Best Ever
by Rocker on 10/11/23Commodore Ballroom - VancouverIt was the most passionate performance out of 10 concerts I attended. However, the delay in the beginning and the long intermission was very disappointing.
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54-40 on Tour
Vancouver's 54-40 keep exploring new permutations of their durable alt-rock sound 40 years on. In 2018, they released their first new album in seven years, the aptly titled Keep on Walking, which saw them effortlessly shift from nervy new wave ("Sublime Like Me") to clap-along folk hootenannies (the title track) to swaggering, soulful modern rock ("Sucker for Your Love"). They sound just as energized and adventurous as they did back in the 1980s. After recovering much of the rare gear stolen during their 2018 tour, 54-40 brave the road once again with a winter jaunt across Ontario, kicking off with a three-night residency at Toronto's legendary Horseshoe Tavern before moving to more off-the-beaten-path markets.
54-40 in Concert
Their very first gig may have been opening for hardcore heroes D.O.A. at legendary Vancouver dive Smilin' Buddha Cabaret, but 54-40 swiftly acquired a more chameleonic aesthetic that pushed them far beyond punk. On the string of college-radio-courting records they released in the mid '80s, the quartet (named for 19th-century president James K. Polk's call to expand into Canada, "Fifty-four Forty or Fight!") resembled a northern answer to R.E.M., exhibiting a similar fusion of brooding British post-punk and shimmering American folk-rock jangle. But frontman Neil Osborne's cool attitude gave way to winsome melody on breakthrough singles like "Baby Ran" and "I Go Blind" (which reached an even wider audience when Hootie & the Blowfish covered it in the ‘90s). As alternative rock skewed toward heavier sounds, 54-40 toughened up accordingly on 1992's Dear Dear, whose snarling singles "She La" and "Nice to Luv You" would give the band their first platinum record in Canada. They'd repeat the feat with 1994's Vancouver punk-scene tribute Smilin' Buddha Cabaret, which yielded the irresistible, grungy groove of "Ocean Pearl." With former Matthew Good Band guitarist Dave Genn replacing longtime member Phil Comparelli, the band have soldiered on into the 21st century, earning an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2017.
It was the most passionate performance out of 10 concerts I attended. However, the delay in the beginning and the long intermission was very disappointing.
As always, 54-40 put on a super entertaining show! Lots of singing along & dancing to the many familiar tunes. Our group of 8 had a great time. A bit of an expense to reserve a table but definitely worth it. My only complaint with the Commodore Ballroom is no Crown Royal. WHY? Just why. Please get it back.
The light show ruined our experience, as we were blinded by the spotlights in our eyes multiple times during each song, sometimes for long durations. We left early because of it. 43 years of going to hundreds of concerts, and have never experienced such incessant use of spotlights directly in the audience eyes throughout. We have to bring sunglasses to concerts now?
Love 54-40 had me on the floor all night dancing and having the best night ever with all my friends. Saw them before in Whistler during Ski and Snowboard Fest years ago they never disappoint always put on the best show.
I saw the band 25+ years ago and thought they were great then. Friday's concert at the Commodore was even better! I loved the energy and the crowd participation. 54/40 is an amazing band! I brought a friend who had never seen them before. She was blown away too! Fantastic night out! Thanks so much ❤️ looking forward to next year's show!
What a great concert. Neil, Dave & the rest of the band were great. They got the cozy audience involved in a lot of their songs - Ocean Pearl, Love You All to name a few. And they played all their old hits which I grew up listening to as a young lad. Thank you 54-40 for a wonderful evening. Great value!!
I have seen this band over 40 times. I hope I get to see them 40 more
Nice, small venue, no bad seats. 54-40 sounded great! Reminded me of my younger days!
The band sounded great as they performed their hits and a new song from their soon to be released new album. They got the crowd on their feet, dancing and have an awesome evening. 54-40 never disappoints.
Great small venue, and fabulous entertainment! Enjoyed ourselves at the casino after the show! 54-40 sounds exactly the same as they did when I saw them in my 20's! They are amazing live!