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54-40 in Concert
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 on Tour
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.
54:40 seems to genuinely work at and love connecting with their audiences. They always appear to enjoy what they are doing and the audience eats it up. Their music is positive and fun and they are all amazing musicians. Their shows are reasonably priced and the crowds seem to be in a good fun mood for the most part. We are so lucky to have ready access to a fun night out with this band in Vancouver.
54-40 spakled with great revue of almost all their big songs. I would have rated this show a 5 out of 5 had the total volume of the sound not sacificed the clarity of the sung words. Overall, I would recommend anyone not having seen this band "live" make it one of the things they "must do".
Yahooo that was so fun...couldn't stop dancing lol....great show
Great venue - great band to see live with beer in hand.. I would go and see them every month if they were in town.
show was great, as always singing their tried and true favorites. Nice to see Neil a little more animated than usual, probably because it seemed there was some kind of video filming going on.
Again, did all good songs except for Baby have Some faith! Their best from 89, they never do it anymore! Doesn't get a lotta airplay! They really rock live, they rock me up w Baby Ran, Casual Viewin, etc, good sound in Commodore, bad air quality! Hot and stuffy, shows don't start till 10-10:45, I'm cabbin it from Lougheed or Coq Station! Would prefer Red robinson or River Rock, they never do there, though!
This band is amazing, every song was a hit, all were rockers. The crowd was crazy, singing, dancing...the whole place was vibrating. It was great fun!
Never really knew this band - eventhough I've lived here all my life. After a somewhat lengthly delay the band came on & I danced until I could dance no more. Increadible music to dance to and the sound in the Commodore was fantastic.
These guys were amazing! This was our third time seeing them and would definately see them again and would even buy tickets for our friends or family and share it with them. Hope to see and hear them again. Hopefully Tamara will be there next time. These guys are great keep playing the good music and hope to hear new stuff soon. S and B
From the moment they stepped onto the stage 54-40 rocked the Commodore Ball Room! The crowd was so into the music that when Ocean Pearl came on we sang right along with them and the band turned the microphones around to face the audience. They were crystal clear and even though they played a show the night before they were there to please the crowd.... I highly recommend seeing this band again! Great show thanks guys!!!
Saw 54-40 at the Commodore on Sat Oct 17. As usual, it was an OUTSTANDING show. This is my third year in a row going to see them and I'll be there next year for sure. They are great fun to watch and obviously love what they're doing. Keep up the great work!
awesome as usual - warm up band was different - was the lead singer of warmup band a realtive ?
Sure would like to hear some of your 'less popular' music "too" though (and, it looked like you guys would like to play it "too" ;). As always though, you put on a WILD performance! Thank you! And, your daughter's band which opened for you - AWESOME! What was their name? They were great! (I loved their first song 'the best'! ;).
It was their best show! We have seen them several times over the years at different venues but they are always best at the Commodore, great venue, great energy.The room was jumping! Thanks guys, you rock!
It was an awesome show! I would definitely see them again next year!!
I have really enjoyed past 54-40 concerts, but this one was lame. Having to sit through a set of their daughters' band was a major drag. Fine, they're kids with a decent band. Let them play at their school or in their garage, but not at the Commodore! 54-40 was decent, but everyone in my group agreed that something was missing. The lead singer seemed indulgent and not on his game. Too Bad.
Great night. They played non stop. Sound was really good. Same consistant quality for the last 20 years. Nothing but hits start to finish.
I do this even every year. I love this the crowd is always good. 4 bands David Wilcox is always awesome that old guy still puts on a show. I have never seen 54-40 but Canada found some good talent in those guys. not much of a stage presence. Can't wait for next year
Wow, what a great combination. We would definately come back to see these three bands again.
David Wilcox was definately the big winner with respect to quality performance. I expected more from 54-40 and was a bit disappointed. The venue is pretty good and the park n ride worked out just fine. It would be really good to have more seating available. There were a lot of drunks and rowdies. More than usual. We encountered so many people who were pretty lost and pretty high. Small scraps were also happening. Some extra control is unfortunately necessary.
