The name came out of a fight but it was all about the love – the love of life, the love of music, and the love of the fans – when Canadian rockers 54-40 came to the Bear’s Den at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casin in Niagara Falls, New York for a two night engagement and the only U.S. dates remaining on the 2023 tour.
Sax man and organ player David Osborne did not make the trip while he continues to recover from throat cancer and it’s invasive treatments. While David was missed by the fans, the remaining band members Neil Osborne, Brad Merritt, Dave Glen, and Matt Johnson put on a show that will not soon be forgotten.
The sell out crowd was quick to join in on the performance by clapping, singing, and dancing along to the songs. Even the casual music fan would find a familiar tune or two as they recognized songs from the radio.
Maybe the Niagara Falls cabbies don’t know who 54-40 are but the fans that filled the Bear’s Den knew very well and were more than ready to share the love on songs like “Nice to Love You”, “Radio Love Song”, “One Gun”, “How’s Your Day”, “Ocean Pearl”, “I Go Blind”, and “Love You All”.
The band also performed their new single “West Coast Band” from the upcoming album by the same name.
History buffs and original member Neil and Brad looked to history to name their new band back in 1980 and chose the name from a historic fight between Canada and the U.S. over a border that ended peacefully.
That was over 40 years ago and the rockers show no signs of slowing down any time soon. There is still plenty of music…and love…to share.