The Never-Ending Present
The Story of Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $37.53
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
George Stroumboulopoulos
-
Written by:
-
Michael Barclay
About this listen
From our talent-rich neighbor to the north comes this biography of one of the most successful Canadian rock bands, The Tragically Hip, which announced a year-long tour after sharing the news of lead singer Gord Downie’s inoperable cancer. Now available to US listeners, The Never-Ending Present details what led up to the memorable night when music fans all over the world watched Downie’s heroic final performance. Author Michael Barclay explores the band’s musical and cultural importance through interviews with friends, fans, and others they touched. Broadcaster George Stroumboulopoulos narrates the Hip’s saga from its start in Kingston, Ontario, in 1984 to its superstar status as kings of the Canadian music scene—even conquering what Barclay calls the "American albatross." This audiobook is for anyone interested in rock music biographies in general or "Canada’s band" in particular, and how fans’ love for a band can foster a profound cultural moment of unity.
©2018 Michael Barclay (P)2018 Audible, Inc.You may also enjoy...
-
My Effin' Life
- Written by: Geddy Lee
- Narrated by: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Cliff Burnstein
- Length: 16 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Geddy Lee is one of rock and roll's most respected bassists. For nearly five decades, his playing and work as co-writer, vocalist and keyboardist has been an essential part of the success story of Canadian progressive rock trio Rush. Here for the first time is his account of life inside and outside the band.
-
-
You move me, you move me
- By Jon D'Alessandro on 2023-11-19
Written by: Geddy Lee
-
The Storyteller: Expanded
- ...Because There's More to the Story
- Written by: Dave Grohl
- Narrated by: Dave Grohl
- Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dave Grohl’s The Storyteller created a sensation when it was initially published, becoming a global bestseller and thrilling fans and critics alike. Readers came to the book for Dave’s heartfelt voice, his love of family and music, and the energy that pours from every page. Dave’s is an extraordinary life made of up ordinary moments, and he tells stories just like he writes songs—from his soul.
-
-
Going down the Dave Grohl rabbit hole….
- By Mel L on 2024-11-22
Written by: Dave Grohl
-
Coke Machine Glow
- Written by: Gordon Downie
- Narrated by: Dan Ayckroyd, Robbie Baker, Clare Downie, and others
- Length: 1 hr and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gordon Downie, lead singer and lyricist for the popular Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, released his first solo record, Coke Machine Glow, in spring 2001. Alongside the album, his first book of poetry and prose under the same title was published, including the lyrics to the 16 songs on the record. Now, on the 20th-anniversary year of Coke Machine Glow, fans have more to delight in: the audiobook of Coke Machine Glow and a brand-new album by Downie, released posthumously.
Written by: Gordon Downie
-
Heavier than Heaven
- A Biography of Kurt Cobain
- Written by: Charles R. Cross
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 14 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Kurt Cobain died by his own hand in April 1994, it was an act of will that typified his short, angry, inspired life. Veteran music journalist Charles R. Cross fuses his intimate knowledge of the Seattle music scene with his deep compassion for his subject in this extraordinary story of artistic brilliance and the pain that extinguished it.
-
-
Overall excellent book!
- By Anonymous User on 2024-07-01
Written by: Charles R. Cross
-
No Time Like the Future
- An Optimist Considers Mortality
- Written by: Michael J. Fox
- Narrated by: Michael J. Fox
- Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The entire world knows Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, the teenage sidekick of Doc Brown in Back to the Future; as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties; as Mike Flaherty in Spin City; and through numerous other movie roles and guest appearances on shows such as The Good Wife and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Diagnosed at age 29, Michael is equally engaged in Parkinson’s advocacy work, raising global awareness of the disease and helping find a cure through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the world's leading nonprofit funder of PD science.
-
-
A Canadian Hero
- By Dr4star on 2021-04-07
Written by: Michael J. Fox
-
Led Zeppelin
- The Biography
- Written by: Bob Spitz
- Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
- Length: 21 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the author of the definitive New York Times best-selling history of the Beatles comes the authoritative account of the group many call the greatest rock band of all time, arguably the most successful, and certainly one of the most notorious.
-
-
good but could have been better
- By Laqtantius on 2021-12-14
Written by: Bob Spitz
-
My Effin' Life
- Written by: Geddy Lee
- Narrated by: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Cliff Burnstein
- Length: 16 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Geddy Lee is one of rock and roll's most respected bassists. For nearly five decades, his playing and work as co-writer, vocalist and keyboardist has been an essential part of the success story of Canadian progressive rock trio Rush. Here for the first time is his account of life inside and outside the band.
-
-
You move me, you move me
- By Jon D'Alessandro on 2023-11-19
Written by: Geddy Lee
-
The Storyteller: Expanded
- ...Because There's More to the Story
- Written by: Dave Grohl
- Narrated by: Dave Grohl
- Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dave Grohl’s The Storyteller created a sensation when it was initially published, becoming a global bestseller and thrilling fans and critics alike. Readers came to the book for Dave’s heartfelt voice, his love of family and music, and the energy that pours from every page. Dave’s is an extraordinary life made of up ordinary moments, and he tells stories just like he writes songs—from his soul.
-
-
Going down the Dave Grohl rabbit hole….
- By Mel L on 2024-11-22
Written by: Dave Grohl
-
Coke Machine Glow
- Written by: Gordon Downie
- Narrated by: Dan Ayckroyd, Robbie Baker, Clare Downie, and others
- Length: 1 hr and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gordon Downie, lead singer and lyricist for the popular Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, released his first solo record, Coke Machine Glow, in spring 2001. Alongside the album, his first book of poetry and prose under the same title was published, including the lyrics to the 16 songs on the record. Now, on the 20th-anniversary year of Coke Machine Glow, fans have more to delight in: the audiobook of Coke Machine Glow and a brand-new album by Downie, released posthumously.
Written by: Gordon Downie
-
Heavier than Heaven
- A Biography of Kurt Cobain
- Written by: Charles R. Cross
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 14 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Kurt Cobain died by his own hand in April 1994, it was an act of will that typified his short, angry, inspired life. Veteran music journalist Charles R. Cross fuses his intimate knowledge of the Seattle music scene with his deep compassion for his subject in this extraordinary story of artistic brilliance and the pain that extinguished it.
-
-
Overall excellent book!
- By Anonymous User on 2024-07-01
Written by: Charles R. Cross
-
No Time Like the Future
- An Optimist Considers Mortality
- Written by: Michael J. Fox
- Narrated by: Michael J. Fox
- Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The entire world knows Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, the teenage sidekick of Doc Brown in Back to the Future; as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties; as Mike Flaherty in Spin City; and through numerous other movie roles and guest appearances on shows such as The Good Wife and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Diagnosed at age 29, Michael is equally engaged in Parkinson’s advocacy work, raising global awareness of the disease and helping find a cure through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the world's leading nonprofit funder of PD science.
-
-
A Canadian Hero
- By Dr4star on 2021-04-07
Written by: Michael J. Fox
-
Led Zeppelin
- The Biography
- Written by: Bob Spitz
- Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
- Length: 21 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the author of the definitive New York Times best-selling history of the Beatles comes the authoritative account of the group many call the greatest rock band of all time, arguably the most successful, and certainly one of the most notorious.
-
-
good but could have been better
- By Laqtantius on 2021-12-14
Written by: Bob Spitz
-
Lightfoot
- Written by: Nicholas Jennings
- Narrated by: Nicholas Jennings
- Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The definitive, full-access story of the life and songs of Canada's legendary troubadour. Gordon Lightfoot’s name is synonymous with timeless songs about trains and shipwrecks, rivers and highways, lovers and loneliness. His music defined the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and ‘70s, topped charts and sold millions. He is unquestionably Canada’s greatest songwriter, and an international star who has performed on the world’s biggest stages.While Lightfoot’s songs are well known, the man behind them is elusive. He’s never allowed his life to be chronicled in a book - until now.
-
-
enjoyable and interesting
- By craig on 2018-05-24
Written by: Nicholas Jennings
-
Talking to Canadians
- A Memoir
- Written by: Rick Mercer
- Narrated by: Rick Mercer
- Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What is Rick Mercer going to do now? That was the question on everyone's lips when the beloved comedian retired his hugely successful TV show after 15 seasons - and at the peak of its popularity. The answer came not long after, when he roared back in a new role as stand-up-comedian, playing to sold-out houses wherever he appeared. And then COVID-19 struck. And his legions of fans began asking again: What is Rick Mercer going to do now? Well, for one thing, he's been writing a comic masterpiece.
-
-
Don't pay for someone to scream at you for 10 hrs.
- By Kiki on 2022-01-09
Written by: Rick Mercer
-
Long Road
- Pearl Jam and the Soundtrack of a Generation
- Written by: Steven Hyden
- Narrated by: Ron Hippe
- Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ever since Pearl Jam first blasted onto the Seattle grunge scene three decades ago with their debut album, Ten, they have sold 85M+ albums, performed for hundreds of thousands of fans around the world, and have even been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In Long Road: Pearl Jam and the Soundtrack of a Generation, music critic and journalist Steven Hyden celebrates the life, career, and music of this legendary group, widely considered to be one of the greatest American rock bands of all time.
-
-
Excellent listen for every Pearl Jam fan
- By Bret Granville on 2023-07-03
Written by: Steven Hyden
-
The Lives of Brian
- A Memoir
- Written by: Brian Johnson
- Narrated by: Brian Johnson
- Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brian Johnson’s memoir from growing up in a small town to starting his own band to ultimately replacing Bon Scott, the lead singer of one of the world biggest rock acts, AC/DC. They would record their first album together, the iconic Back in Black, which would become the biggest selling rock album of all time.
-
-
Things I didn’t know about is I didn’t know about Brian Johnson
- By Anonymous User on 2023-01-30
Written by: Brian Johnson
-
Canadianity
- Tales from the True North Strong and Freezing
- Written by: Jeremy Taggart, Jonathan Torrens
- Narrated by: Jonathan Torrens, Jeremy Taggart
- Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sprung from their hugely successful podcast Canadianity, Taggart (that guy from that band) and Torrens (that guy from that show) share a collection of showbiz tales from the road and relatable everyday anecdotes, all wrapped up in a nostalgic fondness for this great country. Canadianity takes listeners on a cross-country journey, shining the spotlight on notable local heroes (or bahds), the best places to crush food and the greasiest watering holes, coast to coast to coast.
-
-
overhyped
- By Amazon Customer on 2019-07-21
Written by: Jeremy Taggart, and others
-
Life
- Written by: Keith Richards, James Fox
- Narrated by: Johnny Depp, Joe Hurley
- Length: 23 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Now at last Keith Richards pauses to tell his story in the most anticipated autobiography in decades. And what a story! Listening obsessively to Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records in a coldwater flat with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones, building a sound and a band out of music they loved. Finding fame and success as a bad-boy band, only to find themselves challenged by authorities everywhere....
-
-
Life is a worthy read
- By john on 2018-09-19
Written by: Keith Richards, and others
-
The Series
- What I Remember, What It Felt Like, What It Feels Like Now
- Written by: Ken Dryden
- Narrated by: Ken Dryden
- Length: 2 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
SEPTEMBER 2, 1972, MONTREAL FORUM, GAME ONE: The best against the best for the first time. Canada, the country that had created the game; the Soviet Union, having taken it up only twenty-six years earlier. On the line: more than the players, more than the fans, more than Canadians and Russians knew. So began an entirely improbable, near-month-long series of games that became more and more riveting, until, for the eighth, and final, and deciding game—on a weekday, during work and school hours all across the country—the nation stopped.
-
-
Summit Series from Someone who was There
- By The Math Devil on 2023-08-01
Written by: Ken Dryden
-
Canada
- Written by: Mike Myers
- Narrated by: Mike Myers
- Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Comedy superstar Mike Myers writes from the (true patriot) heart about his 53-year relationship with his beloved Canada. Mike Myers is a world-renowned actor, director and writer and the man behind some of the most memorable comic characters of our time. But, as he says, "No description of me is truly complete without saying I'm a Canadian". He has often winked and nodded to Canada in his outrageously accomplished body of work, but now he turns the spotlight full-beam on his homeland.
-
-
Love Mike Myers but...
- By Jardinpetitbasin on 2021-04-03
Written by: Mike Myers
-
Ghost Rider
- Travels on the Healing Road
- Written by: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 15 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In less than a year, Neil Peart lost both his 19-year-old daughter, Selena, and his wife, Jackie. Faced with overwhelming sadness and isolated from the world in his home on the lake, Peart was left without direction. That lack of direction lead him on a 55,000 mile journey by motorcycle across much of North America, down through Mexico to Belize, and back again.
-
-
Resonated Fully
- By Anonymous User on 2021-10-10
Written by: Neil Peart
-
Bourdain
- The Definitive Oral Biography
- Written by: Laurie Woolever
- Narrated by: Laurie Woolever, Christopher Bourdain, José Andrés, and others
- Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Anthony Bourdain died in June 2018, fans around the globe came together to celebrate the life of an inimitable man who had dedicated his life to traveling nearly everywhere (and eating nearly everything), shedding light on the lives and stories of others. His impact was outsized and his legacy has only grown since his death.
-
-
93 Eulogies
- By BL on 2021-10-16
Written by: Laurie Woolever
-
Total F*cking Godhead
- The Biography of Chris Cornell
- Written by: Corbin Reiff
- Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray
- Length: 12 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Total F*cking Godhead is the complete story of the complex and enigmatic artist, Chris Cornell. It's the riveting account of a blue collar, high-school dropout emerging from Seattle, Washington, to become one of the greatest singer-songwriters and voices of his generation. With input from people who knew and worked with him - together with Cornell's own words - the book recounts in great detail the rise of his immortal band Soundgarden as they emerged from the 1980s post-punk underground to dominate popular culture in the '90s alongside other Seattle bands like Pearl Jam.
-
-
Not what fans want
- By MRG on 2020-08-16
Written by: Corbin Reiff
-
Smart Phone Dumb Phone
- Free Yourself from Digital Addiction
- Written by: Allen Carr
- Narrated by: Jot Davies
- Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Smart Phone Dumb Phone rewires our relationship to technology. By unravelling the brainwashing process behind our addictive behaviour, we are freed from dependence and can reassert control over our time and productivity. Including 20 practical steps to help you along your way, this wonderful guide will release you from the clutches of your smartphone and allow you to live in the moment. It truly is the easyway.
-
-
Changed my relationship with technology
- By Brad S. on 2022-01-13
Written by: Allen Carr
Behind the Scenes with Strombo
Narrator George Stroumboulopoulos reveals what to expect from The Never-Ending Present and expounds on the Hip's impact on the Canadian cultural landscape.The Hip's Peers Reflect on the National Celebration Concert
About the Narrator
George Stroumboulopoulos is a Canadian television and radio interviewer, writer, and media producer. He was host and executive producer of the CBC talk show George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight (formerly The Hour) and Stroumboulopoulos on CNN, host of The NewMusic with MuchMusic, and anchored Hockey Night in Canada. He was also host of the music interview show Live in Toronto on CFNY 102.1 The Edge and continues on radio with The Strombo Show on CBC Radio 2. He also produces and hosts a live concert series, House of Strombo, with Apple Music
For even more from Strombo, check out his selection of must-listens.
About the Author
Michael Barclay has worked for Maclean’s, CBC Radio’s Brave New Waves, and Exclaim!. He co-authored Have Not Been the Same: The CanRock Renaissance 1985–1995, which told the stories of the Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, k.d. lang, and dozens more. He lives in Toronto.
What listeners say about The Never-Ending Present
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Bernadette
- 2024-08-13
Essential of the hip fan
My Canadian upbringing I was born the year the hip formed and through the 90s with two older sisters The Hip would be a constant soundtrack. It would be a proper upbringing with their songs as we grew up and myself attending two concerts. With George as the narrator would complete this Canadian experience him being on Much Music, I enjoyed listening to the authentic genuine lively band known as the Hip. An essential listen for Hip fans
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kelly Coe-hegy
- 2019-10-31
Prepare to cry a lot
I lost touch with “the hip” after the first 4 albums.. yet I felt such a strange connection with this story... as so many Canadians did.
Thank you
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- myron d campbell
- 2018-09-13
A Must for any Hip fan
I still can't seem to reconcile with Gord's death. I want him back. I want more Hip albums and I just want more Hip. If you are the same and you are finding you just can't get enough, you will want to check out this book. It chronicles the entire catalogue with great song-stories of writing and recording the songs. I found the Hip saw themselves as a family and really cared about each other and really respected what they created together. They were democratic and shared profits for everything 5 ways. Have to respect that. This is a must for any Hip fan.
#Audible1
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Frazer Bergman
- 2020-07-15
This is more than just the story of the Hip
First off Strombo kills it!
The story includeds all eras of the band and heart wrenching coverage of the final show in Kingston. But it is most entertaining when it covers the stories of the Fans and Tribute bands.
Amazing story and thoroughly entertaining. If you want your friends to understand why you love the hip, tell them to listen to this.
Cheers
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 2018-08-08
Truly amazing...must listen
Every Hip fan must listen to this...even if you're only a casual fan. It is a great telling of the story of Canada's band! I was enthralled from the moment it started...didn't want it to end because I know how it ends. Strombo does an amazing job as narrator. Just perfect all around.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- T Woodward
- 2019-10-27
wonderfully narrated by George Stroumboulopoulos
I've followed The Tragically Hip throughout the years, but never delved into their day to day experiences. The author, Michael Barclay retells the Hips story, sometimes in great emotional detail. Even though the book is 17 hours long, I was always excited to hear the next chapter, the next adventure.
I highly recommend it to all.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Peter
- 2018-09-14
Very appealing story.
Not finished this yet, but I've enjoyed the tale. A fascinating subject, well told. Great for any music loving Canadian. #Audible1
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kevin B. (Winnipeg)
- 2018-09-14
If You've Ever liked The Hip, This Book is for You
I would not call myself a die-hard Hip fan by any means. I really enjoyed their early stuff (still do) but then I found they drifted off my radar. I had their first 5 albums way back when they first came out and I've seen them live 4 or 5 times as well. When I still hear songs from their early albums, memories come flooding back.
Like many, I was saddened by the death of Gord Downie. Listening to "the Never-Ending Present" opened me up to an aspect of the band that I was clueless about. I really enjoyed learning about what down to earth people the band members were/are. What other famous musicians would show up to a game of shinny with ordinary folks just because they love hockey?
After listening to this book, I have been working my way through the Tragically Hip's musical catalogue chronically and appreciating the genius of their music with a new ear.
This book is well written and narrated. I would highly recommend giving it a listen! #Audible1
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 2018-07-31
With Grace too,
As a long time fan of The Hip this was something that I was a bit uneasy about. Wondering were this book would take me, and if it would ad or take away from my experience. This book was amazing it adds to the story, and fills in so many questions I never though I would get answer or never new I wanted to ask.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sophie
- 2020-09-08
Hauntingly beautiful
Such a great audio. Beautiful writing. Leave a good memory of a unapologetically Canadian band.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!