The best version in my opinion..."For Neil Lottridge"...you can hear it on the museum unreleased song page...
http://hipmuseum.com/hiccups.mp3
http://hipmuseum.com/unreleased.html
Nor sure of the show, but I found some info on Neil from the hipstories...1995 I think
"Hey, I just wanted everyone to know... my friend Neil. Neil Lottridge was an awesome guy. We hung out everyday for years. In fact, I lived with the Lottridge family for a while. Hi Steve, Hi Leanne. Mr. (Brian) and Mrs. (Marilyn) Lottridge. I hope everyone is doing good. Neil, in 1996, was unfortunate enough to be in a serious motorcycle accident. He was 20 years old. The accident left Neil as a quadrapalegic. He had to undergo serious rehabilitation, and did so in Denver, Colorado later that year. While in rehab, Neil suffered greatly and wanted to give up many times. Neil's favourite band was (of course) The Hip. He listened to them religiously. Somehow, I think via email, The Hip heard of Neil's predicament and while in Denver for a show went to visit Neil in the hospital. This I believe gave Neil strength (I mean who woundn't be so excited to meet The Hip). Combined with the love of his great family, good freinds, and The Hip (especially Gord Sinclair, I believe that he kept in touch with Neil the most) Neil was strong enough to come home to Hamilton, ON. where he survived another 6 years. The greatest concert of my life was that night in Dec 1996 when I heard Gord Downie acknowledge my dear friend, Neil. I cried during the whole song "Ahead by a Century". If Neil had seen me (The Hip had brought him to hear the soundcheck and got him boxseats for the show, while Drew and I had floor seats) he would have called me a wuss.
The second greatest show I seen happened years later. I have since moved to Victoria B.C. The Hip were playing at the Royal Theatre (we snuck in and seen the show from first row, ssshhhhh). After the show we heard they were hanging out at Hugo's (a local watering hole) so we decided to check it out. Sure enough they were there. It was here that I was able to thank them. While speaking with Mr. Sinclair, I mentioned Neil and how I thought that he had helped Neil so much by being a freind to him. He then told me that he was happy to see one of Neil's friends keeping his memory alive and that it was an honour to meet me. I stared blankly at him for a brief moment. This was my all time favourite music idol telling me that it was an honour to meet me. I chuckled to myself and all I could say was "Thanks".
This is why The Tragically Hip are my favourite band, because they are people too. They are just like you and me. There are no big heads, no superstar ego. They are real. My experiences with The Hip go way back (so many concerts, so little time) but those two nights are unforgettable as is my friend, Neil. You are in my thoughts and in my heart. I miss you. Take 'er easy, and if she's easy, take 'er twice. Rest in Peace."
Shane Marten
Sat Oct 14, 2006
