The Hip Show (The Tragically Hip tribute)

The Hip Show, Canada’s most authentic tribute to The Tragically Hip, have been captivating audiences all throughout Western Canada since 2008.

No Tragically Hip tribute band in Canada, dives deeper into the music, the image, the sounds, the roles, the sheer essence of The Tragically Hip, than The Hip Show. Through their performance, The Hip Show brings the full Hip experience to life, for you… the fans!

Be it an intimate venue or a festival stage, The Hip Show delivers an unbridled portrayal of those 5 guys from Kingston.

Come out and immerse yourself in The Hip Show experience!

Matt Mattson – Gord Downie

Born in BC, Matt spent a number of his formative years traveling the world only to settle back in Vancouver. Since then, his musical journey as a singer songwriter frontman has put him in front of many audiences, and together with many musicians. His recent efforts as the character of Gord Downie have only served to broaden his skills as a bonafide frontman and lead singer.

No other ‘Hip’ tribute in the country has a Gord Downie like Matt. He takes it all to heart and gives it back to the audience with a desire and intensity rivaled only by Gord himself. His experience and love for the Hip comes across in every performance.

Joe Foley – Robby Baker

Originally from NW Ontario, Joe spent most of his 20’s touring Canada developing his craft as a working musician. After a brief stint in Winnipeg in the early ‘90’s, he found himself living on the west coast. After 35 +years in the Canadian music scene, Joe has finally put together a band that he is extremely proud of.

As the driving force behind The Hip Show, Joe has assembled some of the best musicians he has ever played with. “Not only are these guys good but I am proud to say that we are all friends, despite my insane work ethic.” He has been heard to say “If we’re playing it all night, we’re playing it all right!” Playing the part(s) of Robby Baker is the challenge he never expected but one that he has taken on head first.

David Van Andel – Paul Langlois

As the only member to have been auditioned for the project, David came to us the way most things happen these days, the internet. As a former Albertan, he brings with him a certain ability to play it like it is. His musical past going back almost 30 years includes formal jazz training not to be out done by a 4 year gig in a well respected AC/DC tribute as the role of Malcolm Young.

David quickly fit himself into the role as the rhythm guitarist Paul Langlois going so far as rediscovering his sound and style of play all the while injecting a little of his own influence to the parts.

Brad Uchida – Gordon Sinclair

Brad and Joe met in a recording studio some 17 years ago. A short time later they were playing in a band that “could have been a contender”. This was the first of 3 non starts over the next few years. Fast forward to the day of the phone call between Matt and Joe and all Joe had to ask was “are you in?”, and he didn’t hesitate.

To say Brad is one half of The Hip Show rhythm section is an understatement to be sure. Together with Mike Satchwell (drums) they have some 30 years of playing together. That’s almost as long as Sinclair and Fay themselves have been together.

His style has been likened to that of Prakash John (Alice Cooper, The Lincolns) which works very well as a perfect fit for the role of Gordon Sinclair.

Mike Satchwell – Johnny Fay

The other half of The Hip Show rhythm section and again, much the same story as Brad, as he and Mike have been joined at the ‘Hip’ these past 30 years. His experience goes back almost 30 years in many roles, Jazz drummer on a cruise ship, 3 years in Maui playing one nighter after one nighter all the while avoiding the USNIS.

Mike also played the part of Don Henley in an Eagles tribute in the early ‘90’s. Mike’s ability, style, and work ethic are the glue that joins us together at “The Hip”.