Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji speak with bassist and founding member of legendary rock band, 54-40, Brad Merritt in between performances at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto.

Established 42 years ago at Vancouver’s famed Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret, 54-40 have penned countless iconic, enduring, chart-topping gems, rightfully catapulting them to worship-worthy status among millions at home and around the globe.

“When I started playing, I was an angry young man with a big mission,” chuckles Neil Osborne of their New Year’s Eve start in 1980. “I used to say, ‘If I’m still doing this when I’m 30, I’m going to shoot myself.’ And then I said, ‘If I’m still doing this when I am 40, someone please shoot me.’

“Now it’s like, ‘If I am still doing this at age 50 and over… Wow, eh?!’”

The group’s longevity is a testament to the potent mix of talent and tenacity. Keep On Walking is 54-40’s most eclectic, propulsive, and flat-out excellent album in a career already teeming with them. “This record already feels like a success to me,” says Osborne. “The fact that we created it while really enjoying playing together is an accomplishment, and why Brad Merritt and I started the band in the first place.”