Overall, it’s probably fair to say that, over a career that’s spanned four decades, Triumph are probably best-known for their live prowess; like their compatriots in Rush, their gigs are exercises in scintillating technical ability and genuine rock and roll flair. What’s perhaps most remarkable about the group, though, is that the original trio remains together, al these years after their formation; Rik Emmett remains the frontman, as well as something of a jack of all trades in instrumental terms both live and on record, whilst Gil Moore is still the man behind the kit and Mike Levine continues to play bass for the group.
After an initial split in 1993, Triumph reformed in 2008 and continue to tour and record; they can reflect on a forty year career that, albeit with that fifteen year break, that’s spawned no fewer than sixteen full-length records, with eighteen gold and nine platinum certifications across the U.S. and their native Canada. Away from the stage, they also remain known for the philanthropic activities, including the donation of all of their music and business archives to the University of Toronto in 2011 - they are thought to be valued at over one million dollars.
Although the band’s most popular days were back in the 70s and 80s, Triumph still have what it takes to put on a great show today. With 10 gold and 9 platinum awards under their belt over their 16 albums, of course they’ve got some awesome material to play, and after their lengthy hiatus in the late 90s and early 00s, everyone was desperate to hear more.
They came out on stage in their typical attire, not much had changed! They were wearing 70s shirts and caps, and had maintained their long hair, which was cool to see. Although they’ve aged, their performance was still incredibly strong from start to finish. They opened the show with Lay it On the Line, and had everyone singing and dancing along right away. It was great that they played a selection of their newer material as well as their hits from back in the day.
Rick Emmett performed some awesome guitar solos, and had the audience in his palm from start to finish. I always forget what a talented multi-instrumentalist he is, and seeing it live is awesome. Although they don’t have much new original material, they played a couple of current covers that got everyone singing along. It was an exciting and exhilarating show, with a lot of singing and dancing. The band have definitely still got it.