Triumph Celebrates 50th Anniversary with The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour
Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre was buzzing well before showtime on Saturday, May 2, as a packed house of rock fans filled every corner of the arena in anticipation of a night that leaned heavily into Canadian rock nostalgia. As part of “The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour”, celebrating Triumph’s 50th anniversary and their first full tour in 30 years, the atmosphere carried an added sense of occasion. With April Wine opening and Triumph headlining, the bill promised a celebration of legacy, and it delivered.
Photo by Laura Collins.
April Wine wasted no time igniting the crowd, kicking off their set with the driving force of ‘Oowatanite,’ instantly pulling fans to their feet. The band, originally formed in Nova Scotia in 1969, has undergone lineup changes over the decades, but their sound remains unmistakably theirs. Since 2022, vocalist Marc Parent has stepped into the role once held by the late Myles Goodwin, and he handled the material with both confidence and reverence. One of the most poignant moments came during ‘Just Between You and Me,’ which was dedicated to Goodwin, drawing a heartfelt response from the audience.
Photo by Laura Collins.
The band’s set built steadily, culminating in a fiery performance of ‘Sign of the Gypsy Queen.’ The extended guitar work toward the end turned into a full showcase of musicianship, earning April Wine a well-deserved standing ovation. It was the kind of opening set that didn’t just warm up the crowd, it elevated the entire evening.
By the time Triumph took the stage, the energy inside the arena had reached a fever pitch. Formed in Mississauga in the mid-1970s, Triumph carved out a unique space in rock history with their blend of hard rock, progressive elements, and arena-ready anthems. The classic lineup features Rik Emmett, Mike Levine, and Gil Moore.
Photo by Laura Collins.
For this 2026 tour, however, Levine was unable to perform due to health reasons, with bass duties handled by Todd Kerns, widely known for his work with Slash feat. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. He was joined by guitarist Phil X, recognized for stepping into Bon Jovi following Richie Sambora as a lead guitarist, and drummer Brent Fitz, another standout musician with deep ties to Slash’s band and numerous other projects.
Anchored by Rik Emmett, and with Gil Moore appearing for key performances, the lineup struck a balance between honoring the band’s legacy and injecting fresh energy, much to the delight of longtime fans.
Launching into “When the Lights Go Down,” Triumph immediately reminded everyone why they remain one of Canada’s most beloved rock exports. The setlist was a masterclass in pacing and fan service, moving seamlessly through “Somebody’s Out There,” “Spellbound,” and “Hold On,” before ramping things up with the power of “Allied Forces” and the theatricality of “Blinding Light Show.”
Photo by Laura Collins.
One of the night’s undeniable highlights came during “Rock & Roll Machine.” Emmett’s guitar solo evolved into an ambitious and genre-blending journey, starting with searing blues phrasing, transitioning into a precise interpretation of Edvard Grieg’s ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King,’ and finishing with intricate flamenco flourishes. It was a moment that showcased not just technical skill, but a deep musical curiosity that has always set Triumph apart.
The band continued to deliver hit after hit, including a spirited cover of “Rocky Mountain Way” (originally by Joe Walsh), before charging through crowd favorites like “Never Surrender,” “Lay It On the Line,” and “Magic Power.” By the time they closed with “Fight the Good Fight,” the entire arena was on its feet, singing along in unison.
In a venue packed to the rafters with fans spanning generations, Triumph proved that their music hasn’t just endured, it still resonates deeply. Combined with April Wine’s powerful opening set, the night was a celebration of Canadian rock at its finest, leaving no doubt that these songs, and the passion behind them, are as powerful now as ever.
