BARRIE - Make no mistake about it: The Tragically Hip are Canada's band.

As highlights from Pink Floyd's London performance ended on the big screen, shouts of "Hip! Hip! Hip!" could immediately be heard across Park Place in Barrie.

Lead singer Gord Downie and company began their three-song set with My Music At Work.

Downie, when he wasn't mentioning Live 8's website, kept his usual stream of witty ramblings to a minimum.

With Canadian flags whipping in the wind and the crowd standing energized and singing along, Downie strapped on an acoustic guitar for Ahead By A Century, a cozy, campfire tune that invited a quick and loud sing-along.

Downie also managed to alter some lyrics and slip in a few subtle references to the goal of the event, including, "You're supposed to be ahead by a century," and also, "You tilted his hand," references perhaps to Africa and Prime Minister Paul Martin, respectively.

The Hip ended the set by bringing out host Dan Aykroyd to play harmonica on Poets. The song took on a bluesier, roots feel with Aykroyd and guitarist Rob Baker playing off each other.

And for one of the few times of the day, the crowd anticipated an encore.

It didn't happen, but they were still very happy.