That time Gord Downie told me about the Tragically Hip’s Saturday Night Live gig

By Steve Newton On March 25, 1995, the Tragically Hip played Saturday Night Live, when one of my fave actors, John Goodman ("Mark it zero!"), was hosting. Fellow Kingstonite Dan Aykroyd introduced the band, which surprised the hell out of peeps by not opening with a certified crowd-pleasing rocker like "New Orleans is Sinking" or … Continue reading That time Gord Downie told me about the Tragically Hip’s Saturday Night Live gig

Matthew Sweet still searching for that elusive SNL appearance

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 17, 1997 By Steve Newton When Matthew Sweet calls in the afternoon from a Manhattan hotel room, he’s just hours away from taping an appearance on Late Show with David Letterman. That night, through the wonder of TV, Sweet’s new single, “Where You Get Love”, will be transmitted … Continue reading Matthew Sweet still searching for that elusive SNL appearance

Counting Crows guitarist downplays the band’s Van Morrison vibe

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MARCH 27, 1997 Sometimes musicians on the lookout for a creative partner will just bump into the right person while browsing in music stores or hanging out in nightclubs. Other times they’ll follow the proven route of taking out want ads in papers like the one you’re holding. And … Continue reading Counting Crows guitarist downplays the band’s Van Morrison vibe

Live follows vibrant Throwing Copper with brooding Secret Samadhi

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MARCH 8, 1997 Three years ago, you could hardly tune into any commercial rock station in North America without hearing about the impending Woodstock 25th Anniversary concert. Judging by all the hype, it was going to be the rock show of the decade—if not the century—and the varied lineup … Continue reading Live follows vibrant Throwing Copper with brooding Secret Samadhi

Gordon Downie says opening for the Rolling Stones is like being a golf caddy

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 6, 1995 By Steve Newton In 1995, it’s as if the Tragically Hip can do no wrong. Late last February, the Ontario guitar-rockers played a Pacific Coliseum gig that sold out in 20 minutes flat. Not long after that, you could have flicked on Saturday Night Live and … Continue reading Gordon Downie says opening for the Rolling Stones is like being a golf caddy