Triumph (band)

Triumph

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1975
Headquarters	Toronto , Canada
Products	Music albums, DVDs
Number of employees	3 (original lineup)

Triumph emerged as a Canadian hard rock ensemble in 1975, achieving significant recognition throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s due to their compelling live performances. Over the course of 16 albums and DVDs, the group secured 18 gold and nine platinum awards across Canada and the United States. Their work earned them several Juno Awards nominations, notably for "Group of the Year" in 1979, 1985, 1986, and 1987. The band was honored with inductions into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2007, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2008, and Canada's Walk of Fame in 2019.

The band gained renown for their guitar-centric tracks such as "Lay It on the Line," "Magic Power," "Fight the Good Fight," and "World of Fantasy." Initially, Triumph attracted attention with renditions like "Rocky Mountain Way." Originating from Toronto, the foundational trio consisted of Rik Emmett (guitar, vocals), Mike Levine (bass, keyboards), and Gil Moore (drums, vocals). This lineup produced nine studio albums before Emmett left in 1988 to embark on a solo path. He was succeeded by Phil "X" Xenedis, with whom Triumph recorded their latest album to date, Edge of Excess, prior to entering an indefinite break in 1993.

The original members reunited for live shows at events including the 2008 Sweden Rock Festival and Rocklahoma, returned briefly in 2019 for a performance in Toronto, and notably appeared at the 2025 Stanley Cup Final in Edmonton—their first public appearance after a 17-year hiatus.

Formation and initial albums (1975–1978)

Prior to Triumph’s formation, members were part of Abernathy Shagnaster, which included Fred Keeler (guitar), Peter Young (organ), Mike Levine (bass), and Gil Moore (drums, vocals). Signed by Canada's Attic Records in 1975, they released the single "Hobo"/"Got to Get You Back in My Life," which did not chart.

After Keeler and Young departed, Moore and Levine brought in guitarist Rik Emmett, then playing with Toronto's ACT III, during summer 1975. Following collaborative rehearsals and contract discussions, Emmett joined what was now named Triumph. Their first paid gig featuring Emmett took place at Simcoe High School in September of that year.

Emmett contributed songwriting that incorporated progressive rock elements along with classical influences, frequently showcasing classical guitar solos. Moore took lead vocals on heavier tracks and some ballads later on; Levine managed production duties for their early records. Although aiming for commercial success, critics often overlooked Triumph’s music; Rolling Stone described them as a "faceless band."

Their self-titled debut album appeared in Canada in 1976 and was later reissued under the name In the Beginning. The follow-up album Rock & Roll Machine (1977) featured a cover of Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way." Initially unavailable in the US market, RCA Records released a US version titled Rock & Roll Machine in 1978 that combined selections from both Canadian albums with new artwork. The track "Rocky Mountain Way" received some airplay stateside.

In early 1978, Triumph substituted for Sammy Hagar at a promotional event hosted by San Antonio’s 99.5 KISS-FM, followed by five shows across Texas organized by JAM Productions. Subsequently, they toured Canada alongside fellow rock bands Moxy and Trooper.

On August 26, 1978, Triumph served as headliners at the Canada Jam Festival held at Mosport Park, performing before an audience estimated at around 110,000 people.

Rise to Widespread Recognition (1979–1985)

Triumph's third studio effort, Just a Game (1979), delivered the moderate US radio success "Hold On," which climbed to No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 33 on Canada's RPM Singles chart. The subsequent single, "Lay It on the Line," received substantial FM radio rotation in both the US and Canada, peaking at No. 86 on the Billboard Hot 100. This album ultimately earned gold certification in the United States.

The 1980 release Progressions of Power attained a peak position of No. 32 on US charts and also achieved gold status. Its lead single, "I Can Survive," charted at No. 91 on the Hot 100. That same year, Triumph performed their inaugural show in the New York metropolitan area, held in Passaic, New Jersey.

With over one million copies sold in the US, the 1981 album Allied Forces reached its highest chart rankings: No. 23 stateside and No. 13 in Canada. It featured notable tracks such as "Fight the Good Fight" and "Magic Power." The latter peaked at No. 14 on Canada's RPM Singles chart and No. 51 on the US Hot 100, while also reaching No. 8 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart; "Fight the Good Fight" attained No. 18 on the same chart.

Released first in Canada in 1982 and later in early 1983 across the US, Never Surrender earned gold certification and peaked at No. 26 on American album charts. This record marked a shift toward politically themed content, featuring five anthems including "Too Much Thinking," which incorporated excerpts from Ronald Reagan's speeches. The singles "All the Way" and "A World of Fantasy" became Triumph’s highest-ranking songs on Top Rock Tracks, reaching Nos. 2 and 3 respectively; meanwhile, the title track charted at No. 23.

After experiencing friction with RCA Records, Triumph secured a five-album contract with MCA Records, which assumed distribution rights for their back catalogue for a decade. This transition to MCA introduced collaborations with external producers and resulted in more intricate studio productions that proved difficult to replicate during live performances, leading to the addition of guitarist/keyboardist Rick Santers for tours beginning in 1986.

Late in 1984, Triumph released Thunder Seven, initially available on CD with two successful singles: "Spellbound" (No. 10 on Top Rock Tracks) and "Follow Your Heart" (No. 13). Despite these hits, initial sales were disappointing until cassette and vinyl formats were issued. The album incorporated socially aware lyrics and conceptual themes centered around time, featuring layered vocal harmonies evident in songs like "Time Canon." Thunder Seven was certified gold by the RIAA in 2003.

In 1985, Triumph presented Stages, a double live album compiling performances from previous tours alongside two new tracks including "Mind Games," which did not enter the charts. That year, Triumph was ranked No. 2 in Performance Magazine’s “Tops in Performance” list and shared a stage with Mountain at Illinois’ Prairie Capital Convention Center.

Commercial Shift and Rik Emmett's Departure (1986–1991)

With their 1986 release The Sport of Kings, Triumph embraced a more mainstream sound. Rik Emmett’s late-session addition "Somebody’s Out There," recorded to satisfy label requirements, became their highest-charting US single, reaching No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 9 on Top Rock Tracks; it peaked at No. 84 in Canada. Gil Moore’s track "Tears in the Rain" climbed to No. 23 on US rock charts, while "Just One Night" reached No. 33 in Canada but failed to chart stateside. With Rick Santers joining their lineup, Triumph toured across the US alongside guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen in late 1986.

In an effort to reconnect with their foundational sound, Triumph released Surveillance in 1987. While Moore and Levine preserved blues-rock influences, Emmett ventured into progressive rock territory, collaborating with guitarist Steve Morse on “Headed for Nowhere.” The Canadian single “Let the Light Shine on Me” topped Toronto’s Q107 but managed only a No. 61 national ranking and did not chart in America; conversely, US single “Long Time Gone” reached No. 23 on Top Rock Tracks but missed Canadian charts entirely. The video for “Never Say Never” did not achieve chart success.

Growing tensions regarding creative direction and business matters surfaced during their 1988 tour, culminating with a performance at Canada's Wonderland that September. Later that year, Emmett left Triumph to embark on a solo career; no reunion occurred for several years following his departure. His first solo album, Absolutely, produced four Canadian hits. Meanwhile, Triumph met their MCA Records contractual commitments by releasing Classics in 1989.

Phil X period, Edge of Excess release, and hiatus (1992–2006)

In 1992, Triumph added Canadian guitarist Phil Xenidis to their lineup; he was previously recognized for his collaborations with Aldo Nova and Frozen Ghost. The 1992 album Edge of Excess featured Moore as the primary songwriter and vocalist, with guitarist-producer Mladen Zarron also contributing. For the 1993 North American tour, Rick Santers joined as guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist, covering Rik Emmett's parts on popular tracks such as "Magic Power" and "Fight the Good Fight." Although initial radio response in the United States was favorable, Triumph’s label—a subsidiary of PolyGram—unexpectedly folded in 1993.

On December 1, 1993, Moore, Levine, and Santers performed alongside Triumph admirer Sebastian Bach of Skid Row and Phil X at the Q107 Rock Awards in a set titled "Rock & Roll Machine."

Triumph effectively ceased operations by late 1993, largely due to the dissolution of their record label.

In 1998, Rik Emmett declined invitations to participate in a twentieth-anniversary US tour. Meanwhile, Moore and Levine regained control of their album catalog from MCA and established their own label, TML Entertainment, through which they continued releasing live recordings and video material.

Under TML Entertainment, the live DVD Live at the US Festival was issued in 2003; it captured their 1983 performance at California’s US Festival, sharing the bill with acts like Van Halen and the Clash. A second concert DVD, A Night of Triumph, documented a 1987 show during The Sport of Kings tour and followed in 2004. The compilation Livin' for the Weekend: Anthology appeared in 2005, succeeded by Extended Versions: Triumph in 2006, which included extended renditions of their hits.

During the 1980s, Moore established Metalworks Studios in Mississauga to serve Triumph’s recording needs; since then, it has expanded into a training facility for audio engineers and technicians within Canada’s music sector.

Reunions featuring Rik Emmett (2007–present)

On March 10, 2007, Triumph was honored with induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel. All classic members—Emmett, Moore, and Levine—were present. Although a full reunion was not planned due to Moore’s commitments at Metalworks Studios, future collaborations remained open; for example, Nick Blagona mastered Emmett’s 2007 hard rock release Airtime at Metalworks.

Triumph received induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during the Juno Awards on April 6, 2008. Later that year, the original lineup reunited for two live shows: June 7 at the Sweden Rock Festival and July 11 at the Rocklahoma festival.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary in 2011, Triumph reissued Allied Forces on vinyl. That same July saw the dedication of Triumph Lane in Mississauga as a tribute to the band.

On August 28, 2012, Triumph released a CD/DVD set featuring their 2008 Sweden Rock Festival concert through Frontiers Records (Europe) and TML Entertainment (Canada/US).

In 2013, Triumph was inducted into Legends Row: Mississauga Walk of Fame.

Rik Emmett’s 2016 album RES9 included a collaboration with Moore and Levine on the track "Grand Parade." In 2019, Triumph earned the Legends Of Live award at Canadian Music Week.

On November 16, 2019, Triumph performed together for the first time in eleven years during an exclusive event at Metalworks Studios before approximately 300 devoted fans. This brief three-song set was recorded for Banger Films’ documentary Triumph: Rock 'n Roll Machine. That same month also saw their induction into Canada's Walk of Fame. Emmett indicated that future reunions might follow an eleven-year cycle.

The documentary had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2021.

On June 5, 2025, Triumph announced a reunion show scheduled for June 6—a complimentary concert held prior to the Edmonton Oilers' second game of the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers, with headlining support from The Glorious Sons. Bassist Mike Levine was unable to participate due to a medical appointment; Emmett and Moore were accompanied onstage by Brent Fitz and Todd Kerns (known from Toque and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators) as well as former Triumph guitarist Phil X.

Philanthropy

From the very beginning, Triumph has dedicated resources such as time, musical talent, facilities, equipment, and financial support to a wide array of charitable, educational, and humanitarian initiatives.

Their most significant single philanthropic effort was the final Triumph performance at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto on January 22, 1987. This event was coordinated by Gary Slaight as part of the "Sounds United" campaign for the United Way of Canada, Greater Toronto Division, with all proceeds amounting to $179,356.66 being donated. Since 2009, the band's Signed Guitars Program has generated over $250,000 by auctioning more than 100 Fender guitars autographed by the band, with individual guitars fetching between $1,500 and $6,500. Emmett has also personally contributed guitars to organizations such as Kids With Cancer and CNIB Ride For Sight.

In 2011, Triumph entrusted their music and business archives to the University of Toronto Libraries.

Moore, Levine, and Emmett have actively taken part in major fundraising efforts both collectively and on their own. Of particular note is Emmett’s participation in "Tears Are Not Enough", the 1985 Canadian charity single that raised upwards of $3.5 million for famine relief. Moore played a key role on the committee that organized the 2005 tsunami relief campaign, Canada for Asia.

Both Triumph and Metalworks have backed numerous programs including MusiCounts, Rock Star for a Day Program, Children's Wish Foundation, Canada's Walk of Fame Emerging Artist Program, Canadian Music Week National Songwriting Contests, various High School Battle of the Bands competitions, Full Circle, Camp Rock, Bike for Betty, and Friends of We Care – Easter Seals. Metalworks Studios has repeatedly donated its facilities to support causes such as the Canadian Live 8 concert held in Barrie in 2005.

In 1996, Triumph allocated royalties from one million copies sold of "Magic Power" on the certified Diamond "Oh What a Feeling: A Vital Collection of Canadian Music" compilation CD to benefit the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science and Juno Award. Moore has contributed signed guitars to celebrity golf charity events; Levine has supported the TJ Martell Foundation through bowling fundraisers; and Emmett frequently performs at events supporting AIDS awareness, Food Bank initiatives, and Shelter benefits.

Emmett was honored with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his community service efforts. Moore received a star on the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame recognizing his contributions to education and community welfare. The Metalworks Production Group earned the 2014 Sam McCallion Small Business Community Involvement Award from the Mississauga Board of Trade. Metalworks Institute organizes volunteers for Make Music Matter (formerly Song For Africa), which provides music and technology training across Africa. In May 2015, Moore was awarded the Mississauga Arts Council’s Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts MARTY Award. The following year in April 2016, he received the Mississauga Board of Trade Lifetime Achievement Award honoring his commitment to business and community development.

Members of Triumph have served on numerous boards: Moore joined advisory boards for Music Canada and CAAMA (Canadian Association for the Advancement of Music and the Arts) in 2014; Levine holds board positions with Musicians' Rights Organization Canada (MROC). Emmett has been involved with advisory boards at Humber College and the Songwriters Association of Canada. Additionally, Moore has held executive positions within CARAS and Toronto Musicians Association (TMA).

Original lineup

• Rik Emmett – guitar, lead and backing vocals, synthesizers, keyboards, bass guitar (1975–1988, 2008, 2019, 2025)
• Mike Levine – bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals (1975–1993, 2008, 2019)
• Gil Moore – drums, percussion, lead and backing vocals (1975–1993, 2008, 2019, 2025)

Past members

• Abel McKnight – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1975)
• Phil X – guitar, backing vocals (1992–1993; live performances in 2025)

Touring musicians

• Rick Santers – guitar, keyboards, backing and lead vocals (1984–1993)
• Sebastian Bach – lead vocals (1993)
• Dave Dunlop – guitar, backing vocals (2008, 2019)
• Todd Kerns – bass guitar, backing vocals (2025)
• Brent Fitz – drums, backing vocals, keyboards (2025)

Studio contributors

• Laurie Delgrande – keyboards on Triumph (1976), Rock and Roll Machine (1977), and Just a Game (1979)
• Mike Danna – keyboards featured on Rock and Roll Machine (1977) and Just a Game (1979)
• Beau David – provided backing vocals for Rock and Roll Machine (1977) and Just a Game (1979)
• Elaine Overholt – contributed backing vocals across several albums including Allied Forces (1981) and selected tracks from Stages (1985)
• Gord Waszek, Colina Phillips, Rosie Levine – backing vocalists on early releases
• Lou Pomanti – synthesizer and keyboard parts on Thunder Seven (1984) and The Sport of Kings (1986)
• Al Rogers, Sandee Bathgate, Dave Dickson, Herb Moore, Andy Holland – backing vocals on Thunder Seven (1984)
• Gary McCracken – drumming on "Mind Games" from the album Stages (1985)
• Rob Yale – keyboard performances on selected tracks from Stages (1985)
• Michael Boddicker, Scott Humphrey – synthesizer programming for The Sport of Kings (1986)
• Johnny Rutledge, David Blamires, Neil Donell – contributed backing vocals on The Sport of Kings (1986)
• John Roberts – newscast voice on "Carry on the Flame" from Surveillance (1987)
• Steve Morse – electric and acoustic guitar contributions on Surveillance (1987)
• Dave Traczuk, Greg Loates – synthesizer programming and percussion on Surveillance (1987)
• Hugh Cooper – sound effects incorporated into Surveillance (1987)
• Various choir members including Joel Wade and Paul Henderson featured on Surveillance (1987)
• Mladen Alexander – guitar work on the album Edge of Excess (1992)

Albums

• Triumph (1976; re-released in 1995 as In the Beginning)
• Rock & Roll Machine (1977)
• Just a Game (1979)
• Progressions of Power (1980)
• Allied Forces (1981)
• Never Surrender (1982)
• Thunder Seven (1984)
• The Sport of Kings (1986)
• Surveillance (1987)
• Edge of Excess (1992)

Album sales certifications

  | February 22,  2013   |  style="text-align:left;" |  ' ' Rock & Roll Machine ' '   |  2× Platinum   |  Attic   |  Canada   | }

Awards

Date	Album	Certification	Label	Region
April 1, 1979	Just A Game	Gold	Attic	Canada
May 1, 1979	Rock & Roll Machine	Platinum	Attic	Canada
May 1, 1979	Rock & Roll Machine	Gold	Attic	Canada
November 1, 1979	Just A Game	Platinum	Attic	Canada
November 1, 1979	Triumph	Gold	Attic	Canada
August 1, 1980	Progressions of Power	Gold	Attic	Canada
October 1, 1981	Allied Forces	Gold	Attic	Canada
June 30, 1982	Allied Forces	Gold	RCA	United States
September 30, 1983	Never Surrender	Gold	RCA	United States
November 19, 1984	Thunder Seven	Gold	TRC	United States
March 1, 1985	Thunder Seven	Gold	MCA	Canada
August 26, 1985	Thunder Seven	Platinum	MCA	Canada
December 17, 1985	Stages	Gold	MCA	Canada
October 23, 1986	The Sport of Kings	Gold	MCA	Canada
December 8, 1987	Surveillance	Gold	MCA	Canada
March 16, 2001	Classics	Platinum	MCA	Canada
March 16, 2001	Classics	Gold	MCA	Canada
April 21, 2003	Allied Forces	Platinum	RCA	United States
April 21, 2003	Just A Game	Gold	RCA	United States
April 29, 2003	Classics	Gold	MCA	United States
August 22, 2003	Never Surrender	Gold	MCA	Canada
August 6, 2004	A Night of Triumph	Gold	TML	Canada
December 19, 2007	The Sport of Kings   | Platinum   | MCA   | Canada

Year	Honor	Awarded By	Venue
1979	Juno Award for Group of the Year	JUNO Awards	Nominee
1981	Key to the City	City of Buffalo	Buffalo, NY
1983	Emissary of the Muses	City of San Antonio	San Antonio, TX
1985	Juno Award for Group of the Year	JUNO Awards	Nominee
1986	Juno Award for Group of the Year	JUNO Awards	Nominee
1987	Juno Award for Group of the Year	JUNO Awards	Nominee
1993	Inducted Members	Q107 Music Hall of Fame	Toronto, ON
2002	Business & the Arts Award, Gil Moore	Mississauga Board of Trade	Mississauga, ON
2007	Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame	Canadian Music Week	Toronto, ON
2008	Canadian Music Hall of Fame	JUNO Awards	Calgary, AB
2011	Street Naming – Triumph Lane	City of Mississauga	Mississauga, ON
2012	Music Walk of Fame, Gil Moore	City of Mississauga	Mississauga, ON
2013	Music Walk of Fame, Rik Emmett	City of Mississauga	Mississauga, ON
2013	Legends Row Recognition	City of Mississauga	Mississauga, ON
2015	Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award, Gil Moore	Mississauga Arts Council	Mississauga, ON
2016	Lifetime Achievement Award, Gil Moore	Mississauga Board of Trade	Mississauga, ON
2019	Legends of Live Award	Canadian Music Week	Toronto, ON
2019	President's Award, Gil Moore	Heritage Mississauga	Mississauga, ON
2019	"Canada's Walk of Fame" Inductees	"Toronto, ON"

External links

• Official Triumph website
• Official Rik Emmett website
• Entry on CanadianBands.com
• Article at thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
• Rik Emmett interview on Maximum Threshold (2008)
• Gold/Platinum Database Canada
• Gold/Platinum Database USA
• Triumph Productions archives at University of Toronto Media Commons