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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.
Had tix to Fridays show but had an issue that made me miss it. Was lucky enough to score two tix to the Saturday show and through the whole show could do nothing but smile while listening to all my fav songs. GREAT SHOW
Show was great 54 40 and Northern pikes they were great nice to see Canadian talent like that hope to see them again
Finally got to see 2 bands from my late teens and early 20's. Some of my favorite music and groups. Well worth the wait for both 54-40 and The Northern Pikes
It took me back to my university days. They sounded great and put on a great show. Interacted with the crowd and got the place to : put their freak on!"
Another GREAT concert! Great Thanksgiving tradition, ageless sound! Awesome job boys, love the venue!
What a show and what a venue!!! 54-40 did NOT disappoint whatsoever! They are as good as they were in 1980! Can’t say enough about the band or the venue. Everything about the Fabulous Commodore was awesome!!!
54-40 and A Family Curse !! The impact of all instruments and vocals was an excellent show!! (My water bottle kept falling off the table from the vibes ) love this band and love The Commodore venue !
They performed wonderfully. They had real charisma, passion, great energy, and you could tell they were just really happy to be there. The two bands did make some overtly political statements that I didn't care for but it was just a brief moment. I enjoyed everything else. I've also been to the London Music Hall a couple of times before and it's an excellent venue for seeing some live music.
It was so exhilarating to finally be free to attend a full capacity live concert I could barely contain myself! 54-40 did not disappoint, sounding better than ever with amazing energy and even a hello to folks from Maple Ridge! Whaaaat? Julian Taylor's opening act was a pleasant surprise as well. A special shout out to the Commodore staff for going over and above to make the evening even better! So much fun!!!
This was an awesome show. Great energy from the bands which resulted in great vibes within the audience. The interactive parts were so fun, and SO missed! The sound and performance were excellent. I wanted to go back for the final show!
I never knew them before. My friend recommended 54-40. It was fantastic.
Great show. Great sound. Great energy from the crowd. The crowd was into it without being rowdy. I love the Commodore. Stand anywhere and get Bar service in a timely fashion.Very friendly bartenders as well.
These bands are just what the Dr ordered! I forgot how much fun it is to socialize with people & to dance to the music! Acoustics are fantastic in the Burt! Thanks for moving the event indoors!
First concert out in a year and a half because of Covid. Couldn't have been a better night!
Everything was great from the bands to the people helping out very friendly and thanks to everyone who put this event on really great experience
We all want to get fresh air even on a rainy night, but why are the smokers allowed to smoke in the tents in the non-smoking area? I'd like to see better enforcement of these rule. It was unfortunate that the smokers were not contained to the smoking area. They just ruined the evening for the rest of us.
I have nothing but how well the concert itself went off. Having 4 bands following each other can not be an easy task. It seem to flow very well and if there was a hiccup, I really did not notice it. My beef is with the way they announced the venue saying to come and enjoy the food trucks that will be on site. It was an early start so we decided to head to the Block Party for dinner. FOOD TRUCKS, where, one pizza truck and one mini donut truck. What happened to come and enjoy the food trucks? Oh, also an ice cream stand but was rainy and that didn’t work out so well. So in my view, that was a disaster and some false advertising also. But, the concert was fine.
Great show. Only issue was the sound system had bugs to work out. After so long of no shows at the venue, there were times where sound cut out.
Omg! First Niel's daughter Kandle's band kicked ass🎻🎸🎶 thn Niel's brother came back to the band!!!🎹🎤 The ENCORE WAS UNBELIEVABLE🎶🎶🎶 Joan Jett💞 are u kidding me. !!!!!!! Our seats were the best! I have been many times. Thy rock it everytime
54 40 great show as always. Never disappoints! Seen them every Thanksgiving for years so always looking forward to it!
