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Hey, was that a pig I just saw fly by? No, but the chances of witnessing a reunion by the Canadian trio, Triumph, carried similar odds up until their recent induction into the Canadian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recognition at the Juno awards.
Triumph played their final show as a group on September 3, 1988 and the strained relationship that followed between guitarist Rik Emmett and the other two members of the band, Mike Levine (bass) and Gil Moore (drums) proved any hopes for a reunion as improbable as gas ever going back to under $2 a gallon.
“Never Say Never” is not only the title of a Triumph song, but a sentiment I have held close to my heart, along with thousands of fans, worldwide, that never lost faith in this unlikely event coming to fruition.
Sadly, the recent passing of Rik’s brother Russell to cancer (whose wish for a Triumph reunion was one Rik could not ignore) combined with pressure from fans, friends, record industry exec’s and added persuasion by Rik’s personal friend and manager for over a decade, Rick ”Spud” Wharton, the trio decided it was time to come to the table and recapture the “Magic Power” of the music and satisfy their legion of fans who never gave up the dream.
After playing the Sweden Rock Festival in June of 2008, Rocklahoma was the first U.S. appearance for the band in close to 20 years. I had the honor of speaking with both Rik and Mike before their highly anticipated performance, where both spoke frankly about the reunion, the myriad of emotions that accompanied it and what, if any, future plans might be on the table. Without further adieu, Glam Metal is proud to present this exclusive interview with Rik “The Rockit” Emmett
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