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Any books written about the Hip? (if not, there should be)
#1

As somewhat of a Hip newbie, I'd like to know if anyone is aware of any books that have been written about the band (I'm pretty sure the answer is "no," since I have not been able to find anything after a fairly exhaustive search).

For a band that has been together for nearly a quarter century and are a national institution in their homeland, I'm really surprised that someone hasn't at least approached the Hip about writing a book. I'd think they'd be a perfect candidate for a large format (i.e. coffee table sized), fully illustrated biography similar to the U2 book that was published in September 2006 ("U2 by U2"). Now, I do realized that the Hip's fame and popularity is nowhere near that of U2 (then again, U2 is arguably the most famous band in the world), but I'd think that a book like this would be a huge seller in Canada (and would probably sell reasonably well in U.S. markets like Michigan and New York state).

Since I first started listening to the Hip, and became increasingly obsessed with their music, I've read everything I've been able to get my hands on. I've been pretty frustrated with the lack of substantial articles and writings about the band (certainly in the U.S.). I'd love to read about how the guys met, how they formed the band, and stories about their early days on the road. (I'm sure they must have some really fascinating "Spinal Tap-ish" tales to tell). Plus, I'd love to know more about how their creative process has evolved in the time they've been together (i.e. songwriting and recording).

Sorry to have rambled on for so long. I'm just shooting this out there. Anyone feel inspired to write the great Tragically Hip biography?
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#2

Right on Bookhead. I second your motion.
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#3

i'll do it...

... in the meantime, there were always cool stories and articles written by the band or people close to the band on the old album websites. i don't know if these still exist and there's a small chance that i am completely full of shit but i seem to remember stories about songs and the record making process and the band's history. especially (i think) on the 'live between us' page.

anybody know how to access these?

[EDIT] here's the henhouse page. a few things to read, it's no book. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.thehip.com/HipArchive/hypercd/trouble.htm">http://www.thehip.com/HipArchive/hypercd/trouble.htm</a><!-- m -->
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#4

All of the old pages are on thehip.com somewhere... I recall reading through all of those pages quite recently.

And as far as a book is concerned... I seem to recall a movement here at Hipbase where fans were going to compile stories, pictures, etc and put together a book. I think that I even offered to manage the printing...
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#5

been a while since I have read it but there is a chapter on the Hip in -

Have Not Been The Same : the Can Rock Renaissance

(I think Gord wrote the forward to the book as well)
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#6

I asked a similar thing not too long ago. I'd love to read a Hip biography!
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#7

it'd be cool to do a fan book..me and Ben could do a piece on being a Hip fan who almost never gets to really, properly experience them!

Come say hi on twitter @MattMerritt
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#8

Everytime I am in Chapters I look for a Tragically Hip book. I have come across some in my computer searches but they never have any in stock.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search?keywords=The%20Tragically%20Hip&pageSize=10">http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/sea ... ageSize=10</a><!-- m -->
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#9

Audra Wrote:Everytime I am in Chapters I look for a Tragically Hip book. I have come across some in my computer searches but they never have any in stock.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search?keywords=The%20Tragically%20Hip&pageSize=10">http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/sea ... ageSize=10</a><!-- m -->

Interesting, but those books are probably the lyrics and the music so people can jam. Just my guess anyways!
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#10

Those books are chords and tablature for musicians...
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#11

Good to know! Now I can stop looking for them everytime I go to the bookstore. I just figured a book with 128 pages would be more than just a chord book. Thanks guys! Smile
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#12

There is a book written by Dave Bidini (of the Rheostatics) called "On A Cold Road."

The book, in part, details a tour the Rheostatics did opening for The Hip. So, there are many little Hip anecdotes. But, to be clear it's not a Hip book.

As well, the book is a great history lesson for anyone interested in Canadian music. Bidini interviews people such as Jim Kale, Randy Bachman and Terry David Mulligan.

Anyway, it's an interesting read.
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#13

I always thought that if The Museum After Dark was converted from a website into print-form, it would make an incredible coffee table book. Think about it... The Tragically Hip song lyrics on the left-hand page, and the refrences on the right page. Complete with photos, drawings, and an Unreleased Song section. I'd Buy one...Stephen? http://www.hipmuseum.com/
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#14

There is an AWESOME Beatles book that is simply lyrics and illustrations. I used to own it. Then it got ruined in the rain... long story.

2004-12-03 - Saint John/2005-09-03 - Moncton/2006-06-30 - Charlottetown/2006-11-09/10 - Montreal/2007-09-11 - Fredericton/2007-09-13 - Halifax/2007-09-14 - Sydney/2007-09-15 - Charlottetown/2008-06-30 - Charlottetown/2009-05-01/02 - Montreal/2011-06-28 - Moncton/2011-06-30 - Charlottetown/2012-06-30 - Niagara-on-the-Lake/2013-02-01 - Moncton/2013-02-02 - Halifax/2015-01-10 - Toronto/2015-02-20 - Montreal/2015-07-17 - Ottawa/2016-08-18 - Ottawa/2016-08-20 - Kingston
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#15

Bookhead.......

The only thing so far really in the line of a book, is Gord Downies book of poetry that came with Coke Machine Glow CD.
Other than that, its funny you brought this up as my wife and I were at the mall on Tuesday at a book store and we were browsing around for a bit and I ended up in the music section. She caught up with me and I looked at her and said. " They should have a book on The Hip" She agreed.
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