30 Years On, 54-40 Still Going Strong

What better way to spend a Saturday evening than re-acquainting myself with a band I have known for 25 years but have lost touch with recently.

Playing at the beautiful Shenkman Arts Centre in Orleans, veteran Canadian rockers 54-40 celebrated their 30th anniversary and their last show of the year, with a rousing 2 1/2 hour show.

They had the audience standing, clapping and singing along to all the favorites and from their new material on the groups new album,  “Lost In The City.“

54-40 are one of the most important popular music groups to emerge from the Canadian cultural landscape. With more than 2 decades of performing and recording behind them, the band has an unbelievable catalogue of hit songs. Lead by chief songwriter Neil Osborne, 54-40 have carved out a legacy of gold and platinum albums and a outstanding reputation for their live performances that carries through to this day. Over 25 years, 2000 performances, and 16 releases the secret to 54-40’s longevity is their ability to redefine and reinvent themselves, taking long time 54-40 fans on a ride that is bound to pick up new young fans on the way.

To experience 54-40 in concert is to experience how songs have touched and continue to touch people’s lives. From people who have followed the band from their humble beginnings in east Vancouver to new young fans that have discovered the truly original band that is 54-40, a 54-40 concert is extraordinary affair that bridges the gaps of generations through a shared love of music.

I found myself thinking, “why are these guy not more popular than they are???” Neil’s vocals are spot on, Genn’s Guitar work was incredible and Brad Merrit, whom Neil started the band with back in high school, looked like he was having a ton of fun, using every square inch of his stage space to strut and weave through his bass lines. The songs are catchy, and if head-bobbing  is a show of appreciation from the  audience, these guys have have a very loyal fanbase.

They are indeed a passionate, intense, high-energy hardworking group of very talented musicians who need more radio airplay!