🎸 Are Tribute Bands Just About the Music? Or Is There More to It?

In this week’s episode of The Sunday Evening Jam, jD and Sara J are joined by fellow membersHIP friends Andrew Schmidt and Jeff Tucker for a lively discussion on a hot topic among TTH fans — Tribute Bands.

Fresh from a night out seeing The Strictly Hip, the crew unpacks everything from the energy of live performances, the importance of authenticity, and what separates a great tribute band from the rest. From killer guitar solos to carefully chosen setlists, it’s all on the table. We talk the line between homage and imitation, how a tribute act can capture (or miss) the unique magic of Gord Downie, and what it means to keep the legacy of The Hip alive.

Topics Include:

• What makes a good Tragically Hip tribute band?

• How much is too much when it comes to imitation?

• The difference between a cover band vs tribute band

• Why The Hip’s music lends itself (or doesn’t) to tribute performances

• A review of The Strictly Hip show experience

• Community, nostalgia, and keeping Gord’s spirit alive

Whether you’re a diehard Hip fan or a curious music lover, this episode offers a heartfelt (and sometimes hilariously honest) take on how we celebrate bands we love after they’re gone.

🎟️ And don’t forget — A Celebration of The Hip for ALS is coming this October!

Join us in Toronto on October 4, 2025 for a live event like no other, featuring:

• The finale of The Tragically Hip Top 40 Countdown

• A killer live Hip tribute band

• A legendary silent auction

• And more…

It’s all in support of The ALS Society of Canada, honouring our dear friend Matt.

💥 Early Bird Tickets are available now — but not for long!

Secure yours at: dewvre.com/tthtop40

Let’s keep the music playing. Let’s keep the community connected.

Let’s get fandom right.

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