After Decades Away, Triumph Brings Back Their Magic Power to Western New York
THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.
Corfu, NY — The reunion tour many thought would never happen became a reality on Wednesday night as Triumph’s Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded 2026 tour rolled into Western New York on a warm, summer‑like evening to a passionate crowd of approximately 7,500 fans. For many in attendance, this show marked the unofficial kickoff to a busy concert season.
Celebrating 50 years since their formation as a Canadian power trio, Triumph returned after a long absence from touring with a lineup featuring original members Rik Emmett (vocals/guitar) and Gil Moore (drums/vocals). They were joined by an all‑star supporting cast: Phil X on guitar — currently also a member of Bon Jovi and previously part of Triumph on their final studio album, 1992’s Edge of Excess — along with Todd Kerns on bass and Brent Fitz on drums, both widely known for their long‑running work in Slash’s solo band. Rik recently referred to this version of Triumph as “Triumph on steroids.”
Original bassist/keyboardist Mike Levine has not appeared at any shows on this tour, despite early rumors suggesting he might join for select dates. With this being one of the final stops, it now appears unlikely he will participate, with rumors pointing to health issues preventing his involvement.
On this night, Triumph’s return to the region felt more like a homecoming than just another tour stop.
Western New York’s long‑standing love affair with Triumph dates back to the band’s earliest days, when the Canadian trio regularly played local clubs such as The After Dark and McVan’s, steadily building a loyal regional following. That connection deepened on December 27, 1978, when Triumph performed its first major area show at Kleinhans Music Hall — a milestone moment that helped cement Western New York as one of the band’s strongest markets.
Local rock station 97 Rock championed the band throughout the late ’70s and ’80s, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that fueled Triumph’s rise and made them a fixture in the region’s music scene. Remarkably, that bond remains intact today — even though it has been far longer than anyone expected since the original lineup last played Buffalo, a show that took place at the old Buffalo Memorial Auditorium on October 25, 1986.
Taking the stage at approximately 9:10 p.m., Triumph opened with “When the Lights Go Down,” a classic tour opener from their 1980s heyday. From there, the night became a full‑on trip through the band’s storied past, immediately reminding the crowd why Triumph has remained so deeply respected for five decades — even after nearly 40 years away from touring and recording, aside from their brief two‑show reunion in 2008.
Before the tour kicked off on April 10, 2026, in Orlando, many wondered how Rik, at 72, and Gil, at 73, would handle the physical demands of Triumph’s catalog — especially Gil, who had not performed in decades. With the addition of powerhouse musicians Phil X, Todd Kerns, and Brent Fitz, the more challenging parts were handled with ease.
Gil Moore had essentially retired from drumming after Triumph’s final tour in 1993, and Rik Emmett had left the band in 1988. So when this tour was announced, fans questioned how the classic material would be approached. Moore put in the work, knocked off the rust, and played with a level of power and precision that made it feel as if he never stopped. Having Brent Fitz drumming alongside him added even more weight and drive to the music. Moore also stepped out front a few times to take on the role of frontman for a couple of his songs, looking increasingly comfortable in that spot as the tour progressed.
Rik Emmett, who had toured consistently as a solo artist since up until the 2020 pandemic, was still remarkably sharp, showcasing his signature guitar work and strong vocals. With him and Phil X onstage together, the guitar playing reached an unbelievable level — at times feeling like two of the best guitarists in the world trading lines and delivering dynamic, breathtaking performances.
The stage production blended modern technology with a clever nod to the bombastic pyro Triumph unleashed during their heyday, mixed with photos of the band members through the years, classic album covers, and mind‑blowing graphics. It was all tastefully executed and nearly as impressive as the music itself, creating a beautiful, powerful, emotional, and truly memorable concert experience.
Over the course of the 14‑and‑a‑half‑song set, Triumph delivered a series of undeniable highlights. Rik’s double‑neck guitar moment during “Blinding Light Show / Moonchild,” Gil’s lead‑vocal spotlight on “Rock & Roll Machine,” and a fiery “Lay It on the Line” — with the crowd shouting every word — stood out as some of the night’s most powerful moments.
The emotional peak of the night came when the band performed their biggest hit, “Magic Power.” Before the song began, Rik shared a brief but heartfelt story about the reunion, crediting Gil for believing it could work and reflecting on how meaningful this chapter has been for him. He spoke about the world’s recent struggles and the renewed need for hope, before turning the message back to the audience: “You people restore my hope and my faith… It’s the magic power of music.”
The song itself remains one of Triumph’s most powerful and emotional works, and the band elevated it even further on this night. At times, the crowd was singing louder than Rik, turning the arena into a full‑voice choir. It was a truly magical moment — the kind of song with the potential to go viral and become a modern throwback classic, much like “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. It’s that moving and that powerful.
In summary, this concert experience was extraordinary. Gil Moore deserves immense credit for the vision and precision behind the entire production. The setlist was spot‑on, the stage presentation was next‑level, and Rik, Gil, Phil X, Todd, and Brent delivered performances that were nothing short of exceptional. It was an epic evening marking the long‑awaited return of a band fans are thrilled to see again after far too many years away. With a reunion this powerful, many are hoping Triumph continues this journey for years to come.
Triumph setlist – 06/03/2026
When the Lights Go Down
Somebody’s Out There
Spellbound
Hold On
Allied Forces
Blinding Light Show
Rock & Roll Machine
Rocky Mountain Way
Never Surrender
Lay It on the Line
Follow Your Heart (With 24 Hours a Day intro)
Magic Power
Encore:
I Live for the Weekend
Fight the Good Fight
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April Wine opened the evening with a 45‑minute set that featured several of their most recognizable songs, including “I Like to Rock,” “All Over Town,” “Just Between You and Me,” “Sign of the Gypsy Queen,” and “Roller.” The band delivered the material in a straightforward, professional manner, giving the audience a solid overview of their classic catalog.
The current lineup includes classic‑era guitarist Brian Greenway, along with bassist Richard Lanthier, drummer Roy “Nip” Nichol, and lead vocalist/guitarist Marc Parent. Parent joined the band following the passing of founding member Myles Goodwyn on December 3, 2023. Before his death, Goodwyn expressed his wish for April Wine to continue and personally selected Parent to carry the band’s legacy forward. With this lineup, April Wine continues to present their music with accuracy and respect for the original recordings.
April Wine’s set helped make the night a full celebration of classic Canadian rock. The perfect opener for this amazing music event.
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Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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