
Feature Photo: Knipil, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Triumph was formed in 1975 in Mississauga, Ontario. The band originally consisted of guitarist and vocalist Rik Emmett, drummer and vocalist Gil Moore, and bassist and keyboardist Mike Levine. Triumph is known for their powerful live performances and a string of hit albums and singles throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. They released ten studio albums, achieving significant success both in Canada and internationally. Their music, often characterized by its blend of hard rock, progressive rock, and elements of heavy metal, has earned them numerous awards and accolades, including several gold and platinum certifications. Triumph is also celebrated for their skilled musicianship and complex compositions. After several breakups and reunions, the band was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Rik Emmett
Rik Emmett joined Triumph as the lead guitarist and vocalist when the band formed in 1975. His technical guitar playing and range as a vocalist were instrumental in defining the band’s sound. Emmett contributed significantly to all of Triumph’s major albums, including classics like Just a Game, Allied Forces, and Never Surrender. His songwriting, featuring a mix of hard rock and intricate melodies, helped tracks like “Lay It On The Line” and “Magic Power” become anthems of the era. Emmett left the band in 1988 to pursue a solo career, during which he explored various musical styles including jazz and classical guitar. He has released numerous solo albums that showcase his versatility as a musician.
Read More: Rik Emmett: The ClassisRockHistory.com Interview
Gil Moore
Gil Moore, one of the founding members, served as the drummer and a vocalist for Triumph. His hard-hitting drum style and distinctive voice contributed to the band’s unique dual lead vocal sound. Moore played on all of Triumph’s albums and was key in songs such as “Rocky Mountain Way” and “Follow Your Heart.” Beyond his musical contributions, Moore is also known for his entrepreneurial ventures in the music industry, including the establishment of Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Ontario, which became one of Canada’s top recording studios.
Mike Levine
Mike Levine’s role as the bassist and keyboardist was crucial in shaping the band’s robust and melodic sound. Levine’s bass playing provided a solid foundation for the band’s powerful tracks, and his keyboard work added depth to their soundscapes. He was involved in producing many of Triumph’s albums, contributing to the overall production quality that the band was known for. Like Moore, Levine has remained active in the music industry, particularly in production and music management.
Read More: Top 10 Triumph Songs
Phil X
Phil Xenidis, better known as Phil X, briefly joined Triumph in 1992 when the band reunited for new recordings after Emmett’s departure. Although his time with Triumph was short, he contributed to the band during live performances and was involved in the recording of a few tracks that aimed to rejuvenate the band’s sound during the early 90s. Phil X is better known for his later work with Bon Jovi, where he became a full-time member as the lead guitarist.
Read More: Complete List Of Triumph Albums And Discography