Directed by Sara Basso and starring Emily Hampshire of Schitt’s Creek fame, the tune was first issued as part of the “Saskadelphia” EP this past spring, which delivered six unreleased tracks written in 1990 during sessions for the Hip’s second record that was originally planned as a double album but trimmed back when the group’s US label balked at the scope of the project.
Recorded in 1990 at Daniel Langlois’ The Kingsway Studio in New Orleans, “Road Apples” saw its world radio premiere as the inaugural broadcast across Canada by Q107-FM Toronto’s Rock Radio Network; featuring classic singles like “Little Bones”, "Three Pistols" and “Twist My Arm", the record was the band’s first to top the Canadian charts while going on to achieve Diamond status in the region for sales of more than 1 million copies (it’s now nearing the Double Diamond milestone).
“Not Necessary” will be included in multiple editions of the “Road Apples” 2021 reissues, including the November 5 release of digital and streaming versions, and the November 12 Deluxe LP and Deluxe CD box sets that include unreleased demos and outtakes, “Saskadelphia”, and live recordings from the era.
The Tragically Hip retired in 2017 following the death of singer Gord Downie at the age of 53 after a lengthy battle with terminal brain cancer.
See also:
The Tragically Hip share alternate version of Fiddler’s Green
The Tragically Hip announce expanded Road Apples 30th anniversary reissues
The Tragically Hip deliver rare performance at Canada’s Juno Awards
The Tragically Hip release video for Saskadelphia single Ouch
Search The Tragically Hip at hennemusic
