Triumph Leaves Door Open for Mike Levine on Reunion Tour

After more than 30 years away from the road, Canadian rock icons Triumph are set to reunite for a major North American tour in 2026, marking the band’s 50th anniversary. The run will feature support from fellow Canadian rockers April Wine and span 27 cities across Canada and the United States.

The tour launches in Florida in early April, before heading north for a Canadian leg beginning April 22 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and concluding May 8 in Calgary, Alberta. U.S. dates follow from May 13 in Rosemont, Illinois, through a final stop in Boston on June 6.

The classic lineup—Rik Emmett, Mike Levine, and Gil Moore—will be joined by an expanded roster that includes guitarist Phil X (Bon Jovi), as well as Brent Fitz and Todd Kerns of Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators.

Rik Emmett on Reconsidering the Road

For guitarist and vocalist Rik Emmett, the decision to return to touring marks a significant personal shift, having previously ruled out the possibility.

Reflecting on that change of heart, Emmett said:

“There’s a thing about fear. Like, what are you afraid of? … Let’s not be so afraid of tomorrow… Let’s just kind of do it and see what happens.”

Now at 72, Emmett frames the reunion as both a challenge and an opportunity:

“Am I gonna be afraid of opportunity or am I gonna embrace it? … ‘Climb the hill, see what’s over on the other side. Let’s go for it.'”

Despite acknowledging uncertainty—”Have I bitten off more than I can chew?”—he ultimately embraces the moment:

“Well, just chew and find out.”

Health Concerns Cast Uncertainty Over Lineup

While the reunion celebrates Triumph’s legacy, it also comes with complications. Bassist and keyboardist Mike Levine has been dealing with a hand issue that may prevent him from fully participating.

Emmett noted:

“I don’t think Mike is gonna be able to join us… There’s an open spot for him if he wants it… but his health has not been [good].”

Levine’s absence from recent appearances, including a planned event at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, has reinforced concerns about his availability for the tour.

A Reinforced Lineup for a New Era

To support the demanding live performances, Triumph has enlisted seasoned touring musicians. Phil X, who previously replaced Emmett in the band during the early ’90s, returns alongside Brent Fitz and Todd Kerns.

Emmett expressed confidence in the expanded lineup:

“It’s not like we don’t have a large safety net… We’re doing justice to that catalog.”

He also emphasized the collaborative spirit of the group:

“They deserve to end up feeling like they’re as much a part of this as Gil and Mike and I are.”

Gil Moore echoed that sentiment, explaining the selection process:

“We’ve gotta find some people that have great hearts… we want people that are gonna be good in the dressing room.”

Songs That Refused to Fade

According to Emmett, renewed interest in Triumph’s music played a pivotal role in bringing the band back together. Their songs have resurfaced in major sporting events and media, while a recent tribute album introduced their catalog to new audiences.

“It’s the songs… People are saying, ‘Fight The Good Fight’, ‘Never Surrender’, ‘Hold On’, ‘Magic Power’… We wanna see this happen live.”

This resurgence, coupled with fan demand, ultimately pushed the band toward reunion:

“We went, ‘Oh, man. Okay. Well, let’s see if we can organize it.'”

Balancing Spectacle and Rock Energy

Triumph’s live shows have long been known for their elaborate production, and the 2026 tour aims to blend that legacy with modern technology. Moore, who spearheaded the band’s stagecraft, has spent years developing the new show.

However, Emmett stressed that the core focus remains performance:

“This sounds like we should just be a rock band and we should just get out there and bring it.”

While audiences can expect advanced visuals and production elements, the band intends to avoid excess: “It’s gonna be something that’s very, very well crafted… not just a bunch of flashing nonsense,” Moore said.

Nostalgia, Curiosity, and Connection

As anticipation builds, Emmett acknowledges the curiosity surrounding the band’s return:

“Fans… are coming to say, ‘Can he still hit the high notes?'”

But beyond nostalgia, he believes the experience will be rooted in authenticity and enjoyment:

“At the bottom of it… is it gonna be fun? … If we’re not gonna have fun with that, what’s the point?”

A Legacy Reignited

Formed in 1975, Triumph rose from local venues to international acclaim, selling over 15 million albums and becoming synonymous with arena rock spectacle. Hits like “Lay It On The Line,” “Magic Power,” and “Fight The Good Fight” helped cement their reputation for both musical precision and theatrical live performances.

Their 2026 return follows a period of renewed recognition, including a tribute album featuring major rock artists such as Slash (Guns N’ Roses) and Nancy Wilson (Heart), as well as their induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

For Emmett, the reunion represents more than nostalgia—it’s a continuation of something still alive:

“The songs have a life of their own… and I think that hunger… will be sustained.”

With a new lineup, a revitalized audience, and decades of history behind them, Triumph’s return promises not just a celebration of the past—but a bold step back into the spotlight.