54·40 at CosmoFEST

About 54·40

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Neil Osborne: lead vocals, guitar
Dave Genn: guitar, keys, vocals
Matt Johnson: drums
Brad Merritt: bass
with David “Oz” Osborne: organ, vocals

54·40 is one of those quintessential bands you automatically think of when you think about Canadian music. Formed in the early 1980s in beautiful British Columbia, the band takes its name from the slogan “54-40 or Fight!” of US President James K. Polk’s unsuccessful expansionist agenda.

54·40 has been one of the 150 top-selling artists in Canada, which is no surprise to fans like us. Especially since they’ve achieved four Platinum album certifications over their incredible, storied career. 54·40 has had many popular hits such as “Baby Ran”, “Ocean Pearl”, “One Day in Your Life”, and “How’s Your Day Going?” from their most recent record, Keep On Walking. And who can forget the infectious single, “I Go Blind” which was later famously covered by US band, Hootie & The Blowfish for the Friends soundtrack. In May 2021, “I Go Blind” was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. It was a positive signal that reminds us of the group’s longevity and accomplishments as they celebrate forty years of making records and thrilling audiences in live performance.

In recent years the band has received recognition by the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, The Independent Music Awards (the Indies) Hall of Fame, the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, and The Western Canadian Music Awards Hall of Fame.

In its original trio form, 54·40 played its first gig on New Year’s Eve 1981 at the Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret in Vancouver. After recording a couple of independent releases and reconfiguring the band as a foursome, they signed with Warner Brothers in the US and released three albums. In 1991, 54·40 found a new home on Columbia Records at Sony Music Canada. Throughout, the band has toured throughout the world, released several independent albums, received numerous awards and has achieved multiple Top-10 hit singles at rock radio.

Throughout their journey, 54·40 remains creative and fresh, growing musically and lyrically with each project. “A band has to evolve with its audience to keep their interest,” stated Brad Merritt. “We make records based on where we’re at, at that time. So it’s kind of like a time capsule.”

Much has changed over 40 years but the band’s ability to write, record, and perform has been consistent from day one. In 2021, 54·40 plan on celebrating by releasing new songs and keeping the party going. The first track out is Embassy Supreme, which is entirely a self-referencing aural ad campaign for 54·40 inspired by an astonishing discovery about the numbers that comprise their trade name.

Neil Osborne told Canadian Musician: “It’s weird every once in a while, I’ll look back and think, wow. You kind of forget where you’ve been and everything you’ve done, and how long you’ve been doing it. But then once in a while you just realize what a wealth of experience as a band together we have.”

54·40 Discography:
Keep On Walking – 2018 (El Mocambo Records)
La Difference: A History Unplugged – 2016 (Smilin’ Buddha)
Lost In The City – 2011 (Smilin’ Buddha)
Northern Soul – 2008 (True North)
This Is Here This Is Now DVD – 2006 (True North)
Yes to Everything – 2005 (True North)
Goodbye Flatland – 2003 (Smilin’Buddha)
Radio Love Songs: The Singles Collection – 2002 (Columbia)
Casual Viewin’ USA – 2001 (Nettwerk)
Casual Viewin’ – 2000 (Columbia)
Heavy Mellow – 1999 (Columbia)
Sound of Truth: The Independent Collection – 1997 (Columbia)
Trusted By Millions – 1996 (Columbia)
Smilin' Buddha Cabaret – 1994 (Columbia)
Dear Dear – 1992 (Columbia)
Sweeter Things – 1991 (WEA)
Fight For Love – 1989 (Warner Bros)
Show Me – 1987 (Warner Bros)
54.40 – 1986 (Warner Bros)
Set The Fire – 1984 (MoDaMu)
Selection – 1982 (MoDaMu)

54·40 Typical Setlist:
Easy to Love
Lies to Me
Nice to Luv You
Miss You
How's Your Day Going
Baby Ran
Radio Luv Song
One Gun
She La
Casual Viewin'
Music Man
Since When
One Day in Your Life
Crossing a Canyon
Ocean Pearl
I Go Blind
Love You All