Episode Details

Addendum: Matt from Portsmouth's 2013 Interview with Gord Downie

As a special follow-up to Episode 11, we’re bringing you something truly special—a rare, candid conversation between Matt Merritt and Gord Downie, recorded backstage at Koko in London, UK, on July 2, 2013.

🔥 In This Interview, Gord Talks About:

• Playing Canada Day in London 🇨🇦 and the overwhelming sea of homesick Canadians

• The art of setlists – balancing fan favorites, deep cuts, and creative spontaneity 🎶

• Why The Hip never needed fireworks or lasers – it’s always been about the music

• Switching from Bob Rock to Gavin Brown for Now For Plan A – how that changed their sound 🎛️

• The challenge of staying fresh after 30 years and why comfort is the enemy

• Live performance as transformation – channeling Otis Redding, James Brown, and Johnny Cash

• The Canadian music scene, working with Sam Roberts, The Arkells, The Sadies, and more

🗣️ “Music is one of the last places where people can come together and experience something as a group… something that can’t be downloaded.” – Gord Downie

This deep-dive into Gord’s mind is a must-listen for diehard Hip fans. Matt Merritt captures insight, humor, and raw honesty from one of Canada’s most cherished artists.