TRIUMPH w/ APRIL WINE
@ SCOTIABANK SADDLEDOME, CALGARY
SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
Currently, legendary Canadian hard rock power trio Triumph is embarking on the Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour, their first major tour in over 30 years to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Last year was quite a big year for Triumph. They were inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, reunited for their first public performance in 17 years in Edmonton ahead of Game 2 of The 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, their song “Lay It On The Line” received a massive resurgence in popularity after appearing in Rogers’ Stanley Cup Playoff ad, and they released a tribute album titled Magic Power: All-Star Tribute To Triumph, featuring renowned musicians covering their classic hits. All of this is to say that it was the perfect time for Triumph to reunite and play their beloved tunes in front of a crowd again.
Opening the night was fellow legendary Canadian rock band April Wine, who delivered a great set of their classic songs, which have become rock staples on Canadian radio. Highlights include the infectious stomping rock jam “Roller,” and the beautiful arena rock tune “Just Between You and Me,” which they dedicated to their late frontman Myles Goodwyn.
SPILL FEATURE: NEVER SURRENDER – A CONVERSATION WITH GIL MOORE OF TRIUMPH
Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome was packed to witness the triumphant return of Triumph. Gil Moore, Rik Emmett, and company (Mike Levine was unfortunately unable to make it to the show) gave it their all, resulting in a night full of fantastic music. “When The Lights Go Down” was a rousing spectacle. The thunderously bombastic hard rock sound of “Allied Forces” was great. They performed a brilliant rendition of their iconic anthem “Lay It On The Line.” The crowd loved every second of this song, many of whom were on their feet singing along to it. The incredibly positive and encouraging messages of songs like “Fight The Good Fight,” “Follow Your Heart,” “Hold On,” “Magic Power,” and “Never Surrender” undoubtedly touched the hearts of thousands of people at the show. Touching upon themes of hope, faith, following your dreams, and believing in yourself, these songs were very touching to hear live. Plus, musically all these songs sounded amazing, especially the beautifully melodic opening and captivating hooks of “Hold On,” the head-banging energy of “Fight The Good Fight,” and the exhilaratingly intense instrumental break of “Never Surrender.”
SPILL FEATURE: THERE IS NOTHING IN LIFE I WOULD RATHER DO THAN PLAY – A CONVERSATION WITH BRIAN GREENWAY OF APRIL WINE
Emmett’s guitar playing was unbelievable. His more melodic guitar playing, like in “Magic Power,” was stunningly gorgeous; meanwhile his shredding in songs like “Rock ‘N’ Roll Machine” was electrifying. Additionally, whenever he and Phil X performed guitar solos together, it was an incredible thing to see and hear. Both are masters of their craft and certainly amazed the audience at least a dozen times with their sensational technique and mind-blowing skills.
Vocally, Moore and Emmett sounded amazing. Both were able to closely match the vocals of songs from the ‘80s with ease. Moore’s vocals were particularly stellar in “When The Lights Go Down.” Alternatively, Emmett’s voice really stood out on “Magic Power” and “Lay It On The Line.”
Overall, Triumph’s 50th anniversary tour is well worth the price of admission, and it will be exciting to see what the band might potentially have in store for the future.
Triumph Links
April Wine Links
