Bon Jovi and Triumph guitarist Phil X recently defended the return of Rik Emmett and Gil Moore to Triumph. He called out fans who oppose the reunion in a statement shared on Instagram.
Phil X shared a photo of Rik Emmett and Gil Moore taken during the band’s ongoing reunion tour. He used the post to send a direct message to Triumph fans who have questioned the band’s comeback.
“If you’re a TRIUMPH fan and don’t want to see these two [Rik Emmett and Gil Moore] on stage together again, you’re not really a TRIUMPH fan,” Phil X wrote in the caption. “There… I said it.”
Phil X’s defense comes as the Canadian rock trio continues their highly anticipated comeback after three decades apart.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that the image captured Emmett and Moore on stage at the April 13 Hollywood, Florida show, the second stop of Triumph’s “Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded” 50th anniversary tour. The tour marks their first full run in over 30 years. The band kicked off April 10 in Orlando.
The current lineup features original members Emmett and Moore joined by Phil X on guitar, Todd Kerns on bass, and Brent Fitz on drums and keys. Illinois Entertainer noted that this configuration fills in for founding bassist Mike Levine, who is sidelined by hand health issues.
The reunion has generated mixed reactions from longtime fans. Some have questioned the authenticity of the comeback without all original members. Houston Press confirmed that the tour will hit Sugar Land, Texas on May 22 with April Wine opening, continuing the band’s celebration of five decades in rock music.
Despite the divided fan response, the tour represents a significant milestone for the Canadian hard rock legends. It brings together key founding members for what many consider a long-overdue return to the stage.
