In a thrilling moment that electrified fans, Canadian progressive rock band Triumph graced the stage once more after a staggering 17 years. On June 6, the iconic group performed at the Rogers Festival, part of the NHL’s Stanley Cup Finals festivities, taking fans on a nostalgic journey with three of their biggest hits: “Allied Forces,†“Fight the Good Fight,†and “Lay It On the Line.†However, there was one notable absence that caught everyone’s attention.
Founding members Rik Emmett and drummer Gil Moore were joined on stage by special guests Phil X, Brent Fitz, and Todd Kerns, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees. Yet, Mike Levine, the band’s bassist, was missing, and his explanation was surprisingly relatable.
Levine, who’s 76, revealed that he had a medical appointment he simply couldn’t reschedule. “In the land of where medicine is free, it takes long times to get specialist appointments. And I’ve been waiting for four months to see this guy,” he shared during an interview on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.” He continued, “My appointment was booked for [June 6] at 11:00 a.m.â€â€this morning. I couldn’t get out of it. It’s one of those that I had to go to.”
This performance marked Triumph’s first public concert since 2008, when they rocked the Sweden Rock Festival and Rocklahoma. Fans had waited over a decade to witness the band live, making this reunion particularly special.
But if you happened to miss this incredible concert, there’s still a way to celebrate Triumph’s legacy. On the same day, the band was honored with a tribute album titled Magic Power: All-Star Tribute to Triumph, produced by Round Hill Records. This album features performances from rock legends like Dorothy, Sebastian Bach, Nancy Wilson, Joey Belladonna, Slash, and Jeff Keith, all paying homage to Triumph’s impressive five-decade journey through music.
Magic Power is currently available for purchase, serving as a fitting tribute to a band that has inspired generations of rock fans.