Triumph Drummer Gil Moore Criticizes Modern Bands On Show Cancellations

Triumph drummer Gil Moore didn’t hold back when he recently criticized modern artists for canceling shows. In a conversation with Barstools & Bandtalk, Moore reflected on Triumph’s decades-long commitment to performing no matter the circumstances—and how that mentality seems to be disappearing.

Performing Through the Pain

Moore shared several moments when Triumph took the stage under less-than-ideal conditions. Illness and injury didn’t stop them from showing up for fans.

“We all got injured at different times. We were all sick at different times,” Moore said. “The worst thing that ever happened was when we were playing in the sports arena in LA. 15,000 people in the venue and I had food poisoning.”

He described just how bad it was leading up to that show. “I was like holding on to the bed and the bed was spinning at 1:00 in the afternoon and there was a doctor there trying to get me somehow in some kind of condition to play,” Moore recalled. “And we went and we did it. I’m going on there going I can barely walk never mind sing or play drums. Somehow got through it. I mean I’m not trying to make myself sound like a martyr.”

Old School Grit vs. Modern Trends

Moore said that Triumph’s attitude was simple: no matter what, they pushed through. “We just tried to soldier on if there was a problem,” he said. “Like I see concerts getting cancelled and I’m kind of like, ‘How do you do that to your fans?’”

He even called out a recent headline-grabbing situation involving another music icon. “I saw something about Madonna. Some show that she had she made let everybody wait for an hour and a half or something while she fiddled with her makeup,” Moore said. “I mean it’s like give me a break.”

The Triumph Legacy Still Rocks

Despite the criticism of today’s artists, even Triumph hasn’t been immune to complications. Parade reported that the band made a surprise return after 17 years at the NHL’s Stanley Cup Finals celebration in June 2025. Unfortunately, bassist Mike Levine had to miss the gig due to a medical appointment. Still, the performance showed Triumph’s dedication was alive and well.

Parade also noted the release of Magic Power: All-Star Tribute to Triumph during the reunion. With appearances by Slash and Nancy Wilson, the album honored the band’s huge impact on rock.

While Moore’s comments may sound tough, they reflect a deeper passion for honoring the fans who make it all possible—and a reminder of a time when the show really did always go on.