Matt Perkins - Lead Guitar

Born: February 16, Calgary, Alberta

Musical History

Born and raised on the mean streets of the upper middle class Calgary suburbs, I learned early on that Canadian kids need only concern themselves with two things: hockey and The Hip. I honed my skills and became a guitar prodigy in my own right, then quickly jumped into the Calgary music scene while still in High School. After cranking out sweet, soulful leads in a string of well-received local bands, I eventually wandered West across the Rockies, trading Chinooks and Stampedes for rain and lattés. In the three years since arriving here, I've been involved in a few short-lived and eclectic music projects, including a musical theatre production by Queens Players Vancouver.

Connections to the 'Hip

Early on I was drawn to the masterful licks of lead guitarist Rob Baker, and would often refer to him as "my real father" in casual conversation, much to the chagrin of my parents. After the first rehearsal with Hipeponymous, I knew I had found my calling—my true musical home—deep in the melodic embrace of The Hip.

Other Pursuits

I live in Vancouver with my guitar collection and my forgiving wife Melissa. In addition to music, I enjoy cooking, computing and ruining small electronic devices with my deadly soldering iron.

Greg Reimer - Bass Guitar

Born: January 9, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Musical History

I was really little, and played the music to Kool-Aid commercials on the foot pedals of our family organ. I can still play that tune. I picked up the bass when I was 16, a heavy as hell Mann with a Fender amp. I was hooked. Took lessons and played in lots of small bands. After High School I studied jazz and blues at Grant MacEwan in Edmonton. That was great. Toured around the world as a musical missionary. Played lots of Country music when I lived in Alberta. Good dough, too, but had enough and moved to Vancouver 12 years ago.

Connections to the 'Hip

I'm the Hip noobie in the group! I do graphic design, and one day we were burning the candles hard, and my boss brought in his Hip box set to get us through. I really liked it and started to investigate the band, watch lots of YouTube and get into their music. When I heard of Kevin and his idea to start Hipeponymous I thought I'd respond and see where it goes. Luckily I got in.

I gotta tell ya, it's been a blast. As a bassist, there's tons of variety in the kind of lines I get to play, from straight ahead E-string thumpin' to jazzy grooves that take me from one end of the neck to the other. Thanks, Gord, for keeping it interesting!

Other Pursuits

Love hockey, Macintosh computers (working with and inside them), Sci-Fi, hockey, TPB, hockey, historic European swordplay and a new rabbit trail of human culture/history every month!

Kevin Gregoire - Vocals

Born: December 23, Montreal, Québec

Musical History

At 8 years old I started playing drums, then began singing and playing guitar at 16. I attended Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario to study music. I've been in countless cover and original bands. Moved to Vancouver in 1998 and started making custom drum kits at Ayotte Drums.

Connections to the 'Hip

I've met The Hip backstage a few times (Johnny Fay played Ayotte drums for several years), and even played in a band with Paul Langlois' cousin Kinji Vanarsdale.

I’ve been a hip fan since the day I bought a compilation cassette that had Blow at High Dough as the first track. The tape also included Tom Sawyer by RUSH, Metal Queen by Lee Arron and Heavy Metal Shuffle by Kick Axe. I think it was a Canadian Music thing. For years I’ve enjoyed their music and have been amazed by their ability to write timeless songs that appear to be pretty straight forward until you start to dissect them.

But they're always able to rock the house. Their live performance is always a treat and you're always wondering what Gord's going to do or say next. The poets are often talking of Gord Downie.

I asked Gord once about his ability to get into the moment and deliver such a performance. He told me to always sing from your diaphragm. Then he asked if it was the floor or the bottom of his shoes that was sticky.

Other Pursuits

I also enjoy painting and airbrushing.

Todd Stanton - Rhythm Guitar

Born: July 21, Sauble Beach, Ontario

Musical History

I'm originally from Sauble Beach, Ontario (cottage country) and can't imagine a better place to grow up. I started my musical career playing the guitar when I was around 12 years old. I used to slow records down with my finger and try and match the songs note for note. I think I wore right through my vinyl Led Zeppelin II trying to learn the solo in Heartbreaker.

Connections to the 'Hip

Years passed and I found myself attending the "Another Roadside Attraction" tour at the Markham Fairgrounds in July of 1993. My first time seeing The Hip live was one of my most memorable experiences, and I knew I had to find a way to get closer to the music, somehow. I've been in BC since 1994 and have worked with various musicians along the way. Something about an ad looking for a rhythm guitar player for a tribute to The Tragically Hip was very compelling. Needless to say, I answered the ad and the rest... is history??

Other Pursuits

Golf, disc golf, riding bikes, pretty much anything outside.

Fred Donaldson - Drums

Born: November 26, Clearwater, British Columbia

Musical History

Driven by an ear for the groove from an early age, I spent my childhood going to weekend barn dances with my family. (Remember them?) My father's vinyl collection of rock and blues albums laid the foundation of what was to become a passion for music. I think one of my first memories was listening to the Marshall Tucker band playing "Fire on the Mountain" over and over again on my first cassette recorder. Of course, that was followed by Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton. I'll always thank my Dad for giving me a kick-ass musical upbringing.

From the day I first played the drums, I was playing songs. Hours spent watching music videos and air drumming had provided a basic knowledge of technique. Times were hard though and it wouldn't be until I was 20 that I bought my first set, and set off on a journey filled with original bands, cover bands, recording, touring and creative exploration. Eventually, I met a beautiful woman, and after falling in love and following her to Vancouver came across a magic Craigslist ad that couldn't be ignored.

Connections to the 'Hip

It's a good life, when the Hip is involved.

Being where I'm from, The Tragically Hip practically flows through my blood. My whole life has been a series of memories, all triggered by various Hip songs through the years. When I finally met Kevin and Greg, and then Matt and Todd, I'm pretty sure that forces beyond our control brought us together.

Other Pursuits

I'll be getting married to that special woman, Cindy, and I not only thank her for being such a great force in my life, but also for indirectly bringing me together with Hipeponymous. And it only gets better from here.