a much smaller following here. "Hands down the best and most consistent Canadian rock band since The Guess Who," declared Randy Boback , 44, a Quebec native who has lived in Boston six years. "This isn't so much a concert as a Canadian reunion."
"At home a Hip show can draw more fans than the Rolling Stones," said Graeme Grant , 36, a Toronto native living in Brookline. "My friends back home are always awed and jealous that I get to see the band in a club this size." He pointed to Avalon. "That's not the Air Canada Centre ."
"Somehow the songs of Celine Dion have appealed to the American ear, but the Hip's haven't," said Chris Hobson, 36, another Toronto native. "That's the tragic irony of the Tragically Hip." Sox fans pouring out of the centerfield exit of Fenway caught Hobson's eye. "That," he said, "is what a concert back home looks like."
After the show, Hip lead singer Gord Downie considered the enthusiasm of the transplanted Canucks. "Alcohol and nostalgia," said Downey. "Now that's a potent mix."
RON FLETCHER
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
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For transplanted Canadians, magically, up close with the Hip
As they strolled down Lansdowne Street on a recent Friday night, saluting their own red-and-white kind and announcing their avidity to strangers, they appeared at first glance to be members of Red Sox Nation. But their oversized jerseys pledged allegiance to Team Canada and their voices revealed the occasional "Eh?" Soon they passed Fenway's gates and headed straight to Avalon, members of a subculture of Canadian transplants found in these and other south-of-the-border climes. These were fans not of the Sox, but of the Hip.
The Tragically Hip, that is, an indie-leaning rock band formed in Winnipeg 20 years ago which has achieved mega-success up north and a much smaller following here. "Hands down the best and most consistent Canadian rock band since The Guess Who," declared Randy Boback , 44, a Quebec native who has lived in Boston six years. "This isn't so much a concert as a Canadian reunion."
"At home a Hip show can draw more fans than the Rolling Stones," said Graeme Grant , 36, a Toronto native living in Brookline. "My friends back home are always awed and jealous that I get to see the band in a club this size." He pointed to Avalon. "That's not the Air Canada Centre ."
"Somehow the songs of Celine Dion have appealed to the American ear, but the Hip's haven't," said Chris Hobson, 36, another Toronto native. "That's the tragic irony of the Tragically Hip." Sox fans pouring out of the centerfield exit of Fenway caught Hobson's eye. "That," he said, "is what a concert back home looks like."
After the show, Hip lead singer Gord Downie considered the enthusiasm of the transplanted Canucks. "Alcohol and nostalgia," said Downey. "Now that's a potent mix."
RON FLETCHER
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
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