Back in 2016, we were a group of old friends working on getting our high school band back together for a reunion show. But then, one day, we went online and discovered the heartbreaking news that Gord Downie had been diagnosed with brain cancer. The Tragically Hip was a band that had significantly shaped our musical identities. We had experienced their live performances many times. We covered their songs in our bands. Their songs were the soundtrack of our lives. Collectively, we were devastated.

At our next rehearsal, we discussed the news and felt compelled to do something significant. Consequently, we agreed to postpone our reunion and organize a Tribute Night for The Tragically Hip at Hunter's Ale House in Charlottetown. We thought it would be a good way to bring together fellow Hip fans, who we knew were also in shock, and also a way for us to raise money for the funds that had been set up in Gord’s name.

Our lead singer, Dennis Ellsworth, had the privilege of working with Gord Downie on a musical rendition of Gord's poem, "Coke Machine Glow." Dennis, deeply inspired after reading the poem, brought the idea to producer Josh Finlayson, a member of The Skydiggers and a close friend of Gord's, who then introduced it to Gord. Enthused by the proposal, Gord collaborated with Dennis, exchanging creative ideas before Dennis traveled to The Tragically Hip's Bathhouse Studio in Bath, Ontario to record the track and his album "Hazy Sunshine." This collaboration led to a lasting friendship, with Dennis and Gord getting together any time their tour paths crossed.

Our band, "The Fabulously Rich," takes its name from the opening lyric in "Grace, Too," but it is also a nod to the priceless influence The Tragically Hip's music has had on our lives. As we've toured across the Maritime provinces, playing venues large and small to frequently sold-out audiences, we've seen firsthand the profound impact The Hip's music has on the fans. These experiences have solidified our identity beyond that of just another tribute band. We are a family and a community, bound together by our profound appreciation for The Hip's music and committed to honouring Gord's legacy and contributions.