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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.
Outstanding musicians playing loud hard hitting, fun loving music. Add in a venue with great acoustics and an enthusiastic crowd and you have a recipe for a fantastic evening. This is the 5th consecutive year I have attended and always a night to remember. Thanks 54-40.
54-40 always puts on a rockin' show and the Pursuit of Happiness were amazing too. These guys still play like they're in their 20s. 12/10 would see again!
Me and a very good friend came to Vancouver from Vancouver Island to see 54-40, I also seen them 3 years ago at the same venue. They were absolutely great even though some jerks stole their guitars, they played till midnight. I love these guys and it was worth the travel time and efforts to get over to the city.
It’s an annual Thanksgiving event for us! Always look forward to seeing 5440. Such a fun band!
Wow! Considering they had all their stuff stolen the night before they did absolutely amazing. Threw in a few new songs, but mostly stuck to the classics. Love them every time I see them in this room. But the Commodore really needs to work on their "red and white wine" options.
First the good. The venue is fantastic. Never pass up a chance to see a band you like if they play at the bears den. 54-40's choice to go unplugged, and to offer different interpretations of their songs, is what disappointed me. I've seen the band numerous times over the years, and this was the show that disappointed me the most. A lot of the songs were presented in a slower tempo than the original, which, when combined with acoustic only guitars, took a lot of the fun out of the songs. Then, just before the encore, they grabbed a banjo and made a crappy attempt to present a bluegrass version of Baby Ran. For this one they chose to speed up the tempo, and the result was they totally ruined the song for me. As they left the stage, it made it hard to cheer for an encore. But they did return, and made the last song of the encore a decent version of Ocean Pearl. This almost saved the show for me, but not quite. Since I had not bought their latest album, which they said was built around different interpretations of already released songs, I'm not sure whether it represents and would have prepared me for what they played in this show. In case it does, I'll pass on buying it.
We have been to many of their shows, their laid back format “unplugged” was new for us to see and we really enjoyed the stories Neil shared. The stories were definitely an added bonus for all who attended! Well almost all... There were a few obnoxious people in the background who wanted 5440 to rush into the music part of their performance. It was actually quite embarrassing for the people that were there to be entertained. Personally I was afraid we had missed out on some of Neil’s well-rounded and humorous insights to the band because of the foolish and ignorant outbursts of the idiots in the back. Neil handled it very well. Enjoy, relax and listen after all the set list isn’t going to change and the show will go on!
20th time or so I have seen them. Best set list in awhile. Show contained too much band orchestrated sing along. I prefer songs don't get dragged out so they can play more songs within the 90 minute window. Could have played an additional 2 - 3 songs if no sing along
Both bands sounded great. Hope they're back soon to do another! Venue was perfect for this show.
A great show, Neil was interactive with the small venue, & his voice was great. The band was very tight & sounded great. The only down fall was I couldn't take my daughter, as it was a 18 & over show. I do like the smaller venues, and I will see them every time they come through Calgary.
This was a good concert but the wrong venue for the crowd size. This band is a band that should be a much bigger act than they are internationally. Their music is fantastic, their musicianship is second to none and their record company should do WAY more to promote them. See you again. Great job.
The boys rocked the house. Opening band was fantastic (Washboard Union). Crowd was really packed in and there were a couple of psycho dudes at the front. Beware of the bald headed musclehead who attends a lot of shows there. He's to be avoided.
they always rock the place.my wife charmaine always have a great time & love to go to Vancouver B.C.
Outstanding as always, I have seen 5440 many times and they still rock this place like no other band can!! If you have never been here to0 see a band , then this one is for you !! Go you will not be sorry.
