2026 has been a lucky year for Canadian-bred classic rock trios. The news of a reunion tour from Rush was a highly unexpected return to the concert scene, but when the comeback from country mates, Triumph, was added to the mix, 2026 became a dream come true to Gen X'ers.
As Rush's lineup is down to two original members (since the passing of Neil Peart), Triumph is also touring with Rik Emmett (guitar and vocals) and Gil Moore (drums and vocals). Bassist Mike Levine has been absent during the run (allegedly due to medical reseanons), and his presence was greatly missed.
Triumph performed at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 6, 2026.
Emmett and Moore, who were joined with amazing sidemen, Phil X (guitar and vocals), Todd Kearns (bass and vocals), and Brent Fitz (drums), opened strongly with "When the Lights Go Down", "Somebody's Out There" and "Spellbound".
Emmett, who spent many years in retirement from the music business, was in spectacular shape vocally and physically. He spoke of how a new generation has embraced the music of Triumph (especially in the world of sports). And while he resisted the thought of ever returning to the stage for years, he thanked his wife onstage for his comeback. Apparently, Emmett's wife bought him a Christmas present of 10 sessions with a personal trainer, whipping Emmett back into shape physically (and he looks fantastic).
Album favorites as "Hold On" and "Allied Forces" were wildly received. During "Blinding Light Show / Moonchild", Phil X started a battle of sections of the crowd to see which could most loudly scream a "Day-O" chant (from the Harry Belafonte song, "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)."
The loudest sections were rewarded with a Triumph shirt from a t-shirt cannon fired to the winning audience area.
Emmett tore off an epic guitar solo during "Rock & Roll Machine", while Moore, who came out from his drum kit several times and manned the lead vocal spot on a great cover of Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way", during which X, Fitz, and Kearns all took solo spots with their instruments.
Triumph's set concluded with an extraordinary version of "Magic Power", before returning for a two-set encore of
"I Live for the Weekend" and an spectacular take of "Fight the Good Fight", which ended the final night of a long-awaited US tour.
Emmett recently spoke to DJ Eddie Trunk and when questioned about the future of Triumph, Emmett was optimistic about more band activity. Hopefully, we will see another Triumph tour again soon.
