🎙️ The Tragically Hip Top Forty Countdown: Song 11 – Thomas from Belgium

What happens when a kid from Belgium falls head over boots for The Tragically Hip? You get a story that spans continents, spreadsheets, and six-string worship. This week, jD welcomes Thomas from Belgium to the show as we hit #11 on the countdown. That’s right. Eleven. Which means we are officially in the thick of the top ten next week.

But first, this episode is a postcard from across the pond—where fandom took root in a French-speaking corner of Europe and grew into full-blown obsession. How did it happen? Crash Thompson videos, bootleg YouTube jams, spreadsheet colour coding, and a live version of New Orleans is Sinking that jammed so hard it contained a proto-Head by a Century. Yup. That one.

Episode Summary

jD is joined by Thomas from Belgium, a fan who discovered The Hip years after Gord’s passing and built his own connection through British Spotify gaps, YouTube live sets, and late-night park walks. Together, they explore track #11 and unpack how the band’s unmistakably Canadian spirit resonated across the Atlantic.

We also dive into Gord’s elliptical songwriting, Rob Baker’s underrated noodling, and the thrill of finding new meaning—on the 50th listen.

About the Guest

Thomas is a motorsports journalist who grew up in Belgium, lived in the UK, and found The Hip through a very Canadian set of internet coincidences. He’s got a soundcloud (with Hip covers), a YouTube channel, and a spreadsheet that could qualify as sacred text. He’s also got serious takes on In Between Evolution, respect for World Container, and love for the Fillmore 2000 gig.

Why It Matters

This episode reminds us that Hip fandom is bigger than borders—and that sometimes, all it takes is a friend, a nudge, and a bluesy guitar lick to spark a lifelong obsession. It also reminds us how beautifully The Hip’s songs lend themselves to interpretation, imagination, and personal mythmaking—whether you’re in Toronto or a kitchen in Belgium.

Big Thanks + What’s Next

Huge thanks to Thomas for bringing his curiosity, warmth, and accent (c’mon, it’s charming!) to the show. His journey into the fandom is proof that it’s never too late to fall in love with this band.

We’ll be back next week with the long-awaited start of the Top 10. It’s gonna get emotional. Get your tissues, get your beers, and get ready.

🎸 Promos & Crosslinks

• 🏆 Think you—or someone you know—is The Hip’s Ultimate SuperFan? Nominate them now. Finalists will be revealed August 29!
• 🎤 Catch up on our latest Sunday Evening Jam – we talked SuperFan Search, Hipstory, and SiriusXM.
• 🎧 Miss an episode? Start from the top.

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