Jason Plumb says Tragically Hip 'was like seeing the Stones for us'
Regina born musician reflects on how the Tragically Hip influenced his life and career
The first time Jason Plumb first saw the Tragically Hip, it was the late 80s. The venue has changed its name and come under new management several times, but the memories of the concert live on with the Regina musician.
At the time, The Venue hosted The Tragically Hip on their first cross Canada tour.
"Nobody had really heard of them, and there was about a half full house," said Plumb.
After that, each time they came across the country, they drew bigger and bigger crowds The Hip kept giving support to local artists in each town they played, once even to Plumb and his band The Waltons.
After opening for them, Plumb eventually got to know the members of The Tragically Hip.
"There was a lot of encouragement from Gord Downie in particular, saying 'Hey, you guys need to come out to Toronoto,'" said Plumb.
Eventually, Plumb and the Waltons did head east and once there Downie and The Hip kept up the encouragement.
"They gave us a fantastic opening spot at the Ontario Place Forum, which was a fantastic place to play. Spinning stage and all," said Plumb.
"They really kickstarted our career," said Plumb.
He remembers Downie telling him to move to Toronto and replying that he didn't have anywhere to stay, to which Downie replied " Well you can stay with me, man".
"Well, I think to his surprise I actually called from the airport in Toronto and said 'Hey Gord, I'm on my way over,'" said Plumb.
As many times as he's seen them, either in the crowd or on the side of the stage, Plumb is still amazed by Downie's stage presence.
"Just that live energy, it was like seeing the Stones for us," said Plumb. "It was electric."
Now spanning two generations of fans, The Tragically Hip's music remains as honesty, poetry to Plumb.
And despite claims that the band could have been bigger if they weren't so intentionally Canadian, Plumb disagrees.
"I think their Canadian centricity is what's endeared them to Canadians and Canadians across the world," said Plumb. "They're our band."