Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
Episode: Triumph Returns! Interview with Gil Moore and Mike Levine
Host: Janda Lane (Gamut Podcast Network)
Date: January 14, 2026

Episode Overview

This bonus episode marks a momentous occasion: Canadian classic rock legends Triumph are returning to the road after 30 years. Host Janda Lane connects with drummer/vocalist Gil Moore and bassist Mike Levine to discuss the band's upcoming reunion tour, their creative legacy, live show evolution, and recent induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. The conversation is both nostalgic and forward-looking, offering insights into why the band is reuniting, what fans can expect, and the broader meaning of Triumph’s music.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Triumph is Returning After 30 Years

(01:00 – 03:43)

• Series of Unplanned Events: The reunion wasn't a single decision—it was triggered by a "series of things", as Gil explains. Mixed reality concepts with their lighting director, a Triumph documentary (which led to a live performance), and an all-star tribute album produced by Mike Clink all rekindled band activities.
• Unexpected NHL Boost: The National Hockey League began playing Triumph’s music during the playoffs, treating it almost as a "national anthem" in Canada, culminating in an invitation to perform live at the finals in Edmonton.
• Band Chemistry & Spontaneity: After such unexpected opportunities, the band reassembled, even tracking down former members and wrangling new ones. They pulled off a "flash rehearsal" and straight to the stage, rediscovering their chemistry and joy for live performance.
• Tour Offer: Shortly after, Live Nation "dropped the next shoe," inviting Triumph to embark on a major tour.

Quote (Gil Moore, 02:55):
"It was so much fun. We just decided, oh boy, this is pretty cool. We're on our way back in the plane. And then the next shoe that drops is Live Nation goes, we're taking you guys on a tour."

2. Tour Structure, Stage Show, and Band Lineup

(04:12 – 05:34)

• Massive Stage Setup: Gil teases a visually ambitious tour, featuring "two double drum sets" (himself and Brent), dual guitar firepower courtesy of Phil X and Rick Ammott, and a combination of original and new musicians, calling it "the first six-piece power trio of all time."
• Special Effects and Production: Paul Dexter and his team are responsible for innovative effects and "special candy," ensuring a show that is "second to none."
• Evolution of Spectacle: Janda probes about the changes in staging and spectacle, especially given new technology advances.

Quote (Gil Moore, 04:27):
"We're the first six piece power trio of all time. I guess you'd say we have a lot of firepower on stage as far as musicians and vocals and in the show itself... the effects and all the special candy we've developed around the idea of bringing the band back after 50 years."

3. The Philosophy Behind Triumph’s Live Shows

(05:34 – 07:38)

• Purpose Over Flash: Gil emphasizes that the band's stage spectacle always serves a narrative, not gratuitous special effects. It's about reflecting the meaning of the band’s music and the connection with the fans.
• Fan-Driven Identity: Over time, fans—via stories, tattoos, and tributes—helped the band realize their music's central message: positivity, perseverance ("Never Surrender" ethos), unity, and joy.
• Creating Impactful Experiences: The goal is for fans to leave uplifted, united, and momentarily free from the “divisive politics and terrible wars” dominating the news—music as communal, cathartic escape.

Quote (Gil Moore, 06:32):
"If it's not really emphasizing the emotional impact of the lyric or that musical riff or whatever it is, it just becomes kind of like video noise to me. ... We want unity. We want community through music, happiness through music. Let people forget about divisive politics and terrible wars... and let music do what music does best."

4. Induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame

(07:38 – 09:08)

• Recognition and Legacy: Janda celebrates Triumph’s recent induction alongside Canadian icons like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young.
• Importance of the Song: Mike Levine reflects that great records start with great songs—Triumph has "a lot of great songs"—and acknowledges the honor even as their profile had faded in recent decades.
• Trophy Admiration: Mike notes genuine appreciation for the physical award itself, jokingly calling it the "best piece of hardware" they’ve won.

Quote (Mike Levine, 08:11):
"It's a great honor because really all great records start with great songs... Of all the awards we've won, it's the best piece of hardware."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Reuniting the Band:
  "We called Phil up and said, hey, Phil, time to get back in the band. You're off loan to Bon Jovi now. Come back... And that led to Todd, and then Todd led to Brent. And then that led to a like, flash rehearsal with no nothing before. Just get off the airplane, jump into a rehearsal hall. One rehearsal, and then boom, right on the stage."
  — Gil Moore (02:24)

• On the Emotional Purpose of Live Shows:
  "Let people forget about divisive politics and terrible wars and some of the other horrible stuff they see on the 6:30 news and let music do what music does best."
  — Gil Moore (07:08)

• On Receiving the Hall of Fame Award:
  "It's really a first class piece of hardware. I really like it."
  — Mike Levine (09:03)

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:46 — Janda introduces the episode and welcomes Gil Moore & Mike Levine
• 01:00 — Discussion begins: the origins of Triumph’s return
• 01:46 — Gil details the accidental series of events leading to the reunion
• 03:43 — Janda asks about touring apprehensions and U.S. debut
• 04:12 — Gil describes the massive upcoming stage show and new lineup
• 05:06 — Janda inquires about show production and modern technological advances
• 05:34 — Gil discusses Triumph's philosophy of spectacle and the key narrative of their music
• 07:38 — Janda brings up Triumph's induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame
• 08:11 — Mike reflects on the honor and the importance of songwriting
• 09:08 — Episode wraps up; thanks and anticipation for upcoming shows

Conclusion

This episode celebrates a classic rock comeback, blending band history, creative process, and the deeper mission of Triumph’s music. Through candid reminiscences and sharp humor, Gil Moore and Mike Levine make clear that this tour is more than nostalgia—it’s a reassertion of Triumph's core values: unity, positivity, and the transformative power of rock music. Fans can expect an epic show that does justice to their legacy—both musically and visually.