A full-fledged acoustic production was just an idea until 54-40 guitarist Dave Genn presented a piano version of one of the Canadian rock band’s songs to the rest of the members.
Genn’s slowed-down version of “Crossing the Canyon,” from the 1996 album Trusted by Millions, caught the ears of 54-40 vocalist Neil Osborne and drummer Matt Johnson, beginning the process of building the sold-out acoustic show that comes to Max Cameron Theatre on Friday, March 16.
“Dave played the song on piano in a different key and slowed it down a little, and Neil was quite intrigued by it, so that was the impetus for us to try reinterpreting other songs that we had in this stripped-down vein,” says Johnson. “We decided to make a recording of it and then present it in a live situation.”
Running through the band’s vast catalogue of hits, A History Unplugged also includes a storytelling component that Johnson compares to sitting in front of a campfire.
“It’s a way for Neil to tell stories about where the songs got their start and the story behind them, with some lyrics and road stories,” says Johnson. “It’s almost like a fireside chat. And, for Neil, it’s great, because he finally gets to have someone listen to him.”
Joking aside, Johnson says the acoustic show has been an excellent learning experience for the band that got its start in Vancouver in the early 1980s. Members of the band play a range of acoustic instruments during the show and Johnson even had to learn how to drum standing up.
“Now they have to pay me extra,” he says, laughing. “The show has a learning curve, for sure. It’s the four of us across the front of the stage and we play several instruments, and some of the arrangements are different, so it’s challenging and it definitely doesn’t get boring.”
The band’s fan base has been enjoying the new show, according to Johnson, and so has the band.
“It’s a nice change of pace and a way for us to play community theatres, and not blow the doors off the place with our full-on rock show,” he says. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
54-40: A History Unplugged
When: 7 pm, Friday, March 16
Where: Max Cameron Theatre
Price: Sold out
Info: paulmercsconcerts.com
