As the years roll on, it becomes harder and harder for classic rock acts from the 70s, 80s, and 90s to retain their original lineups, as musicians call it a career, these beloved bands slowly evolve into something of a tribute act. Even if the band has given permission to carry the torch forward, the fact remains that they are no longer the original members. All of those tracks that we know and love are still included on the setlist, but the performers on stage are a little less familiar. Sometimes, you have the opportunity to see a band return to the road and reform with the lion’s share of the original lineup. This opportunity is a double-edged sword; in some cases, you get to hear those classic tunes, but in some retooled capacity that just fails to live up to those nostalgia-tinged memories, but then there are those times when a band returns with a performance that absolutely floors you, sounding every bit as strong and as vibrant as it did back in the heyday.
This was the case when Triumph decided to dust off those tour cases and hit the road for a series of dates in 2026. The band made it clear that this was not a tribute act, or cover band tour, but instead the reunion of the principal members of Triumph: Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore. With bringing the band out of retirement, they enlisted the assistance of their pals Phil X (former Triumph frontman), Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz, who would round out the band on the road. Triumph wanted to make it absolutely clear, as questions persisted following the tour announcement.
Before the Tragically Hip entered the conversation about who was the best Canadian Rock band, it included Rush, The Guess Who, and Triumph. The band’s hits have been rock radio staples for the majority of this writer’s life; on any given day, you are going to hear “Lay It On the Line”, “Hold On”, “Magic Power,” or others. These songs are etched on the hearts of an entire generation of rock n roll enthusiasts, and on this Tuesday night in Halifax, many of those fans flocked to the Scotiabank Centre to turn back the clock, in an effort to rock out one more time.
At the Halifax stop of this tour, Mike Levine has been dealing with a hand injury that has prevented him from handling his duties on the keys. And Phil X had prior commitments, so the band tapped former Guess Who (and Gowan) guitarist Derek Sharp to step in. Fortunately, these substitutions did not diminish the performance of a band that was clearly special to the legions of fans in attendance. This was not a half-hearted appearance where the band phoned in its performance; instead, this was a band ready to earn itself a legion of new fans with a hard-hitting show, while demonstrating why they dominated the Canadian rock scene for well over a decade. Not only was the band revelling in its musicianship, which unto itself was impressive, but they also continued to showcase their sophistication and forethought with a stage, pyrotechnic and lighting setup that would make many modern bands envious.
For all of the bells and whistles that were fully on display, and a band that was tight and well-rehearsed, it was a simple moment towards the end of the show that really drives home what these nights are all about. As the band started to perform “Magic Power”, there was a girl who was maybe 10 or 11 who was belting out the lyrics word-for-word as Rik Emmet performed. Considering that the song speaks to the power of the music and its transcendent properties, it was fully on display in the Scotiabank Centre. Personally, I was largely unfamiliar with Triumph’s place in the Canadian Music pantheon, and much to my surprise, Triumph’s music has provided a sonic foundation (albeit indirectly) for well over 4 decades of my life. We may not have many chances to revel in the tunes of these legacy rock acts of the 70s’ and 80s’, so I would implore you to make the most of those opportunities, and you may discover a new favourite act that comes complete with a discography and a litany of hits. Needless to say, Triumph’s music got the magic.
