The Trip’s John Genet on emulating Gord Downie: ‘A huge challenge to do him properly’

When asked what their favourite Tragically Hip song is, people have all sorts of answers. Whether it is ‘Ahead by a Century’ or ‘Fiddler’s Green’, the Hip have left a mark in the memories of many music lovers.

John Genet, who was born in Buffalo and moved to Fort Erie as a youth, had been living in Las Vegas for a period of about 22 years when he attended a wedding. During the festivities, he witnessed “70 Canadians jumping up and down to some Tragically Hip music.”

From there, Genet got the idea to start the Tragically Trip–a Tragically Hip cover band–because “the music, to us, is just outstanding.”

Genet said the Trip did a couple of test shows to gauge reactions and they “went over very well,” adding that “the rest is history.”

Over time the Trip came to the final lineup of Genet, Pat Raimondo, Chris Cole, John Felik and Todd Coldham. The band has a catalogue of 60 to 75 songs that can all be played live at a moment’s notice.

As the lead singer of the Trip, it is Genet’s job to play the part of Gord Downie.

“In my opinion, there’s nobody that carried the love and passion like that,” said Genet. “(Downie) was just absolutely amazing and out of control, and it’s a huge challenge to do him properly.”

The Trip isn’t the first cover band Genet has been a part of, noting that he was in a U2 cover band at one time.

As far as his favourite Tragically Hip song goes, Genet said it changes from time to time, but he is currently enjoying the newly released track, ‘Get Back Again’.

Genet said the Trip have been active this summer, playing a number of shows in southern Ontario.

On August 2, they will be performing at the Canadian Corps Association in Port Colborne.

The following night, August 3, will see the Trip perform at Trailside Bar & Grill located at 282 Ridge Road North.

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