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Canada 54 40 is a Canadian rock band with a legacy of platinum albums and consistent live performances over four decades, transitioning from the Vancouver punk scene to mainstream success.
Interested in booking 54 40?
Request A Show54-40 contributed to the 1981 joint album, 'Things are Still Coming Ashore,' issued by MoDaMu, an independent label.
The band released their self-titled sophomore album in 1986 through Warner/Reprise Records. Warner dropped 54-40 in 1990. In 1991, Warner Music Canada released the greatest hits package, 'Sweeter Things: A Compilation', which was certified platinum.
In 1991, the band signed a deal with Sony. They released 'Dear Dear' in 1992 and 'Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret' in 1994, which were both certified platinum in Canada.
The American band recorded and released a cover version of 'I Go Blind,' which they had been playing live for nearly a decade. Their version was featured on the NBC sitcom 'Friends' in 1995.
54-40 signed with True North Records, a major independent Canadian record label. They released 'Yes to Everything' (2005), 'Northern Soul' (2008).
In 2017, 54-40 became the first act to sign with El Mocambo Records, owned by Michael Wekerle.
The Concerts at the Pier, presented by TD Ready Commitment, were produced in partnership by the City of White Rock and the White Rock BIA.
The Canadian rock band 54 40 originated from the Vancouver punk scene in the late 1970s. The band was founded by Brad Merritt (bass guitar) and Neil Osborne (rhythm guitar, lead vocals), who met as students at South Delta High School in 1978. Osborne briefly attended Berklee College of Music before returning to Vancouver to form 54 40 with Merritt and Ian Franey (drums). Their debut performance took place on New Year’s Eve 1980 at the Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret. In 1982, Phil Comparelli (lead guitar, keyboards, trumpet, back-up vocals) joined, and in 1984, Matt Johnson replaced drummer Daryl Neudorf. The band blended roots-rock, folk, country, pop, and alternative rock sounds throughout their career.
Over four decades, 54 40 achieved significant success in Canada. They have earned four platinum albums and one gold album, with eight Juno Award nominations. Their notable singles include “I Go Blind,” “Baby Ran,” “One Day in Your Life,” “Nice to Luv You,” “She La,” “Ocean Pearl,” and “Since When.” The band’s commercial breakthrough occurred in 1987 with the album ‘Show Me’, featuring hits like ‘One Day in Your Life’ and ‘One Gun’. The 1990s marked their most commercially successful period, with albums like ‘Dear Dear’ (1992), ‘Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret’ (1994), and ‘Trusted by Millions’ (1996) all achieving platinum certification in Canada. In 1994, their song “I Go Blind” gained international exposure when it was covered by Hootie and the Blowfish and featured on the NBC sitcom ‘Friends’ in 1995, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
54 40 has consistently evolved, maintaining their presence in the Canadian music industry. They were inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. In 2003, Dave Genn joined the band, and in 2005, they signed with True North Records,
releasing subsequent albums including ‘Yes to Everything’ (2005), ‘Northern Soul’ (2008), and ‘Lost in the City’ (2011). In 2017, they became the first act to sign with El Mocambo Records. Their 40th anniversary in 2020 was marked by the single “Embassy Supreme,” and in 2021, “I Go Blind” was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2024, the band released their latest album, ‘West Coast Band.’
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