Some concerts are just concerts—a few songs, a bit of clapping, and you go home. But some concerts take you back in time—to a moment when life was simpler when our biggest worry was whether we had enough gas money for a road trip or if we’d catch the latest MuchMusic Countdown.

Last night was one of those concerts.

On January 28, 2025, Canadian alt-rock icons 54•40 rolled into the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, and for a few hours, we weren’t middle-aged adults with mortgages and back pain—we were kids again, laughing, dancing, and singing our hearts out.

The 80s Kids Reunite

It’s been a minute since I’ve seen 54•40, but when I heard they were coming to Brantford, I grabbed tickets for my wife and two of my kids without hesitation. I wasn’t the only one.

This wasn’t just a concert—it was a reunion for every kid who grew up blasting “Baby Ran” and “One Gun” from their cassette decks. We all had our own 54•40 memories—and last night, we made new ones.

With 750 fans packing the Sanderson Centre, the energy was electric from the start. For me, it was a full-circle moment. Back in 1990, I saw them play Frosh Week at Stages in Kitchener, and that night, I made my first-ever stage dive. Last night, while I wasn’t about to launch myself off a speaker (let’s be honest, I’m not bouncing back from that at this age), I was right there, singing along with Neil and the boys, feeling every note like it was 1990 all over again.

A Concert of Two Halves

An Acoustic Prelude: The Storytelling Set 🎸
The night opened with an intimate acoustic set, kicking off with “Lies to Me.” It was like sitting in on a jam session, as Neil Osborne sprinkled in hilarious road stories between tracks from their 2023 album, “West Coast Band.”

One of the biggest laughs of the night came with “I Go Blind”—accompanied by an absurd yet brilliant tale about karaoke, Hootie & the Blowfish, and a night in Hawaii. It was like hearing an old friend tell a story at the bar—except that friend happens to be the lead singer of one of Canada’s greatest alt-rock bands.

Neil set the tone for what was to come:

“The first set is more talk, less rock… but the second set? Pretty much all rock, no talk.”

He wasn’t lying.

The Switch Flips: 54•40 Turns It Up to Eleven 🎤🔥

The second set was all energy, all electricity, all classic 54•40.

At first, we were all playing it cool, nodding along, tapping our feet. Then, somewhere between “Nice to Luv You” and “Baby Ran,” the entire theatre erupted.

We were on our feet, fists in the air, screaming the lyrics like we were back at an 80s house party. It was pure magic—the kind of night that reminds you why live music matters.

A Setlist to Remember

The evening’s setlist was a blend of acoustic storytelling and high-energy rock, featuring:

Acoustic/West Coast Band Set:

• Lies to Me
• Hey Brad
• Table for One
• Chicago
• Vodka Surprise
• Options
• I Go Blind

Hits Set:

• Baby Ran
• Beautiful
• One Gun
• Since When
• Casual Viewin’ / Have You Ever Seen the Rain / Casual Viewin’
• Ocean Pearl

Encore:

• Love You All / Should I Stay or Should I Go / Love You All

This performance underscored 54•40’s unwavering ability to connect with audiences. Their storytelling, musicianship, and stage presence made for an unforgettable night in Brantford.

And for those who didn’t want the night to end, the band stuck around in the lobby for a meet-and-greet, chatting with fans, taking photos, and proving once again that they’re not just rock legends—they’re genuine, down-to-earth guys who appreciate their fans as much as we appreciate them.

Why 54•40 Still Matters

Some bands fade over time. 54•40 doesn’t.

They’ve never stopped evolving, yet somehow, they still hit us right in the feels with the same songs we grew up with. Their music isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a soundtrack to our lives, and last night, we all felt it.

If you grew up in the 80s and 90s, you owe it to yourself to catch them on this tour. Trust me—it’s worth every penny.

Next stop? Chatham-Kent on Thursday. If you’re anywhere nearby, get your tickets and relive the magic.

54•40 isn’t just a band.
They’re a time machine.
And last night, they took us all back.