54•40 Looks Ahead to Taste of Edmonton with New Music, New Beer, and 45 Years of Canadian Rock

As Canadian rock veterans 54•40 prepare to take the stage at Taste of Edmonton, bassist Brad Merritt sat down with Janice Stobie-Rushton and Maria for a wide-ranging interview that celebrated the band's remarkable 45-year journey while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter.

From the band's unforgettable first performance to new music recorded in Portugal and even a signature craft beer, Merritt reflected on a career that continues to evolve without losing sight of what has made 54•40 one of Canada's most enduring rock acts.

A Beginning They'll Never Forget

Brad's first show took place on December 8, 1980—a date forever etched into music history as the night John Lennon was murdered.

"It was exhilarating and completely awful at the same time," Merritt recalled, remembering the emotional contrast between launching a new band and learning of Lennon's death.

That bittersweet beginning marked the start of a career that has now spanned more than four decades.

From "I Go Blind" to Friends

One of 54•40's most recognizable songs, "I Go Blind," found new life when it was famously covered by Hootie & the Blowfish, and the song also found its way into the hit sitcom Friends.

When asked what his favourite episode, Brad connected directly to the band's music history—the one where three of the friends can't afford tickets to see Hootie & the Blowfish, something that is a reality for most.

Ocean Pearl: A Beer Inspired by the West Coast

Fans in British Columbia can now toast the band with Ocean Pearl, a West Coast lager created in collaboration with Barnside Brewing and Four Winds Brewing in Delta, B.C.

Made with local hops and bright citrus notes, the beer debuted during a 5,000-person outdoor concert at Delta Southlands.

For now, Ocean Pearl is only available in British Columbia, making it a unique collectible for fans and craft beer enthusiasts alike.

Recording Porto the Old-School Way

54•40's newest album, Porto, was recorded at ARDA Recorders in Porto, Portugal.

Rather than relying on digital production techniques, the band embraced a fully analog recording process, performing live off the floor much like classic albums of decades past.

Merritt said fans at Taste of Edmonton can expect to hear three songs from the new record, offering a glimpse into the band's latest creative direction while honouring their signature sound.

Unearthing "Travel with Jack"

Among the band's upcoming releases is "Travel with Jack," an unreleased song dating back to the Trusted by Millions era.

Although never included on the original album, Merritt explained that the song will finally appear as part of a bonus or compilation release.

Lyrically, he described it as a subtle commentary on alcohol and substance excess, wrapped in metaphor rather than direct storytelling.

Reimagining the Classics

The band has also released an unplugged album recorded live off the floor in front of an audience.

Rather than simply recreating familiar hits acoustically, the goal was to reinterpret them—to discover something new within songs fans have loved for decades.

Merritt believes the project may ultimately become one of the band's defining legacy recordings.

A Celebration Every Night

After 45 years together, 54•40's philosophy has become remarkably simple.

Every performance is a celebration.

Every concert is a communion between the band and its audience.

That shared experience, Merritt said, is what continues to make touring worthwhile after all these years.

Looking Ahead

Following performances in Taber and Taste of Edmonton, the band continues its busy summer schedule with a show alongside Melissa Etheridge in Invermere before heading to another major Manitoba festival.

For first-time concertgoers, Merritt offered one piece of advice:

Arrive early and claim a spot just to the side of the soundboard—the ideal place to experience both the performance and the sound.

After more than four decades, 54•40 continue proving that longevity isn't about standing still. Whether they're recording analog albums in Portugal, releasing long-lost songs, crafting a signature lager, or reconnecting with audiences across Canada, the band remains driven by the same passion that first brought them together in 1980.