A special tribute show for legendary Canadian rock band the Tragically Hip will be returning to London this October. “Grace, 2” – named after Hip hit “Grace, Too” – are on a national tour, looking to raise money for Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
While not having much success south of the border, the Tragically Hip were one of the most popular and acclaimed bands in Canada, with nine number one albums on local charts and 16 Juno Awards. The band’s final show in 2016, broadcast live by the CBC, was watched by over 11 million people. Grace, 2 is looking to channel the memorable energy of that final night in Kingston by playing the same setlist in the same order – a 30-song tour of the Hip’s three-decade career, ranging from hits like “Ahead By a Century” and “Poets” to deeper cuts like “Fiddler’s Green” and “Wheat Kings.”
Using the tagline “never duplicated, yet always celebrated” to describe their treatment of the Hip’s work, Grace, 2 uses the band’s music to raise funds for charitable causes – including funds named after Hip frontman Gord Downie for brain cancer research and awareness of Indigenous issues. While most tribute acts do not get national tours, they can be beloved local institutions, often using tools like poster printing and flyer printing to advertise their shows.
Grace, 2 will perform in London on October 19 at Norma Jean’s.
