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Ian McDonnell

Lead Vocals/ Medium@Large

 "Music is my "night out bowling"  I would have loved to do it for a living but that didn't pan out." 

 "Like a hockey player that hopes to make the NHL, once you know you wont be drafted, do you hang up the skates?" 

"Or go play beer league with your friends and have a laugh?"

 "Music is the one thing in my life I do for purely selfish reasons. I love to perform and I love being the center of attention."

"(but don't tell anyone...sounds too douchey)"

As an embodiment of Gordon Downie's charismatic, unique stage presence, Ian McDonnell strives to make each performance a tribute to the man's one of a kind genius.

Some might rightly call Ian's front-man duties a kind of 'musical channeling' -  and we wouldn't blame them.

 

But we prefer to a more pragmatic descriptor for Mr. McDonnell's performance.

We prefer  'absurd level of talent'.

First Hip Memory

" Back in the 80's I dated this girl named Lana.    I was ready to break up with her, but being cowardly and not wanting to hurt her feelings, I was taking my time about it.  Finally, with Craig Brown's urging, I resolved to "have the talk".  When we met, before I could say anything, she told me about seeing this awesome new band at the Town Pump the night before and how she knew I would love them!  So she bought me their demo cassette...I thought "well that was very kind and thoughtful, we will have to delay the talk till tomorrow night..."

Question you'd ask Gord?

"If I could talk to Gord I wouldn't ask him anything.  I would just like to hang out with him and get to know the real him.  I wouldn't want to contrive an all encompassing question, because I'm sure he would be annoyed at yet another "where do your song ideas come from" kind of thing.  I feel strongly that I would like him to think I was an ok guy and appreciate I was around.  I would hate to be an annoyance.  "

Most moving Hip Moment?

"The Hip have often evoked many emotions...  The soundtrack of my youth.  Too many moments to list.  But if I had to explain one, it was when I heard Lake Fever off of the Music @ Work album.  Up at Gallagher Lake having the best weekend of my life, performing music at night and drinking and being foolish at the beach all day..."

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Favourite Song to Play Live?​

"My favorite song changes from night to night, depending on the crowd etc.  Currently I am very fond of "Escape is at Hand for the Travelling Man". I most struggle with Fiddlers green as it is very emotional.  How does a parent survive the loss of a child?  Devastating"

Why did you choose music?

"Some of my earliest memories are of wanting to be a musician.  I'm not sure what age, but I was young.  Being allowed to stay up later than my siblings as I would sing and entertain my parents and guests with songs.  As a child I remember distinctly singing along with Beatles records playing a tennis racket guitar. I chose to sing (and play the drums poorly) because it was the easiest option for me.  No need for expensive instruments (plus I'm too stoopid to play guitar)"

Musical Influences?

"Influences are wide and varied.  But as a song writer (lyrics) The Hip were the Golden standard.  Really like 80's alt rock, New wave and punk rock.  Album to be played at my funeral is Roxy Music's Avalon"

Lets be buds

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We respectfully acknowledge that our activities take place on the traditional and unceded territories of the First Nations peoples throughout British Columbia, including but not limited to the Katzie, Kwantlen, and Stóō Nations of Maple Ridge. We honor their deep-rooted connection to these lands, their rich cultural heritage, and their enduring contributions to our communities. We are committed to fostering respect, understanding, and collaboration with First Nations across BC as we work together towards a shared and inclusive future.

©2025 by Gift Shop - Yer New Favourite Tribute to The Tragically Hip

Biography Photos by Reg Ham Photography

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