Triumph Rock N Roll Machine Reloaded Tour at Rogers Place May 7, 2026

TRIUMPH

Canadian rock legends Triumph brought a wave of nostalgia and raw energy to Rogers Place this week, proving that even after more than three decades away from full-scale touring, the spirit of the Rock & Roll Machine is still alive and loud. The Edmonton stop on the band’s long-awaited reloaded reunion tour felt less like a comeback and more like a celebration — of friendship, perseverance, and the music that helped define Canadian arena rock.

Marc flying through the air opening the show

APRIL WINE

Opening the night was fellow Canadian rock institution April Wine, who delivered a powerful set packed with classics and heartfelt emotion. The current lineup featured longtime members Brian Greenway, Richard Lanthier, Roy “Nip” Nichol, and Marc Parent helping carry the band’s legacy forward while still honouring the unmistakable sound fans came to hear. Songs like “Roller,” “Sign of the Gypsy Queen,” and “Just Between You and Me” had the crowd singing along from the opening notes.

A particularly emotional highlight came when the band paid tribute to late founding member Myles Goodwyn. Goodwyn, who passed away in 2023, was remembered not only as the voice and creative force behind April Wine, but as one of Canada’s most influential rock songwriters. The tribute drew a loud ovation from the Edmonton crowd, many visibly moved as stories and memories celebrated his lasting impact on Canadian music.

Drummer dueling Brent and Gil

When Triumph hit the stage, the crowd erupted. Classics like “Lay It on the Line,” “Magic Power,” and “Fight the Good Fight” sounded massive inside Rogers Place, with fans singing nearly every lyric back to the stage. While age may have softened some of the edges, it also brought a deeper emotional weight to the performance. This wasn’t just a nostalgia run — it was three musicians reconnecting with their legacy and the fans who never stopped believing in them.

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the tour has been the expanded lineup. Alongside original members Rik Emmett and Gil Moore were powerhouse musicians Phil X, Todd Kerns, and Brent Fitz. Their chemistry onstage was undeniable. Phil X brought explosive guitar energy while still respecting the classic Triumph sound, while Kerns and Fitz added a modern punch that elevated the live arrangements without overshadowing the originals.

Todd giving me the finger 👉 notice the shirt

Fans also noticed the absence of longtime bassist and keyboardist Mike Levine from the stage. Levine remains part of Triumph and was instrumental in helping make the reunion happen, but he has stepped back from touring duties. The band has repeatedly emphasized that he remains part of the Triumph family and could still appear in future performances.

Perhaps the most powerful moment of the night came not during a song, but during Rik Emmett’s heartfelt speech to the audience. Emmett openly reflected on how unlikely this reunion once seemed after years of distance and old tensions within the band. He spoke candidly about fear, aging, and the challenge of getting back onstage in his seventies, explaining that the band ultimately chose to embrace the opportunity rather than run from it. His message about taking chances, reconnecting, and appreciating the moment resonated deeply with the Edmonton crowd. We were lucky that they took the risk and decided to play a one off show during the 2025 Oilers playoffs and liked it enough to get back on tour.

That honesty carried through the entire performance. Triumph didn’t try to pretend it was still 1983. Instead, they leaned into what this reunion truly represents — surviving long enough to appreciate the journey and realizing that the songs still matter.

For Edmonton fans, the night was more than a concert. It was a celebration of Canadian rock history, shared by two legendary bands whose music continues to inspire generations.

All photos taken with a cellphone

Fireworks finish