54-40 continues to shred the rock-n-roll stage more than four decades later.
Now, the Canadian music legends are tapped to perform at one of the biggest and longest-running festivals in the Tri-Cities in celebrating Canada's 155th birthday.
Today (May 17), the Golden Spike Days Society announced the B.C.-based band will be headlining the entertainment as it's 45th annual July 1 long weekend festival is set to return in-person at Rocky Point Park.
It was virtual in 2020 and drive-thru in 2021 resulting from the then state of the COVID-19 pandemic.
54-40 was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2017 for their contributions and achievements since coming onto the scene in 1980.
Current members are Neil Osborne (vocals, rhythm guitar), Dave Genn (lead guitar/backup vocals), Brad Merrit (bass), Matt Johnson (drums) and David Osborne (organ/backup vocals).
The group is likely to perform hits beloved by all local residents that attend the concert, like "I Go Blind," "Ocean Pearl," "One Day in Your Life," and "She-La," as well as newer singles like "Sucker for Your Love" and "Embassy Supreme."
"54-40 is known for putting on an extraordinary show that bridges the gaps between generations through a shared love of music, appealing to people who have followed the band from their humble beginnings in east Vancouver as well as new young fans who have discovered their truly original style," a Golden Spike Days Society release explains.
"[...] Forty years, thousands of performances, and 20+ releases – the secret to the band's longevity is their ability to redefine and reinvent themselves. To experience 54-40 in concert is to experience how their songs have touched and continue to touch people's lives."
In their career, 54-40 has been nominated for eight JUNO Awards, won several West Coast Music Awards, earned recognition by the Independent Music Awards Hall of Fame — also known as the Indies — and the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Port Moody's Golden Spike Days Festival runs from June 30 to July 2. Other performers currently on the bill include Platinum Blonde, Cease and Desist, The Piano Men, Asi Somos, the Inlet Jaxx band and, of course, the Golden Spike can can dancers.
Admission is by donation, and you can visit the 2022 festival's website for more information.
The Tri-City News is a media sponsor of the Golden Spike Days Festival.
