Gil Moore recently provided detailed clarification about the lineup and performance arrangements for Triumph’s upcoming 2026 tour. He addressed questions about which musicians will handle specific songs during the shows. His comments were shared in an interview with The Metal Voice.
Moore’s statement focused on the collaborative nature of the tour lineup and how performance duties will be distributed among the band members, including guest musicians Phil X, Todd Kerns, and Brent Fritz.
“Well, for starters, Mike [Levine], like we’ve said from the beginning, has got some health challenges. But, man, I’ll tell you what: he wants to be there,” Moore said. “He’s got the spirit and the will. He’s part of the brotherhood, of course. So when I say we’re a brotherhood, he’s the number one brother, and we’re hoping that he’s gonna be at as many shows as possible.”
Moore emphasized his and Rik Emmett’s commitment to the tour. He acknowledged the uncertainty around Mike Levine’s participation due to health issues.
“But I can’t predict that part of it. As far as Rik [Emmett] and I are concerned, unless we get hit by a bus, we will be on the bus,” he continued. “We will be at every show. We will be playing all the way through every show. Now, let me say this. When you’ve got guys like Phil X and Todd [Kerns] and Brent [Fritz], these guys are not side sidemen. That is not who we’re talking about here. We’re talking about guys that are rock stars, big time, in their own right.”
The drummer highlighted the collaborative approach the band plans to take with their guest musicians. He described them as equals rather than supporting players.
“I mean, what Brent and Todd have done with Slash, what Phil’s done with Triumph or what he’s done with Bon Jovi subsequently… I mean, Rik and I are not puck hogs,” Moore explained. “So these guys are gonna shine in this show. And we would be idiots not to let them do that. These guys are great players and great singers, so we’re gonna share the stage. We’re not gonna hog the stage.”
Moore revealed that specific performance arrangements are still being worked out. They will be finalized during rehearsals.
“And as far as individually who does what in which songs, those are things that we work out in rehearsals. We have a template, obviously, like who’s gonna sing which song, or blah blah, blah, but once we get into the arena and we get [our lighting director] Paul [Dexter at Masterworks in Los Angeles] and we get the big sound and lighting system set up and everything, and then we start working on it, that puck’s gonna get passed around a little bit,” he said.
The drummer expressed particular excitement about the guitar interplay between Phil X and Rik Emmett. He also showed enthusiasm for the prospect of dual drumming with Brent Fritz.
“And I’m not sure exactly what, but just think of guitars, for example. You got two guys like Phil and Rik. When they get together, they’re, like, ‘Hey, man, you take it.’ And, ‘No, no. You’re doing better than me. You take it.’ They’re just passing it back and forth, back and forth like this,” Moore noted. “And then, when they start playing together, holy crap. It’s amazing. So, it’s gonna be a lot of fun working out those parts.”
Moore also mentioned the possibility of him taking on additional vocal duties during the tour. This was something that wasn’t feasible in previous Triumph performances.
“With Brent and myself, I don’t know. I’ve never done double drummers before. It’s gonna be fun. It’s a double-barreled shotgun we’ve got going,” he concluded. “We’ve got this massive riser that we’re building and we’re both gonna be up there. How we’re gonna trade it back and forth, or what we’re gonna do… Rik is talking about wanting me to sing upfront as well. I never could really do that well in Triumph before because you have no drums. Now we have drums. So I don’t know if that’s gonna happen until we get in a rehearsal environment and then we see, how does it feel? And no wine before its time.”
The final arrangements for the tour performances will be determined during upcoming rehearsals as the band prepares for their 2026 shows.
Moore’s comments come as the Canadian rock trio prepares for what represents a significant milestone in their career trajectory. The upcoming tour marks a historic moment for the band. They embark on their most ambitious live undertaking in decades.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that the tour will begin April 22 and run through June 6. This marks Triumph’s first full-scale reunion in over 30 years. The extended timeline allows the band to properly showcase their catalog. It also accommodates the complex logistics of their expanded lineup.
The decision to include additional musicians stems from practical considerations about live performance quality. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that the expanded lineup is “simply because it’s more honest than backing tracks.” This allows Triumph to realize their classic songs more fully on stage without relying on pre-recorded elements.
Mike Levine’s health challenges have been a central concern in planning the tour. Blabbermouth revealed that Levine has been candid about his condition. He stated: “I have a problem with my hand that precludes me from being able to really play well.” Despite these limitations, the bassist plans to contribute through pre-recorded segments and virtual appearances when necessary.
The tour represents not just a reunion but a celebration of Triumph’s enduring legacy in Canadian rock history. The band’s approach to integrating veteran musicians like Phil X, Todd Kerns, and Brent Fritz demonstrates their commitment to delivering a high-quality live experience. It also honors their musical heritage. The collaborative spirit Moore describes reflects the band’s evolution from their original three-piece format to a more expansive live presentation designed to capture the full scope of their recorded work.
