Triumph (band)

Triumph

Triumph's reunion performance in June 2008 at the Sweden Rock Festival.
Background information
Origin Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Years active
  • 1975–1993
  • 2008–present
Labels
Website triumphmusic.com
Members
Past members

Triumph is a Canadian hard rock power trio that was popular in the late 1970s through the 1980s. Between the band's 16 albums and DVDs, Triumph has received 18 gold and 9 platinum awards in Canada and the United States. Triumph was nominated for multiple Juno Awards, including Group of the Year Award in 1979, 1985, 1986 and 1987.

Like their fellow Canadians Rush, Triumph began building their reputation across North America as a live band, peaking in the early to mid-1980s. The band was formed by Toronto music veterans Gil Moore (drums, vocals), Mike Levine (bass, keyboards), and Rik Emmett (guitar, vocals) in 1975.

History

The 1970s

Guitarist Emmett's songwriting style showed a progressive rock influence, as well as displaying his classical music influence; each Triumph album included a classical guitar solo piece. Moore also doubled as lead singer on many of the band's heavier songs; bassist and pianist Levine produced their early albums. Triumph's style proved unpopular with rock critics, much like many progressive rock and heavy metal bands. Rolling Stone reviewers labeled them a "faceless band."[1]

Moore and Levine scouted Emmett one summer night in 1975 at a west-end Toronto club on The Queensway, called The Hollywood Tavern, where Emmett was playing in a band called ACT III. The three musicians subsequently got together for a jam session in the basement of Moore's house in Mississauga, after which Moore and Levine showed Emmett promo materials and contracts they had already secured for gigs starting in September of that year. They offered Emmett a guaranteed minimum weekly paycheck of $175, and Emmett agreed to join as an equal founding partner.

Triumph's first paid concert was at Simcoe High School on September 19, 1975, for $750.[2] By August 26, 1978 they were headliners at the Canada Jam Festival at Mosport Park playing before a crowd of 110,000 people. [3] Triumph signed their first record deal with Attic Records in Canada. They later signed with RCA Records in the US covering all areas except Canada. After the RCA deal ended in acrimony, MCA Records picked up the band and re-released all their music to date in 1984. After the shift to MCA, the band began to work with outside producers, and their studio albums became increasingly difficult to replicate onstage. Rather than following the sequencer-laden path taken by Rush to remain a true power trio, Triumph later added Rick Santers, a Toronto guitar and keyboard player, to support their last three tours.

Triumph's first album (originally self-titled but later renamed In the Beginning) was rare outside Canada, but their widely released second LP, Rock & Roll Machine, received some scattered airplay, with Gil Moore's cover of Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way." In mid 1978 Triumph subbed in for Sammy Hagar on an FM radio-station promotion date in San Antonio, Texas, followed by a run of 5 shows in Texas for JAM Productions (a promoter named Joe Anthony), then toured across Canada with fellow Canadian rockers Moxy and Trooper. San Antonio remained a popular location for the trio throughout its career.

Triumph's third album, Just a Game (1979), featured a minor U.S. radio hit, "Hold On," which reached the Top 40.[4] The album eventually went gold in the US. "Hold On" made it to No. 38 on Billboard and it became a significant song in some select markets. In St. Louis, for example, the song made it to No. 1 on KSHE, an AOR-FM classic rock radio station. More significantly, the song "Lay It on the Line" received an even greater acceptance at AOR-FM radio across the U.S. and Canada. The heavy-rotation FM radio airplay of "Lay It on the Line" solidified the band in the minds of classic rock audiences. In 'oldies' classic rock formats, it remains the most widely played and recognized song from the Triumph catalogue.

The 1980s

Both 1981's Allied Forces and 1983's Never Surrender attained gold record status in the United States.[5] Triumph also began releasing a string of moderate hit singles in the early 1980s. Allied Forces eventually sold over a million copies in the U.S. and included "Fight the Good Fight" and "Magic Power" which still receive heavy air play on classic rock stations.[6]

Never Surrender saw the band's compositions take on more political overtones. Previously, Rik Emmett seemed content to limit himself to a single political theme on each previous Triumph album. ("Just a Game," "Hard Road," and "Ordinary Man" portray Rik Emmett's strong populist leanings.) However, Never Surrender featured no fewer than five anthems. The Jimi Hendrix-inspired riff-rocker "Too Much Thinking" even samples Ronald Reagan from one of his presidential speeches. Rolling Stone gave Never Surrender a one-star rating, yet the album earned gold record status in the United States (sales of 500,000 units).[7][8] Perhaps more damaging to Triumph's success, their relationship with RCA Records soured at this point, and the label did little to support their albums. MCA Records executive Irving Azoff demonstrated his faith in the trio by co-opting their debts and signing them for five albums. Following their 1984 label change, MCA took over distribution of their old catalogue for ten years.

Thunder Seven debuted on compact disc in late 1984, a time when relatively few people could afford CD players. Despite two hit singles and videos, "Spellbound" and "Follow Your Heart," the album failed to achieve expected levels, even though cassette and vinyl copies were soon released. Thunder Seven is perhaps the band's high mark, with Rik Emmett's lyrics addressing social concerns in a surprisingly adult context. Continuing in the direction of Never Surrender, the entire second side forms a loose concept focusing on different perspectives of time. Thunder Seven became an RIAA certified gold album in 2003.

In 1985, the band released Stages, a double live set culled from the previous three tours. On June 7, 1985 Triumph was ranked #2 in Performance Magazine's 6-week period ending "Tops in Performance" list. Triumph would take a more commercial turn with their 1986 studio album, The Sport of Kings. Rik Emmett's "Somebody's Out There" reached the American Top 40 in late 1986, gaining some radio and video exposure. Written and recorded in the 11th hour of The Sport of Kings sessions, in an attempt to deliver a hit 'single' to satisfy the demands of the record company, Rik Emmett's "Somebody's Out There" made it to No. 27 on Billboard during Sept. and Oct. of 1986, climbing higher than Hold On. It stands as the highest-charting song from the Triumph catalogue. Gil Moore's "Tears in the Rain", cut from the same cloth as "Mind Games," did not fare as well in the charts. Adding Rick Santers to their line-up, Triumph toured with Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen across the United States.

In 1987, the band attempted a return to form with Surveillance. While Gil Moore and Mike Levine remained firmly planted in blues-rock, Rik Emmett took a more modern progressive turn, even involving Dixie Dregs and Kansas guitarist Steve Morse. They collaborated on a dual-guitar solo for Gil Moore's angst-ridden vocal on the Emmett-penned "Headed for Nowhere." The 1988 tour concluded amid growing disharmony over business decisions and artistic direction; however, their final concert on September 3, 1988, was a spirited show on the Kingswood stage at Canada's Wonderland, just north of Toronto. In late 1988, Rik Emmett made a total break with Triumph, a costly move resulting from a long-standing agreement that if any one of the trio left, they would leave with only one ninth interest. He subsequently began a modest but distinguished solo career, with his first album, Absolutely, yielding four hits in Canada. Meanwhile, Triumph released 1989s Classics as their obligatory fifth album owed to MCA Records.

1990–present

In 1992, the remaining members of Triumph recruited Phil Xenidis, a Canadian guitarist known for his work with Aldo Nova and Frozen Ghost. Moore was the principal songwriter and lead singer for 1992s Edge of Excess, with additional help from guitarist-producer Mladen. Rick Santers also remained on hand as touring keyboardist and singer for the 1993 North American tour, singing Rik Emmett's parts in fan favourites "Magic Power" and "Fight the Good Fight." Initial reception of the album from American radio seemed quite favourable, until Triumph's recording label, a subsidiary of Polygram, dissolved unexpectedly in 1993. After this downturn, the remaining members of Triumph effectively disbanded.

In 1998, Rik Emmett resisted overtures from his former band-mates for a potentially lucrative twentieth anniversary US tour, stating he was not interested. Nevertheless, Moore and Levine purchased and acquired back their entire album catalogue from MCA and launched their own label TML Entertainment, and they continue to release live recordings and videos from their long career.

In 2003, TML released a live DVD album called Live at the US Festival originally recorded in San Bernardino, California at the US Festival in 1983. This historic festival, attracting nearly 250,000 rock fans, also featured Van Halen and The Clash. Triumph had earlier released this concert on VHS following the Never Surrender tour, featuring two videos from the forthcoming Thunder Seven album. In 2004, TML released a second DVD concert, A Night of Triumph, filmed in 1987 at Halifax Metro Centre during The Sport of Kings. The most comprehensive Triumph anthology, Livin' for the Weekend: Anthology, was issued in 2005. A CD of extended versions of some of the band's most popular hits called Extended Versions: Triumph was released in 2006.

Gil Moore now owns and operates Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, originally opened in the early 1980s for Triumph's exclusive use, which also trains engineers and sound technicians for Canada's music industry.

On March 10, 2007, Triumph was inducted to the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in a ceremony at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel. All original members of the group were present for the event. This first meeting in nearly twenty years appears to have broken the long silence between Rik Emmett and his former band-mates, but a recent interview with the guitarist did not promise a Triumph reunion. Emmett cited Gil Moore's full-time career at Metalworks, plus the fact Moore has not performed as a drummer since 1993. Bassist Mike Levine also does not seem to have much interest in touring at this late date. But Triumph's one-time camaraderie seems to have rekindled, and there may still be future collaborations on some musical level. For example, Nick Blagona mastered Rik Emmett's latest hard rock project, Airtime (2007), in the Metalworks mastering suite.

On April 6, 2008, Triumph was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame as part of the Juno Awards.[9]

"Lay It on the Line" was released as a DLC song for Guitar Hero 5 on October 22, 2009.

In 2011, the band reissued Allied Forces as a vinyl package for their 30th anniversary.[10]

On July 14, 2011 Triumph Lane, in Mississauga ON, was officially dedicated in honour of the band.[11]

On August 28, 2012 the band released a CD+DVD package of their June 7, 2008 reunion concert in Sweden titled "Live At Sweden Rock Festival" on Frontiers Records in Europe and on the TML label in Canada and the United States [12]

In 2013, Triumph was inducted into Legends Row at the inaugural ceremony held at Mississauga City Hall.[13]

Philanthropy

Since the group’s inception, individually and collectively, Triumph have contributed time, energy, music, facilities, equipment and funds in support of a wide range of charitable, educational and humanitarian causes.

Triumph’s largest single charitable contribution was its final appearance at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, January 22, 1987. Staged by Gary Slaight for the "Sounds United" campaign of the United Way of Canada, Greater Toronto Division, all proceeds of $179,356.66 were donated.[14] More recently, the trio has raised over $250,000 (and still counting) with its Signed Guitars Program. Since 2009 Triumph has signed over 100 Fender guitars and donated them to various charities for live and silent auctions, raising between $1,500 and $6,500 each.[15] Individually, Emmett has also contributed guitars for Kids With Cancer, CNIB Ride For Sight and Barrett House Aids Hospice.

In 2011 Triumph donated their music and business archives to the University of Toronto Libraries, which were valued by University of Toronto appraisers at over $1,000,000.[16]

Moore, Levine and Emmett have participated, together and alone, in many major fundraising events, including the latter’s appearance on “Tears Are Not Enough”,[17] the Canadian music industry single for Ethiopian Famine Release in 1985, which would eventually raise over $3.5 million. Moore was on the committee, along with Tom Cochrane and Rush’s Alex Lifeson, and others, who spearheaded the tsunami relief effort, Canada for Asia, in January 2005.

Other causes Triumph and Metalworks have supported and/or sponsored include: MusiCounts,[18] Rock Star for a Day Program, the Children’s Wish Foundation, Canada's Walk of Fame Emerging Artist Program,[19] Canadian Music Week National Songwriting Contests, many High School Battle of the Bands,[20] Full Circle, Camp Rock, Bike for Betty, and Friends of We Care – Easter Seals.[21] The state-of-the-art facilities at Metalworks Studios have also been donated many times to help causes, including the Canadian Live 8 Concert, held in Barrie, Ontario on July 2, 2005.

In 1996, Triumph donated royalties from one million units of the song "Magic Power" on the certified Diamond "Oh What a Feeling: A Vital Collection of Canadian Music" compilation CD in support of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science and Juno Award, as they have done many times in support of charitable initiatives. Moore has participated in and donated Triumph autographed guitars to countless celebrity golf fundraising tournaments over the years, Levine has bowled for TJ Martell Foundation [22] and Emmett regularly performs at fundraisers for many causes, including AIDS, Food Bank and Shelter benefits.

In 2013 Emmett was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for Community Service [23] and Moore was given a star on the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame for contributions to education and community support. Metalworks Production Group was given the 2014 Sam McCallion Small Business Community Involvement Award by the Mississauga Board of Trade.[24] Metalworks Institute coordinates volunteers for Make Music Matter, a Calgary-based charity (formerly Song For Africa), by going to Africa and sharing their technological and musical training;[25] and the music curriculum from the school has been donated for use by Drake’s Strawberry Mansion High School studio project for underprivileged in Philadelphia since 2013.[26] In May 2015, Moore Received the Mississauga Arts Council, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts, MARTY Award for his contributions to the Mississauga arts community.[27] In April 2016, Moore received the Mississauga Board of Trade, Lifetime Achievement Award [28] for his dedication to business in Mississauga and the community.

The group members have also served on various boards over the years. Currently, in 2014, Moore is on the Advisory Boards of Music Canada and CAAMA (Canadian Association for the Advancement of Music and the Arts)[29] and Levine serves on the Board of Directors and Advisory Board for the Musicians’ Rights Organization Canada (MROC).[30] In the past Emmett has served on the Advisory Boards at Humber College and the Songwriters Association of Canada. Moore has also served on the Executive Board at Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science (CARAS) as well as the Toronto Musicians Association (TMA).

Band members

Current members
  • Rik Emmett – guitar, lead and backing vocals, synthesizer, slide guitar, lap steel guitar, dobro, clavinet, music sequencer, bass, bass pedals (1975–1988, 2008–present)
  • Gil Moore – drums, percussion, lead and backing vocals (1975–1993, 2008–present)
  • Mike Levine – bass, keyboards, synthesizer, organ, piano, clavinet, bass pedals, backing vocals (1975–1993, 2008–present)
Current touring
  • Dave Dunlop – guitar, backing vocals (2008–present)
Former
  • Abel McKnight – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1975)
  • Phil X – guitar, backing vocals (1992–1993)
Former touring
  • Rick Santers – guitar, keyboards, backing and lead vocals (1984–1993)
  • Sebastian Bach – lead vocals (1993)
Recording
  • Laurie Delgrande – keyboards on Triumph (1976); on Rock and Roll Machine (1977); on Just a Game (1979)
  • Mike Danna – keyboards on Rock and Roll Machine (1977); on Just a Game (1979)
  • Beau David – backing vocals on Rock and Roll Machine (1977); on Just a Game (1979)
  • Elaine Overholt – backing vocals on Rock and Roll Machine (1977); on Just a Game (1979); on Allied Forces (1981); on "Mind Games" and "Empty Inside" from Stages (1985)
  • Gord Waszek – backing vocals on Rock and Roll Machine (1977); on Just a Game (1979)
  • Colina Phillips – backing vocals on Rock and Roll Machine (1977); on Just a Game (1979)
  • Rosie Levine – backing vocals on Rock and Roll Machine (1977); on Just a Game (1979)
  • Lou Pomanti – synthesizer, keyboards, programming on Thunder Seven (1984); synthesizer, synthesizer programming, keyboards on The Sport of Kings (1986)
  • Al Rogers – backing vocals on Thunder Seven (1984)
  • Sandee Bathgate – backing vocals on Thunder Seven (1984)
  • Dave Dickson – backing vocals on Thunder Seven (1984)
  • Herb Moore – backing vocals on Thunder Seven (1984)
  • Andy Holland – backing vocals on Thunder Seven (1984)
  • Gary McCracken – drums on "Mind Games" from Stages (1985)
  • Rob Yale – keyboards on "Mind Games" and "Empty Inside" from Stages (1985)
  • Michael Boddicker(not to be confused with the major league baseball player) – synthesizer, keyboards, synthesizer programming on The Sport of Kings (1986)
  • Scott Humphrey – synthesizer, keyboards, synthesizer programming on The Sport of Kings (1986)
  • Johnny Rutledge – backing vocals on The Sport of Kings (1986)
  • David Blamires – backing vocals on The Sport of Kings (1986)
  • Neil Donell – backing vocals on The Sport of Kings (1986)
  • John Roberts – newscast on "Carry on the Flame" from Surveillance (1987)
  • Steve Morse – electric guitar on "Headed for Nowhere" and acoustic guitar on "All the King's Horses" from Surveillance (1987)
  • Dave Traczuk – synthesizer, keyboards, programming on Surveillance (1987)
  • Greg Loates – percussion, programming, effects on Surveillance (1987)
  • Hugh Cooper – sound effects on Surveillance (1987)
  • Joel Feeney – backing vocals on Surveillance (1987)
  • Joel Wade – backing vocals, chant, choir, chorus on Surveillance (1987)
  • Paul Henderson – backing vocals, chant, choir, chorus on Surveillance (1987)
  • Ross Munro – choir, chorus, chant on Surveillance (1987)
  • John Alexander – choir, chorus, chant on Surveillance (1987)
  • Noel Golden – choir, chorus, chant on Surveillance (1987)
  • Mladen – guitar on Edge of Excess (1993)

Discography

Main article: Triumph discography

Studio albums

Year Album
1976 Triumph
1977 Rock & Roll Machine
1979 Just A Game
1980 Progressions of Power
1981 Allied Forces
1983 Never Surrender
1984 Thunder Seven
1986 The Sport of Kings
1987 Surveillance
1993 Edge of Excess

Compilation albums

Year Album
1989 Classics (Triumph album)
2005 Livin' for the Weekend: The Anthology
2006 Extended Versions: Triumph
2012 Live At Sweden Rock

Awards

Date Album Certification Label Territory
April 1, 1979 Just A Game Gold Attic Canada
May 1, 1979 Rock & Roll Machine Platinum Attic Canada
May 1, 1979 Rock & Roll Machine Gold Attic Canada
November 1, 1979 Just A Game Platinum Attic Canada
November 1, 1979 Triumph Gold Attic Canada
August 1, 1980 Progressions of Power Gold Attic Canada
October 1, 1981 Allied Forces Gold Attic Canada
June 30, 1982 Allied Forces Gold RCA US
September 30, 1983 Never Surrender Gold RCA US
November 19, 1984 Thunder Seven Gold TRC US
March 1, 1985 Thunder Seven Gold MCA Canada
August 26, 1985 Thunder Seven Platinum MCA Canada
December 17, 1985 Stages Gold MCA Canada
October 23, 1986 The Sport of Kings Gold MCA Canada
December 8, 1987 Surveillance Gold MCA Canada
March 16, 2001 Classics Platinum MCA Canada
March 16, 2001 Classics Gold MCA Canada
April 21, 2003 Allied Forces Platinum RCA US
April 21, 2003 Just A Game Gold RCA US
April 29, 2003 Classics Gold MCA US
August 22, 2003 Never Surrender Gold MCA Canada
August 6, 2004 A Night of Triumph Gold TML Canada
December 19, 2007 The Sport of Kings Platinum MCA Canada
February 22, 2013 Rock & Roll Machine 2x Platinum Attic Canada

References

  1. ↑ "Triumph talks to Toronto teens". Digital Archives. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 2 February 1986. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
  2. ↑ "Triumph's Professional Tour Dates". Michigan Drive In's.
  3. ↑ Farrell, David (9 September 1978). "110,000 at Canada Jam". Billboard published by Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. New York. pp. 3, 36, 60.
  4. ↑ "Bio at CanadianBands". Canadianbands.com. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  5. ↑ "Gold & Platinum certification at RIAA (search Triumph)". Riaa.com.
  6. ↑ "Charts at CHUM radio". 1050chum.com.
  7. ↑ "Triumph". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
  8. ↑ Puterbaugh, Parke (3 March 1983). "Triumph". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
  9. ↑ "Triumph | Canadian Rock n' Roll Hall of Famers". Triumphmusic.com. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  10. ↑ "Allied Forces 30th Anniversary Vinyl". urArtist Network. Retrieved 2011-08-19.
  11. ↑ http://www.mississauga.com/whatson-story/3118741-rock-lives-on-triumph-lane/
  12. ↑ "Triumph | "Live at Sweden Rock Festival" out now! Chances to win!". Triumphmusic.com. 2012-08-28. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  13. ↑ http://www.legendsrowmississauga.com/the-class-of-2013.html
  14. ↑ "Triumph | Throwback Thursday: Maple Leaf Gardens, 1987". Triumphmusic.com. 2014-11-13. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  15. ↑ "The Meaghan Zaremba Music Room". Metalworksstudios.com. 2014-12-08. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  16. ↑ "Triumph Productions | Media Commons". Mediacommons.library.utoronto.ca. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  17. ↑ "Northern Lights | New Music And Songs |". Mtv.com. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  18. ↑ "Students Work MusiCounts Event". Metalworksinstitute.com. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  19. ↑ "Congratulations to Sarah Felker!". Metalworksstudios.com. 2014-09-05. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  20. ↑ "CALLING ALL BANDS: Breaking Bands 2014". Metalworks Studios. 2014-06-03. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  21. ↑ "Friends of We Care "We Care Gala" – International Centre". Metalworksproductions.com. 2014-05-29. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  22. ↑ "T.J. Martell Foundation'S Bowling Bash Newyork City - Splash". Bowlingbash.splashthat.com. 2014-06-26. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  23. ↑ "Rik honoured with Diamond Jubilee medal | Rik Emmett | Official Site". Rikemmett.com. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  24. ↑ "2014 Business Awards of Excellence | Mississauga Board of Trade Mississauga, ON". Web.mbot.com. 2014-11-20. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  25. ↑ Archived August 6, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
  26. ↑ "Drake Drops Big Donation On Philadelphia High School After ABC Special Airs". Forbes.com. 2014-06-30. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  27. ↑ http://www.mississaugaartscouncil.com/past-winners/
  28. ↑ http://mbotgala.com/
  29. ↑ "Board of Directors". Caama.org. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  30. ↑ "MROC". Musiciansrights.ca. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
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