The Never-Ending Present cover art

The Never-Ending Present

The Story of Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip

 Preview

Audible Standard 1-month free trial

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo + applicable tax after 30-day trial. Cancel Anytime
Try for $0.00
Compare plans

The Never-Ending Present

Written by: Michael Barclay
Narrated by: George Stroumboulopoulos
Try for $0.00

$8.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $29.66

Buy Now for $29.66

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. Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Funny Witty Biography
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1

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.
0:00

The Hip's Peers Reflect on the National Celebration Concert

George Stroumboulopoulos

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.

Michael Barclay

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.

All stars
Most Relevant
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

Essential of the hip fan

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
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

Prepare to cry a lot

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
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

A Must for any Hip fan

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
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

This is more than just the story of the Hip

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
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.

Truly amazing...must listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews