Legendary Canadian rock titans TRIUMPH ignited the stage in Orlando, Florida, on Friday night, April 10th, marking their triumphant return to live performances after a hiatus spanning over three decades. This highly anticipated 2026 tour, celebrating the band’s 50th anniversary, features a powerful lineup alongside original members drummer and vocalist Gil Moore and guitarist and vocalist Rik Emmett. Joining them are guitarist Phil X, known for his work with BON JOVI and his previous tenure with TRIUMPH, alongside drummer and keyboardist Brent Fitz and bassist Todd Kerns, both accomplished musicians from SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS. The tour’s opening night, held at Hard Rock Live Universal Orlando, served a dual purpose: a spectacular rock concert and a significant charitable endeavor, with 100% of the net proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish.
The Orlando concert was a cornerstone of the 23rd annual Celebration Exotic Car Festival, recognized as the world’s largest charity event dedicated to exotic automobiles. This unique partnership underscores TRIUMPH’s commitment to giving back, aligning their musical prowess with a cause that touches the lives of children facing critical illnesses. While the core of the original TRIUMPH sound remains intact with Moore and Emmett at the helm, the inclusion of Phil X, Fitz, and Kerns brings a fresh dynamic and a wealth of seasoned performance experience to the stage. This expanded lineup promises to deliver the anthemic rock sound that TRIUMPH fans have cherished for generations.
Notably, original TRIUMPH bassist Mike Levine will not be participating in the majority of the tour. In December, Levine disclosed a hand injury that significantly impacts his ability to perform. This development, while unfortunate, has paved the way for the current touring configuration, allowing the band to move forward with their ambitious comeback.
A Setlist Rooted in Fan Demand and Legacy
The setlist for the Orlando debut, meticulously curated and documented by Setlist.fm, offered a potent blend of TRIUMPH’s most beloved hits and fan favorites. The concert opened with the powerful "When The Lights Go Down," immediately setting an electrifying tone. Subsequent performances included anthems such as "Somebody’s Out There," "Spellbound," "Allied Forces," "Never Surrender," and the iconic "Rock & Roll Machine." The inclusion of "Hold On," "Blinding Light Show," and "Lay It On The Line" further solidified the band’s commitment to their extensive catalog. A surprise inclusion was the Joe Walsh cover "Rocky Mountain Way," demonstrating the band’s deep roots in classic rock. The set concluded with a powerful encore featuring "I Live For The Weekend" and the enduring "Fight The Good Fight," leaving the audience on a high note.
Gil Moore, in an interview with Orlando Weekly, shed light on the collaborative process behind crafting the setlist. "I think we relied on the fans," Moore stated. "You really don’t know what your music is until decades go by, because that’s when it resonates on the fans. And then they tell you, so as far as like setting up, you know what we want to do on the road, we’ve been listening for what the fans have to say, and they’ve spoken loud and clear to us. Honestly, after all these years, I feel like they’re their songs. They’re not ours anymore. We gave them to the fans. They told us what those songs meant, and we’re answering to the call." This sentiment highlights the profound connection TRIUMPH maintains with its fanbase, acknowledging that their music has evolved into a shared cultural experience.
The Orlando Connection: A Philanthropic Genesis
The choice of Orlando as the starting point for this momentous tour was not purely coincidental but rather a carefully orchestrated alignment of opportunity and shared values. Gil Moore explained the serendipitous nature of the booking: "It wasn’t something that was initially planned. How it came together was STYX have played at a Make-A-Wish event previously, and [STYX singer] Lawrence Gowan is one of my dearest friends." Gowan, a long-time friend of Moore, provided invaluable advice on navigating the rigors of touring after an extended break. "He said, ‘Gil, great to hear from you. What do you want to know?’ And I said, ‘Hey, man, you’ve been touring, and I haven’t I want to know how to tour.’" Gowan’s humorous yet practical advice—"You got to play drums and sing every day"—emphasized the dedication required for a successful tour.
Gowan’s influence extended further. He connected Moore with Jeff Ippoliti, a key figure in the Celebration Exotic Car Festival and a major fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in central Florida. "Lawrence said to Jeff Ippoliti, who is at the Celebration Car Show… ‘I have a great idea for you. You should get TRIUMPH this year.’ And Jeff goes, ‘I’m a huge TRIUMPH fan, but they’re not touring.’ And Lawrence says, ‘Oh, yes, they are.’" This pivotal conversation led to the integration of TRIUMPH’s tour launch with the prestigious charity event.
Moore’s personal connection to philanthropy also played a significant role. "The Make-A-Wish event, which is near and dear to me. I have a charity of my own in Canada called Sounds Unite, which is a tiny bit similar in the sense that it’s about free music, education and music wellness. But it’s aimed at kids, and especially kids that are disadvantaged and marginalized. So the Make-A-Wish philosophy of helping a young person who’s really caught a tough break in life, and grant them a wish is, to me, a fabulous idea." This shared vision solidified TRIUMPH’s commitment to supporting Make-A-Wish, making the Orlando concert a truly meaningful start to their tour. The band’s initial plans for Canadian rehearsals were even sweetened by the opportunity to rehearse in Florida, further cementing the alignment of all parties involved.
A 50th Anniversary Celebration on the Road
The 2026 North American tour is not just a comeback; it’s a grand celebration of TRIUMPH’s half-century legacy in music. The tour will feature support from fellow Canadian rock stalwarts APRIL WINE, adding another layer of classic rock pedigree to the proceedings. Following the Florida kickoff, the tour will traverse Canada, commencing on April 22nd in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and concluding its Canadian leg on May 8th in Calgary, Alberta. The U.S. portion of the tour begins on May 13th in Rosemont, Illinois, and is scheduled to wrap up on June 6th in Boston. In total, the tour will encompass 10 Canadian cities and 17 American cities, offering a comprehensive journey across the continent.
Rik Emmett’s Evolution: Embracing the Challenge
Rik Emmett’s participation in this extensive tour marks a significant personal journey. Previously, Emmett had expressed a strong reluctance to tour with TRIUMPH again, citing past disputes over music and business. However, in a recent conversation with Dr. Music, he articulated the shift in his perspective. "There’s a thing about fear. Like, what are you afraid of? And it’s more a question of a challenge that you go, okay, well, let’s just see what happens. Let’s not be so afraid of tomorrow or the day after tomorrow or next week or the next month. Let’s just kind of do it and see what happens." This embrace of adventurism and a willingness to confront his own limitations at the age of 72 has been a driving force.
Emmett candidly admitted to moments of doubt: "There’s moments where I go, ‘Have I bitten off more than I can chew?’ But then I go, ‘Well, just chew and find out.’" He attributes the renewed interest in TRIUMPH to the enduring power of their songs, which have found new life through their use in major sporting events and the recent "Magic Power: All-Star Tribute To Triumph" album. This tribute album, featuring an impressive roster of rock artists like Slash and Nancy Wilson, served as a powerful reminder of the band’s lasting impact. "It’s the songs," Emmett emphasized. "People are saying, ‘Yeah, ‘Fight The Good Fight’, ‘Never Surrender’, ‘Hold On’, ‘Magic Power’. Come on, let’s go. We wanna see this happen live. We wanna have a communion with you guys.’ And we went, ‘Oh, man. Okay. Well, let’s see if we can organize it in a way that’ll make it good.’"
The Enhanced TRIUMPH Sound: A Synergistic Collaboration
The expanded lineup, featuring Phil X, Brent Fitz, and Todd Kerns, has been instrumental in shaping the contemporary TRIUMPH sound. Emmett spoke to 100 FM The Pike about the initial skepticism he faced regarding his change of heart: "What’s happening here is that everybody that I do interviews with goes, ‘Hey, Rik, you’re such a lying hypocrite.’ I’m human." He clarified that the overwhelming fan demand and the success of the tribute album created an undeniable momentum.
Regarding the new members, Emmett expressed his confidence in their ability to honor the TRIUMPH legacy. "Now I got Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz, and they both toured with Alice Cooper and Slash, and Phil X, who routinely goes out on the road with BON JOVI. He replaced me in TRIUMPH in the first place. So it’s not like we don’t have a large safety net." He further elaborated on how these musicians contribute to the band’s ability to perform their extensive catalog justice. "But we are gonna be able to make this thing happen in a way that I’m gonna feel, like, ‘No, we’re doing justice to that catalog. These songs are still happening in a good way.’" Emmett also revealed his personal commitment to physical fitness, working with a personal trainer to ensure he is in optimal shape for the demanding tour schedule.
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
The integration of Phil X, Fitz, and Kerns into the TRIUMPH fold is a testament to a shared vision of musical excellence and camaraderie. When asked by SiriusXM’s "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about how these musicians would fill the sonic gaps left by the passage of time, Emmett stressed their immense talent and experience. "The big thing is, first of all, they’re incredibly skilled and talented and experienced musicians in their own right. And they deserve to end up feeling like they’re as much a part of this as Gil and Mike and I are." He desires for them to feel a sense of ownership and pride in the TRIUMPH legacy.
Emmett also acknowledged that these newer members could potentially carry a larger workload in the future, ensuring the longevity of TRIUMPH’s music. "I think this hunger that everybody is understanding is out there now for TRIUMPH to come back and play these songs, I think that hunger will be sustained by those guys, even if we get old and infirm and we can’t necessarily do it. I think the songs are still gonna be there, and if those younger guys wanna start carrying a bigger workload, I think they could in."
The prior collaboration between these musicians and the original TRIUMPH members was evident during a free outdoor concert in Edmonton on June 6, 2025, held at the ICE District ahead of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. This event provided a glimpse into the seamless musical synergy. Emmett recounted a memorable moment in Edmonton where he, Moore, and the three supporting musicians were harmonizing "Lay It On The Line" in a trailer. "And I thought, ‘Okay.’ This was a great moment—it was one of my favorite moments in that experience out there—and I thought that should be part of the show." This experience has inspired new arrangements and vocal harmonies for songs, even those where such elements were not present in the original recordings, expanding the band’s live performance capabilities.
The Chemistry of Choice: More Than Just Talent
Gil Moore elaborated on the selection process for Fitz and Kerns, emphasizing that it went beyond mere musical proficiency. "When I convinced Phil that this was something [that was gonna happen]—and at first I think he thought, ‘Oh, this is fanciful. It’s not gonna happen.’ And then he realized, ‘No, no, it’s serious. It’s gonna happen.’ So when it came to filling the other spots in and stuff, and he said, like, ‘Who do you want me to get?’ And he was kind of going through this, this, this and this. And I said, ‘It’s really simple. We’ve gotta find some people that have great hearts.’" Moore stressed the importance of finding individuals who would be good in the dressing room, prioritizing character alongside talent.
Phil X immediately suggested Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz, solidifying their place in the touring lineup. "And he says, ‘That settles it. I got the guys.’ And it’s because of how they are as people, in addition to all their talent. They’re very, very talented, as Rik said, tremendously talented people, but it’s who they are. That’s why they were picked. And Phil picked them." This highlights a deliberate approach to building a cohesive and positive touring unit, ensuring that the band’s chemistry extends beyond the stage.
Phil X: A New Chapter and Shared Spotlight
Addressing the possibility of Phil X taking a more prominent role, given his previous tenure with TRIUMPH and his current role with BON JOVI, Emmett expressed enthusiasm rather than concern. "No, no, no. The total opposite," Emmett stated. "If somebody had said, ‘Well, it’s just gonna be the original three guys,’ I would’ve been far more reluctant than when they came to me and said, ‘And guess who else we’ve got?’ And in my mind I’m thinking, ‘Phil X.’ I definitely wanna give this guy so much rope that he hangs himself, because he’s such an incredible player and he’s a different kind of a player than I am." Emmett admires Phil X’s virtuosity, which he describes as distinct from his own playing style, and believes this tour will offer him an opportunity to further showcase his abilities.
Emmett also views TRIUMPH as a band without a single dominant musical leader, allowing for a more collaborative environment. "TRIUMPH is a band that doesn’t really have a musical leader," Emmett explained. "Gil’s kind of the leader in certain ways. When we first started in the early days, Mike was kind of the guy that was the producer in the studio and was a leader in that respect. But I think all of these guys that we’ve got, and Phil in particular, they have leadership capability in certain ways, and I want Phil’s star to shine. I’m happy to kind of take a backseat, move back upstage a little bit and let him have some room." This inclusive approach ensures that all musicians feel valued and have opportunities to shine, contributing to a dynamic and engaging live performance.
A Legacy Forged in Arenas and Innovation
Formed in Mississauga, Ontario, in 1975, TRIUMPH ascended from humble beginnings in high school auditoriums and local bars to commanding sold-out arenas worldwide. Their reputation for virtuosic musicianship, powerful vocals, and elaborate, high-production live shows defined an era of arena rock. The band masterfully blended hard rock intensity with progressive rock complexity, achieving global success with over 15 million albums sold and numerous gold and platinum certifications. Their landmark performance at the 1983 US Festival, in front of an estimated 500,000 fans, stands as a testament to their widespread appeal. Hits like "Lay It on The Line," "Magic Power," and "Fight The Good Fight," coupled with pioneering stage productions featuring pyrotechnics and laser light shows, cemented TRIUMPH’s status as arena rock legends and secured their enduring place in music history.
The band’s return to the stage follows a year of significant accolades. In June 2025, "Magic Power: All-Star Tribute To Triumph" was released, a comprehensive tribute album featuring a stellar lineup of rock musicians. This album, produced by Mike Clink, further solidified TRIUMPH’s influence across generations. In October, the band was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor recognizing their profound impact on Canadian culture and their masterful songwriting. This induction adds to an already impressive list of honors, including inductions into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame (2007), the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (2008), and Canada’s Walk of Fame (2019).
A Complex History, A Harmonious Present
Rik Emmett’s departure from TRIUMPH in 1988, stemming from creative and business disagreements, led to an 18-year estrangement. During this period, he pursued a successful solo career, while TRIUMPH continued with Phil X for one more album, "Edge Of Excess," before disbanding. The eventual reconciliation between Emmett, Levine, and Moore began with performances at the 2008 Sweden Rock Festival and Rocklahoma, culminating in a DVD release of their historic Sweden performance four years later. The current tour represents a new chapter, built on mutual respect and a shared passion for their iconic music. The synergy between the original members and the talented supporting musicians promises to deliver a powerful and memorable experience for fans, celebrating a legacy that continues to resonate decades later.