Todd Kerns recently addressed Phil X’s temporary absence from Triumph’s reunion tour. He provided clarity on the situation in a statement shared on Facebook.
The statement explained the guitarist’s brief absence from the Halifax show. It also confirmed his return for upcoming performances.
“Time to make the donuts! Triumph taking the stage at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax last night with our good friend Derek Sharp filling in for the briefly missing Phil X,” Kerns said. “He’s back after tonight don’t worry.”
Kerns also provided updates on the band’s upcoming schedule. He expressed enthusiasm for their continued tour.
“TONIGHT we are in Moncton, New Brunswick. Gonna be HUGE!” he continued. “Hope your week is going great. Happy Wednesday!”
The clarification came after fans noticed Phil X’s absence from the Halifax performance. Derek Sharp stepped in as a temporary replacement.
Phil X’s involvement with Triumph dates back to the early 1990s. He joined the band following Rik Emmett’s departure in 1988. Triumph’s official website noted that Phil X, whose real name is Theofilos Xenidis, was recruited by Mike Levine and Gil Moore as a fellow Canadian who had previously worked with Aldo Nova’s band and Frozen Ghost.
The guitarist contributed to Triumph’s 1992 album Edge of Excess. This marked a new chapter for the band after Emmett’s exit. Wikipedia reported that this album represented Phil X’s primary recording contribution to Triumph’s discography during his initial tenure with the group.
The current 2026 reunion tour represents a significant milestone for the band. It features the classic lineup of Rik Emmett, Gil Moore, and Mike Levine. Blabbermouth revealed that the tour spans 10 Canadian and 16 American cities, having started on April 10, 2026.
The reunion tour lineup has been augmented by Phil X returning to the fold. It also includes Brent Fitz on drums and keys, and Todd Kerns on bass. This configuration allows the band to perform their extensive catalog while maintaining the energy and musicianship that defined their classic era.
