Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X recently spoke about his experience joining Triumph on their reunion tour and the possibility of more shows in the future.
Phil X reflected on the energy and enthusiasm surrounding the reunion. He noted how Triumph’s members are already deeply invested in planning ahead.
When asked about Rik Emmett’s renewed enthusiasm for touring — given that he had long said he would never tour with Triumph again — Phil X described the atmosphere as overwhelmingly positive.
“He’s gung-ho. It’s really cool talking to him. Some of our text threads are like, ‘What is he saying?!’ It’s all coming from enthusiasm, which is amazing,” Phil X said. “They’re already working on the set, telling me, ‘This is what we’re going to do,’ and ‘This is where Phil and I will do this and that,’ and ‘Here, we’re going to work on a harmony spot.’ It’s crazy-awesome.”
When further asked whether there is room for more Triumph in the near future, Phil X left the door open while pointing to the band’s own momentum.
“It’s up to them. Gil Moore might be 72, but he’s like a kid in a candy store,” he said. “This could be the beginning of something. We’ll see.”
The enthusiasm Phil X describes is rooted in a reunion that exceeded expectations on nearly every level. It brought Triumph back to stages across North America for the first time in over three decades and reignited a conversation about the band’s legacy and future.
The 2026 run, officially dubbed the “Reloaded Tour,” was a 24-date North American trek. It kicked off on April 22 in Sault Ste. Marie and concluded on June 6 in Boston. A final fan-filmed show in Montreal on June 10 captured what many considered the emotional peak of the run. The tour marked Triumph’s first full-scale touring commitment in more than 30 years and was framed as a celebration of the band’s 50th anniversary.
Rather than returning as a strict power trio, Triumph expanded their live setup to a six-piece configuration. Phil X, alongside bassist Todd Kerns and drummer Brent Fitz, joined founding members Rik Emmett and Gil Moore on stage. Founding bassist Mike Levine participated in a limited capacity due to health issues. His presence was felt across select dates through appearances, keyboard contributions, and screen moments rather than a full-set commitment.
Phil X’s involvement was not simply a matter of availability. Emmett has pointed out that Phil X is the only guitarist besides himself to have recorded with Triumph. That connection dates back to the early 1990s and made him a natural fit for a reunion that demanded more than a hired gun — it required someone with a genuine stake in the band’s sound and story.
Gil Moore reflected on the tour with a sense of vindication and wonder. He described the fan response as overwhelming and suggested the band had proven doubters wrong. His post-tour commentary also touched on the possibility of further activity, including a documentary project, signaling that Triumph is not treating the reunion as a closed chapter. No new concert dates have been confirmed, but the tone from the band’s camp is unmistakably forward-looking.
