Rik Emmett has shared new thoughts on Triumph’s upcoming reunion tour, addressing the band’s choice to expand its lineup. Speaking in a statement aired on 101 WRIF, Emmett explained that the reunion will include additional musicians alongside the original members, creating a new dynamic for the band’s long-awaited return.
“We’re not just going do this on our own, first of all. We’re gonna have three other musicians join us. And I think that that’s gonna make it so that it’s not just the good old Triumph that’s trying to see if they can survive this thing,” Emmett said. “It’s gonna be a new thing, and there’s an energy to that that excites me and makes me wanna be involved and make it happen.”
Emmett also pointed to the reunion’s multi-generational appeal, noting that longtime fans are now sharing the experience with their children and even grandchildren.
“I mean, Gil pretty much touched on it, that there’s these folks that it was the soundtrack of their lives, and now they’re bringing their kids, and there’s grandkids involved in this now. So yes, we’re old. I think there’s going to be a level of curiosity,” he continued. “Are they gonna drop dead when they’re trying to actually make this happen? Will the flash pots go off and scare them that they’re just gonna keel over? But I feel safe.”
Reflecting on a recent performance in Edmonton with the expanded lineup, Emmett stressed that fun remains the most important factor for both the band and the audience.
“We played out in Edmonton. Gil and I went out there and it felt like it was fun. And I think at the bottom of it, all of this stuff that we’re talking about, the songs and the big show and all the nostalgia of the three of us getting back together, really the bottom line has to be, well, yeah, but is it gonna be fun?” he said. “And I think that’s something that translates to the audience. They’re just having the time of their lives. Yes, they’re very old lives. They’re in their seventh decade, eighth decade of life. But if we’re not gonna have fun with that, what’s the point?”
Triumph’s reunion marks a major milestone in rock history. According to 313 Presents, the tour will be the band’s first in 30 years and will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a large-scale North American run produced by Live Nation. The tour is set to kick off in 2026, with dates already announced across the continent.
The three additional musicians joining the tour are well known in rock circles. Phil X is recognized for his work with Bon Jovi, while Brent Fitz and Todd Kerns have both performed with Slash’s band. Eddie Trunk’s official website noted that these seasoned players were brought in to help deliver the live show and support Triumph’s core members.
This will not be a tribute-style performance. Triumph’s official website emphasized the distinction, stating: “This is NOT a tribute band tour. This is a Triumph reunion tour.” Original members Rik Emmett, Gil Moore, and Mike Levine will take the stage alongside the supporting musicians, preserving the authenticity longtime fans expect.
The reunion follows another recent celebration of Triumph’s legacy. In June 2025, the band was honored with the release of Magic Power: All-Star Tribute to Triumph, a 15-track album featuring various rock artists covering songs from Triumph’s catalog. That tribute has helped build momentum for the band’s return, renewing interest in their classic material while introducing their music to a new generation of rock fans.
