Triumph’s Rik Emmett issued a statement following the conclusion of the band’s 25-date The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded 2026 tour. He addressed Phil X’s absence from select shows and praised Derek Sharp for stepping in as a replacement.
Emmett expressed his gratitude toward Derek Sharp, who temporarily filled in for Phil X after the guitarist missed some dates due to rehearsals with Bon Jovi.
“Giant kudos to Derek Sharp for stepping into Phil X shoes, and making the gig his own,” Emmett said. “We were blessed with tremendous professional talent and experience on every level of band, crew and management. It was a joyful tour!”
Phil X had previously addressed his absence and acknowledged Sharp’s contribution. “I’d like to apologize to all the fans, the Triumph fans, that were at the Moncton and Halifax shows this week that I couldn’t be at,” Phil X said. “I apologize. You know, stuff happens. Life happens. And I just couldn’t make it happen. So I truly apologize.”
Phil X also took a moment to thank his stand-in. “I’d like to secondly thank Derek Sharp for filling in, who did a great job,” he continued. “We got to hang out a little bit before. He’s an amazing dude. He’s a great musician. And it was just great that he could step in and do it.”
The tour has now wrapped up. Both Emmett and Phil X publicly recognized Derek Sharp’s efforts in keeping the shows running smoothly.
The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded tour marked a significant chapter in Triumph’s legacy. It took the Canadian rock legends across North America through a packed schedule of major venues and cities.
The run kicked off in the spring of 2026 and wound its way through the United States and Canada. Stops included Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land, Texas, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in New York, Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston, and Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. The tour was billed in part as a 50th anniversary celebration for the band.
Phil X serves as the lead guitarist for Bon Jovi. His obligations with the band pulled him away from the Triumph dates in Moncton and Halifax, leaving the group in need of a last-minute solution for those shows.
Derek Sharp stepped into the role and delivered a performance that earned praise from both his bandmates and the headlining act. His ability to learn the material and hold his own on stage in front of Triumph’s dedicated fanbase was widely noted as a testament to his professionalism and musicianship.
Emmett’s post-tour statement made clear that the experience, despite the unexpected personnel change, was a positive one for everyone involved. The smooth handling of Phil X’s absence reflected the depth of talent surrounding the tour at every level. The warm words exchanged between all parties brought the run to a graceful close.
Source: Facebook
