[FourPistols]

Really curious as to where the band is at these days.

We heard Gord talk about new recordings with the band. Wonder how far along this is. I'd guess not very far since Gord has been pretty busy the past six months or so. But maybe not, if they're revisiting some of the leftover songs tracked for Man Machine Poem.

It has to be a weird time for Robby, Gord S, Johnny and Paul. Gord D has to do what he wants to do and follow his heart. Like Freddie Mercury, he's balancing solo projects with the mothership of the band.

I can't wait to hear the new material and keep praying for a miracle.

[direwolf74]

Really curious as to where the band is at these days.

We heard Gord talk about new recordings with the band. Wonder how far along this is. I'd guess not very far since Gord has been pretty busy the past six months or so. But maybe not, if they're revisiting some of the leftover songs tracked for Man Machine Poem.

It has to be a weird time for Robby, Gord S, Johnny and Paul. Gord D has to do what he wants to do and follow his heart. Like Freddie Mercury, he's balancing solo projects with the mothership of the band.

I can't wait to hear the new material and keep praying for a miracle.

During Gord's interview with Mansbridge, he mentioned that he wanted to keep busy and keep working. I wouldn't be surprised if he was currently working with the guys on new Hip music in between Secret Path commitments, as well as putting finishing touches on whatever upcoming solo material he said he already has in the can.

As for the new Hip record, I'm thinking it's likely a mix of previously recorded tracks from the MMP sessions and maybe a few new songs. Whatever they're cooking up, I can't wait to hear it. And who knows what kind of stuff they have sitting in their vault. I'll bet there's enough material in there to fill up dozens of albums, including live shows, unreleased studio tracks, radio performances, live footage, collaborations, etc... There's no doubt in my mind that we'll be hearing more from the Hip over the next several years, even if they're no longer touring.

[arewhyehen]

Gord S was doing some stuff and touring with Miss Emily not long ago.

Paul has his solo stuff he can turn to.

Rob is working on new Strippers Union.

There is a bunch of new Hip stuff that in sure will be out soon enough.

Rob was also telling me that there are about 2-4 tracks from all their albums that they never released. They cut 1 or 2 in the first week of recording an album and another 1-2 in the last week. I hope for a box set of their discography soon and it would be awesome if the rerelease of all the albums came with those tracks...

[edgoffin]

I guess we'll see something around the release of the tour documentary? I'd like a live release from the tour, there were some incredible musical moments through all the shows I either watched via periscope or saw in person. I'd personally like a good collection of all the bonus tracks that accompanied releases -- I think I have them all, but in varying levels of quality.

[WesleyC.]

I hope Paul makes another solo album, loved both the ones he has made so far.

[Escape@Hand]

I'm slowly coming to the realization that The Hip are, at least as we have known them, done. I guess I've been in a long state of denial, and I'm glad I got to see the three shows on the MMP tour that I did (Victoria, Ottawa, Kingston), but it seems like it's finally hitting me just now. Yes they may have some more releases up their sleeves, but I don't imagine they will play another live show again. I sure hope I'm wrong, and if I get another chance to see a live show I will absolutely pay the platinum prices to get a good seat (I got spoiled over the years always getting the first 3-5 rows or so, and had to settle for mid-back floor seats and side stage for the MMP tour).

Hopefully the band will be spurred on to release an all-encompassing box set full of b-sides, rarities and live material. I'd love to have the full concert for Live Between Us...and of course, any new material would be amazing. I wonder if they will turn into a Steely Dan type band, just releasing material and not touring?

[carebread]

I hope Paul makes another solo album, loved both the ones he has made so far.

I believe he's working on it. Stripper's Union has the majority of an album in the can and they are possibly touring this year.

[tonyd]

sure hope I'm wrong, and if I get another chance to see a live show I will absolutely pay the platinum prices to get a good seat (I got spoiled over the years always getting the first 3-5 rows or so, and had to settle for mid-back floor seats and side stage for the MMP tour).

I hope you're wrong as well (but i feel you're right). I cant wait to buy platinum seats for the next (i hope) show.

[Killer Whale Tank]

I'm slowly coming to the realization that The Hip are, at least as we have known them, done. I guess I've been in a long state of denial, and I'm glad I got to see the three shows on the MMP tour that I did (Victoria, Ottawa, Kingston), but it seems like it's finally hitting me just now. Yes they may have some more releases up their sleeves, but I don't imagine they will play another live show again. I sure hope I'm wrong, and if I get another chance to see a live show I will absolutely pay the platinum prices to get a good seat (I got spoiled over the years always getting the first 3-5 rows or so, and had to settle for mid-back floor seats and side stage for the MMP tour).

Hopefully the band will be spurred on to release an all-encompassing box set full of b-sides, rarities and live material. I'd love to have the full concert for Live Between Us...and of course, any new material would be amazing. I wonder if they will turn into a Steely Dan type band, just releasing material and not touring?

It beats me, but I suspect your 'Steely Dan' analogy is probably the likeliest bet. There's a sense in which any (formal) concert will be anticlimactic after the MMP tour. And Gord talked about how brutally punishing it was touring while not being able to remember the words...why put himself through that again?

None of that rules out new releases, though. And certainly a 'Hip Bootleg Series' is overdue. If Gillian Welch can do it, surely the Hip can.

[direwolf74]

Hopefully the band will be spurred on to release an all-encompassing box set full of b-sides, rarities and live material. I'd love to have the full concert for Live Between Us...and of course, any new material would be amazing. I wonder if they will turn into a Steely Dan type band, just releasing material and not touring?

It beats me, but I suspect your 'Steely Dan' analogy is probably the likeliest bet. There's a sense in which any (formal) concert will be anticlimactic after the MMP tour. And Gord talked about how brutally punishing it was touring while not being able to remember the words...why put himself through that again?

None of that rules out new releases, though. And certainly a 'Hip Bootleg Series' is overdue. If Gillian Welch can do it, surely the Hip can.

The Hip seems to be one of the only bands on earth who aren't doing that, so I agree it's definitely long overdue. Lord knows they have enough material for it.

[sean.bonner]

There are artists who release bootlegs for every show of a tour with barely any setlist variety. (Just look at the BNL concerts on Spotify....). Surely with setlists that have variation coupled with the unpredictability of Gordie's performances, could result in a good chunk of change if they released more shows.

[potsie]

I'm slowly coming to the realization that The Hip are, at least as we have known them, done. I guess I've been in a long state of denial, and I'm glad I got to see the three shows on the MMP tour that I did (Victoria, Ottawa, Kingston), but it seems like it's finally hitting me just now. Yes they may have some more releases up their sleeves, but I don't imagine they will play another live show again. I sure hope I'm wrong, and if I get another chance to see a live show I will absolutely pay the platinum prices to get a good seat (I got spoiled over the years always getting the first 3-5 rows or so, and had to settle for mid-back floor seats and side stage for the MMP tour).

Hopefully the band will be spurred on to release an all-encompassing box set full of b-sides, rarities and live material. I'd love to have the full concert for Live Between Us...and of course, any new material would be amazing. I wonder if they will turn into a Steely Dan type band, just releasing material and not touring?

I'm hoping the B-sides and rarities set will come, but not just yet. As Gord Downie once said, "When the search for A-sides is no longer compelling, we'll worry about the B-sides". As long is Gord is with us, and provided he's willing and able, I hope the Hip continue to record new material. Based on his solo performances this fall, I have no doubt about his ability to sing and record. What I'm unsure about is whether he is currently able to write new material. When he was interviewed on the tour bus around the time of the Ottawa Secret Path show he said that he was just starting to be able to read a book for 15-20 minutes at a time. That doesn't sound like someone with the mental stamina required to sit and write lyrics. As far as new material goes he may be drawing upon the well of notebooks he's accumulated over the years or, and I hope this is the case, maybe he is now able to put pen to paper. I'd really love to hear (in the form of new Hip material) how, if at all, his song writing has changed with his new perspective on mortality.