
The Never-Ending Present
The Story of Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip
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Narrated by:
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George Stroumboulopoulos
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Written by:
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Michael Barclay
About this listen
From our talent-rich neighbor to the north comes this biography of one of the most successful Canadian rock bands, The Tragically Hip, which announced a year-long tour after sharing the news of lead singer Gord Downie’s inoperable cancer. Now available to US listeners, The Never-Ending Present details what led up to the memorable night when music fans all over the world watched Downie’s heroic final performance. Author Michael Barclay explores the band’s musical and cultural importance through interviews with friends, fans, and others they touched. Broadcaster George Stroumboulopoulos narrates the Hip’s saga from its start in Kingston, Ontario, in 1984 to its superstar status as kings of the Canadian music scene—even conquering what Barclay calls the "American albatross." This audiobook is for anyone interested in rock music biographies in general or "Canada’s band" in particular, and how fans’ love for a band can foster a profound cultural moment of unity.
©2018 Michael Barclay (P)2018 Audible, Inc.You may also enjoy...
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Behind the Scenes with Strombo
Narrator George Stroumboulopoulos reveals what to expect from The Never-Ending Present and expounds on the Hip's impact on the Canadian cultural landscape.The Hip's Peers Reflect on the National Celebration Concert





About the Narrator
George Stroumboulopoulos is a Canadian television and radio interviewer, writer, and media producer. He was host and executive producer of the CBC talk show George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight (formerly The Hour) and Stroumboulopoulos on CNN, host of The NewMusic with MuchMusic, and anchored Hockey Night in Canada. He was also host of the music interview show Live in Toronto on CFNY 102.1 The Edge and continues on radio with The Strombo Show on CBC Radio 2. He also produces and hosts a live concert series, House of Strombo, with Apple Music
For even more from Strombo, check out his selection of must-listens.

About the Author
Michael Barclay has worked for Maclean’s, CBC Radio’s Brave New Waves, and Exclaim!. He co-authored Have Not Been the Same: The CanRock Renaissance 1985–1995, which told the stories of the Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, k.d. lang, and dozens more. He lives in Toronto.
What listeners say about The Never-Ending Present
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- Bernadette
- 2024-08-13
Essential of the hip fan
My Canadian upbringing I was born the year the hip formed and through the 90s with two older sisters The Hip would be a constant soundtrack. It would be a proper upbringing with their songs as we grew up and myself attending two concerts. With George as the narrator would complete this Canadian experience him being on Much Music, I enjoyed listening to the authentic genuine lively band known as the Hip. An essential listen for Hip fans
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- Kelly Coe
- 2019-10-31
Prepare to cry a lot
I lost touch with “the hip” after the first 4 albums.. yet I felt such a strange connection with this story... as so many Canadians did.
Thank you
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- myron d campbell
- 2018-09-13
A Must for any Hip fan
I still can't seem to reconcile with Gord's death. I want him back. I want more Hip albums and I just want more Hip. If you are the same and you are finding you just can't get enough, you will want to check out this book. It chronicles the entire catalogue with great song-stories of writing and recording the songs. I found the Hip saw themselves as a family and really cared about each other and really respected what they created together. They were democratic and shared profits for everything 5 ways. Have to respect that. This is a must for any Hip fan.
#Audible1
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- Frazer Bergman
- 2020-07-15
This is more than just the story of the Hip
First off Strombo kills it!
The story includeds all eras of the band and heart wrenching coverage of the final show in Kingston. But it is most entertaining when it covers the stories of the Fans and Tribute bands.
Amazing story and thoroughly entertaining. If you want your friends to understand why you love the hip, tell them to listen to this.
Cheers
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- Amazon Customer
- 2018-08-08
Truly amazing...must listen
Every Hip fan must listen to this...even if you're only a casual fan. It is a great telling of the story of Canada's band! I was enthralled from the moment it started...didn't want it to end because I know how it ends. Strombo does an amazing job as narrator. Just perfect all around.
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- T Woodward
- 2019-10-27
wonderfully narrated by George Stroumboulopoulos
I've followed The Tragically Hip throughout the years, but never delved into their day to day experiences. The author, Michael Barclay retells the Hips story, sometimes in great emotional detail. Even though the book is 17 hours long, I was always excited to hear the next chapter, the next adventure.
I highly recommend it to all.
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- Kia
- 2018-08-10
50% Hip
This book is about the music more than it’s about the people. There’s a lot of information about people you’re probably never heard of and probably don’t care about. If you wanted a book about Gord and The Hip, this has some of that, but it’s only about 50% of the book. Just be aware.
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- Peter
- 2018-09-14
Very appealing story.
Not finished this yet, but I've enjoyed the tale. A fascinating subject, well told. Great for any music loving Canadian. #Audible1
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- Kevin B. (Winnipeg)
- 2018-09-14
If You've Ever liked The Hip, This Book is for You
I would not call myself a die-hard Hip fan by any means. I really enjoyed their early stuff (still do) but then I found they drifted off my radar. I had their first 5 albums way back when they first came out and I've seen them live 4 or 5 times as well. When I still hear songs from their early albums, memories come flooding back.
Like many, I was saddened by the death of Gord Downie. Listening to "the Never-Ending Present" opened me up to an aspect of the band that I was clueless about. I really enjoyed learning about what down to earth people the band members were/are. What other famous musicians would show up to a game of shinny with ordinary folks just because they love hockey?
After listening to this book, I have been working my way through the Tragically Hip's musical catalogue chronically and appreciating the genius of their music with a new ear.
This book is well written and narrated. I would highly recommend giving it a listen! #Audible1
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- Amazon Customer
- 2018-07-31
With Grace too,
As a long time fan of The Hip this was something that I was a bit uneasy about. Wondering were this book would take me, and if it would ad or take away from my experience. This book was amazing it adds to the story, and fills in so many questions I never though I would get answer or never new I wanted to ask.
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