Triumph came fully loaded for their Toronto show on Friday night, bringing three power players to Scotiabank Arena as part of their 50th anniversary tour. The band, known for their hard rock sound, performed their first shows in 30 years, celebrating the milestone with a packed setlist and special guests.
Lineup and Performance
The original members, drummer and singer Gil Moore, 73, and guitarist and singer Rik Emmett, 72, were joined by guitarist Phil X (Bon Jovi), bassist Todd Kerns (Slash), and drummer Brent Fritz (Slash). Original bassist-keyboardist Mike Levine, 76, sat out the tour due to health issues but watched from a suite. Moore opened the show with When the Lights Go Down after a video intro.
Emmett showcased his guitar skills on Somebody's Out There, while Kerns took lead vocals on Spellbound and Follow Your Heart. Phil X later sang lead on Allied Forces. The 1-hour-50-minute show featured slick graphics, video, and fireworks.
Setlist Highlights
Emmett introduced Hold On, a song he wrote 47 years ago, joking that his grandchildren were in the crowd. He played a double-necked guitar for Blinding Light Show. Fireworks heralded Rock & Roll Machine, with Moore moving between drums and front stage. The band covered Joe Walsh's Rocky Mountain Way, and Emmett returned for Never Surrender before sharing vocals with Phil X on Lay It On The Line. Fans enjoyed Magic Power, with lyrics about freedom and music. The encore included I Live For The Weekend and Fight The Good Fight.
Opening Act
April Wine, another 70s Canadian rock group, opened with a 40-minute set of hits like Oowatanite, You Could Have Been A Lady, and Sign of the Gypsy Queen. Original frontman Myles Goodwyn died in 2023.
The show received a three-star rating, with critics praising the guest musicians for adding strength to the performance.
