Opening Act: April Wine
April Wine does not play the States very often, making this appearance a welcome opportunity to catch one of Canada’s most recognizable rock exports. While the lineup has changed considerably over the years, the songs and the musicians carrying them forward proved that the band remains in good hands.
Marc Parent, handpicked by the late Myles Goodwyn as his successor, was the clear focal point throughout the band’s efficient 45-minute set. Strong vocals, confident stage presence, and impressive lead guitar work made it easy to understand why he was chosen for the role. Longtime member Brian Greenway, who has been with the band since 1977, continued serving as the connection between past and present while also stepping forward for lead vocals during “Before The Dawn.”
April Wine kept things simple: strong melodies, harmonies, recognizable songs, and veteran professionalism. Fan favorites including “I Like To Rock,” “Sign Of The Gypsy Queen,” and “Just Between You And Me” reminded the crowd exactly why these songs continue to resonate decades later. Parent summed up the mood best when introducing the latter by joking, “Between you and me, you're in for a real treat tonight with Triumph.” April Wine delivered exactly what an opening act should: a strong set that energized the crowd and set the table perfectly for what followed.
Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded: Triumph Reinvents Themselves To Stay On Top Of Their Game At 50 Years
Some reunions feel like nostalgia tours. Others feel impossible. Watching Triumph take the stage, it quickly became clear they belong firmly in the latter category. What could have easily become a simple celebration of the past instead became something much more impressive — a masterclass in reinvention. As Rick Emmett explained during the evening, “We were three members … now we are six,” perfectly summarizing the new democratic approach that has allowed Triumph to evolve rather than simply recreate. While health issues prevented Mike Levine from participating, his presence remained deeply felt throughout the night, while Gil Moore emerged as both the heartbeat and emotional leader guiding this new version of the band forward.
From the opening moments of “When The Lights Go Down,” it became clear this was not simply Triumph dusting off old material. This was a carefully rebuilt machine designed to maximize everyone's strengths. Rick Emmett still dazzled on guitar while smartly adjusting vocal duties where needed, allowing newer additions Todd Kearns, Phil X, and Brent Fitz to become the unsung heroes elevating the entire experience. Songs like “Somebody’s Out There” immediately quieted any concerns about whether this lineup could work, while “Spellbound” became a breakout moment for Todd Kearns, whose lead vocals and stage presence won over anyone unfamiliar with his abilities. Throughout the evening, musicians constantly rotated roles, instruments, and positions, creating a fascinating dynamic where no one member ever carried the burden alone.
What made the performance especially compelling was watching Triumph embrace change without sacrificing identity. “Hold On” became one of the evening’s first truly emotional moments, not only because of the song itself, but because of the teamwork required to deliver it. Watching multiple generations of musicians standing together supporting one another created an almost father-and-son dynamic between the veteran members and the younger players helping carry these songs forward. The pace quickly shifted upward with “Allied Forces,” delivering thunderous energy as Rick once again wielded his iconic Flying V while Phil X handled lead vocals. As the mood shifted, “Blinding Light Show” transformed the stage with atmospheric visuals, dry ice, northern lights imagery, and Rick once again reaching for his famous double-neck guitar, creating one of the evening’s most immersive moments. Later, “Rock & Roll Machine” showcased Gil Moore proving his voice remains remarkably powerful, while Rick seamlessly transitioned from blistering solos into brief jazz passages reflecting where his musical interests have evolved over the decades. Even subtle moments mattered — the hidden nods to their infamous US Festival footage and Rick jokingly acknowledging a fully dressed Santa Claus standing near the front row in late May all reinforced the feeling that this wasn't some scripted nostalgia exercise. It felt alive.
The emotional center of the evening arrived during the closing stretch when the weight of what Triumph had accomplished finally settled in. Before “Magic Power,” Rick reflected on how these songs restored his faith in both the band and the audience, admitting this unexpected opportunity “got me off the couch.” He spoke openly about how the relationship between artist and audience exists because of the songs themselves and how this journey unexpectedly brought optimism back into his life. Perhaps his most memorable line came when he smiled and confessed, “It feels illegal to have this much fun.” Those words perfectly summarized the atmosphere inside the venue as fans of multiple generations celebrated songs that have now spanned half a century.
The final run through “Magic Power,” “Live For The Weekend,” and the powerful closer “Fight The Good Fight” perfectly captured the message of this entire return: adaptation is not surrender. Triumph could have easily protected their legacy by remaining retired and allowing the memories to speak for themselves. Instead, they jumped back into the water feet first, embracing change, reinventing their approach, and proving that staying relevant sometimes means being willing to rewrite the rules. What unfolded wasn't simply a comeback, it was proof that sometimes taking a chance, adapting to the present, and believing in yourself can create something even stronger than what existed before. Fifty years later, Triumph isn't merely surviving. They're showing everyone exactly how it's done.
Setlists
April Wine
• I Like To Rock
• Anything You Want, You Got It
• All Over Town
• Say Hello
• Enough Is Enough
• Before The Dawn
• You Could Have Been A Lady
• Just Between You And Me
• Sign Of The Gypsy Queen
• Roller
Triumph
• When The Lights Go Down
• Somebody’s Out There
• Spellbound
• Hold On
• Allied Forces
• Blinding Light Show
• Rock & Roll Machine
• Rocky Mountain Way
• Surrender
• Lay It On The Line
• Follow Your Heart
• Magic Power
Encore
• I Live For The Weekend
• Fight The Good Fight
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