
Loading summary
Advertisement Announcer
You know that wellness goal you set at the start of the year? It's not too late to stick with it and make your future self proud. Especially with The all in One Nutrition Shake from Kachava with 25 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, greens, adaptogens and more. No fillers, no nonsense, just the highest quality ingredients. Stick with your wellness goals. Go to kachava.com and use code SHAKE for 15% off. That's K A C-H-A-V-A.com code SHAKE brought
Capital One Advertiser
to you by the Capital One Savor card. With Savor, you earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment and at grocery stores. That's unlimited cash back on ordering takeout from home or unlimited cash back on tickets to concerts and games. So grab a bite, grab a seat and earn unlimited 3% cash back with the Savor Card. Capital One what's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capital1.com for details.
Jeff Zito
Hey, it's Jeff Zito and thanks for checking out another episode of the Celebrity Jobber podcast streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart. Wherever you listen to podcasts, please subscribe. Hit that subscribe button. Would love a five star rating and if you could please leave a review. If you like the podcast and you do all those things, it helps the podcast grow. So I thank you in advance. New episodes drop every Friday by 8pm and don't forget, you can check out all past guests and episodes by going to celebrityjobber.com we talk to celebrities and find out who they were before they got famous. Sometimes their fame was a complete accident. Sometimes it was something they worked towards their whole life. We talk about a big break or a moment that changed everything. Some people say, you know, it's just kind of gradual. But a lot of people note that there was a particular moment in time, whether it was a performance or a phone call, that really put them on a fast track to stardom. And of course we talk about what their first jobs were before fame, you know, and we're talking about everything from like say a paper route, like when you were from 1112 years old to to maybe the job you had right before everything started to click for you. So we get into that with all of our guests and today's guest, part of the Canadian power trio Triumph, formed back in 1975, was pretty huge in the late 70s and early 80s. Sixteen albums and DVDs, the band has received 18 gold and nine platinum awards in Canada and in the US nominated for multiple Juno Awards, including the group of the year 1979, 85, 86, and 87. Inducted into the Canadian Music Industry hall of Fame in 2007, the Canadian Music hall of Fame in 2008, and into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2019. Known for its hits Laid on the Line, Magic Power, Fight the Good Fight, and World of Fantasy, the band's been on a little hiatus until now. Triumph is reunited. Their first public performance in 6:17 years happened in Edmonton at the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. And now the band embarks on their first major tour in more than three decades. Drummer and founding member of Triumph, Gil Moore is my guest this week on
Podcast Narrator
Celebrity Jobber, the Celebrity Jobber podcast with Jeff Zito. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, give a five star rating and leave a review. Check out all our past episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you pod. What if these celebrities weren't famous? What would have become? What was their first job? We're about to find out.
Jeff Zito
Look, man, this is. This is pretty cool. Looks like, you know, it's been a little bit since Triumph has been on the road, correct?
Gil Moore
Yeah, it's been. It's been decades, actually. And Jeff, it just kind of came together in a. In a very serendipitous fashion, really. And we've said many times that we're never going to tour again. And we were sincere when we said that. And we said no a million times right up until our kids changed our mind, really, is what happened.
Jeff Zito
Really.
Gil Moore
I know that when live. Yeah. When we went and played the show in Edmonton at the NHL Stanley Cup Finals. That was a turning point and we just did it as a lark. I always wanted to play in the NHL. I didn't want to be a drummer for hell, but I was probably destined to drive a Zamboni. So it just became obvious to me I was better at drums. And that's how your life works out. But, you know when you get a chance and the NHL calls and you go, hey, this is fun. And of course, again, you know, you go to your kids and they're like, yeah, dad, let's go do it. And I called Rick and he kind of felt the same way. And we're like, how are we going to do this? Let's call Phil. Mike is tied up and he's doing Eddie Trunk that day. And Phil goes, yeah, yeah, I'm all in. You know, so. And so he brought Brent and Todd with him. We out there one rehearsal, and all of a sudden you kind of rediscover, you know, the Joy of, you know, musicians jamming, right. And reliving the songs. And so that was. That was influential. But we still thought, no, no, that's just the end, right? And, you know, Live Nation was like, well, you got a tour? No, no, no, we're not going to tour. We just did this for fun about hockey and our families and stuff. And then, of course, you know, like, my kids, they just kick in and they go, are you kidding, dad? If we're going to do a tour, we're all coming. Let's go.
Jeff Zito
Right?
Gil Moore
And, you know, it's a great excuse for my wife to kick me out of the house all the way around.
Jeff Zito
It's kind of an here we are. It's kind of an incredible story, Gil, that, you know, like, let's. Let's back up and take it all the way back. I mean, because Triumph has been, you know, a band close to, you know, close to my heart for a lot of years. And so take me back. I thought you said something very interesting was you always dreamed about playing in the NHL. So when you were. When you were a young shaver, what. What was growing up like for you in Ontario? Hockey, a big part of your life
Gil Moore
growing up, hockey was just everything. I mean, you know, I played other sports as well. I played baseball and football and stuff. But yeah, I would say, you know, when I was in elementary school, for example, I would say there was not, you know, 98% of the kids in my neighborhood all wanted to play in the NHL. And of course, you know, if you think about where we were, here in the western part of the Greater Toronto area, there's maybe like two, three hockey players that ever were good enough to make it to the NHL.
Jeff Zito
Sure.
Gil Moore
So it's a dream for all kids, and it was for me. And I was pretty good at hockey for a long time. But then all of a sudden, When I was 13, I started to grow. And by the time I was 14, I'd grown almost a foot. Like I'm six foot three. So all of a sudden, to put on all that height, you know, just. It didn't work well with the hockey skills. And I started on. I started on drums, and, you know, one door closes, another one opens or something like that. And I just decided, you know, to go all in on drums and. But I've never lost my love for hockey, that's for sure.
Advertisement Announcer
Celebrity job, the sun shining, birds are singing, and all feels right in the
Podcast Narrator
world until the season changes and suddenly you lose your motivation to get out of bed. In fact, One in five people experience some form of depression, no matter the season or time of year.
Advertisement Announcer
At the American Psychiatric association foundation, our vision is to build a mentally healthy nation for all, because we want you to live your best life and be your best you all year round.
Podcast Narrator
Please visit mentallyhealthynation.org to learn more. The Celebrity Jobber Podcast with Jeff zito.
Jeff Zito
So you're 14 years old. You start playing the drums. Tell me a little bit about how you met the guys and how triumph started. I know there was maybe another band or two before you met. You met up with Triumph.
Gil Moore
Oh, yeah. I mean, you know, I think I can say the same thing for Mike and Rick, too. Like, we all had bands that were, you know, I don't want to call them failures, but they weren't successes, let's put it that way. I mean, you know, you're. You're maybe good enough to play at the high school dance or, you know, at the community center or something like that, but you're not headed for the big time any. Anytime soon. And that's what you can say about 99% of bands, I mean, or 99.9, I guess. You know, it's very, very difficult to get the right combination and to have a situation where you're actually going to develop a fan base. And so when we got together in Triumph, it was kind of a. I don't know, like, it was a Hail Mary pass because we'd all played in bands and we were thinking, well, you know, we'll give it one last shot kind of thing. And. But you're a little more experienced, you're a better musician. You're a little tiny bit older. When we started to play, it was instantaneous. Like when we played our very first show and Mike and Rick and I looked at. Looked at each other after we were like, halfway through the first song, and I see Mike, like, glancing at me and Rick's glancing at me, and it's like, hey, can you believe what's going on here? The reaction was so strong, right? You know. You know, in some of my earlier bands, I was used to people kind of looking at the stage with a bored look, and then it's like, oh, I guess. I guess they're going to the washroom. I guess that's what's happening. They're going outside for a smoke. And so it's completely different when people are pressing up against the stage and they're, you know, and their eyes are, you know, completely fixed on you. So that's when, you know, you Kind of got some kind of lightning in a bottle with a band when people react like that. So I'm very, very. I think we're very, very lucky. Like, you need luck to get the right combination in a band. And I. I think anybody that I know that's been lucky enough to play in a big group, they would say the same thing. It was. It was. You had to get lucky to get the right combination. It's kind of like chefs in the kitchen.
Jeff Zito
Right, Right.
Gil Moore
So disagree. But if you happen to get the right combination, you know, that's what you want.
Jeff Zito
So. So, Gil. So let's just. If you're. If you're at that stage, right, You're. You're. You know that you need to get lucky. This has got to be a dream, right? Just kind of like hockey. You're kind of thinking, the NHL is a dream. Being in a rock band, that's got to be a dream. Making a living, you know, touring musician. So, like, what did you think when you were, you know, when you were in bands? You were just starting off maybe with triumph? Were you thinking maybe like, hey, look, I'm gonna do this for a little bit. I'm gonna get a real job, you know, that. That thought ever cross your mind, and what did you think you would end up be doing full time?
Gil Moore
Well, we. We told it. At least I can say for myself. I told everybody that I was super confident and that I knew we were going to make it, which, of course, is not true, but that's what you tell yourself at that stage, because you're trying to give yourself confidence, right? And I always look like, well, this plane could crash land at any time. And I guess there's a turning point, though. And for us, it was very, very early on when we got a call from Texas, of all places, and they said, come on down to San Antonio. We want you to headline. And we're like, what? Headline in another country? You got to be kidding me. But what had happened was our music was being played, and there was a fan base there that we didn't even know we had. Well, the difference is once we go down there and actually play. And the reaction. The first. First show we played was in San Antonio Municipal auditorium, right? There's 5500 theater. It's a big theater. It's not. It's not there anymore. But it was sold out, like, right to the rafters. And the audience went crazy. And then the promoter's like, okay, we're going to go play Corpus Christi. We're going to Go play Austin. And all of this starts to happen. That's when I actually thought, you know what? I don't think the plane is going to crash.
Jeff Zito
Right.
Gil Moore
So that was. That was a turning point, I would say.
Capital One Advertiser
Wow.
Jeff Zito
So what do you. What do you think? So do you consider that like a big break? And it seems like a pivotal moment in your career, but what about the thing that changed your life forever? Was there. Was it a gradual thing that happened to you guys, or was there a. An absolute. A moment, if you will, an interview, a performance, a song, a phone call, anything that you can think of, that big break, if you will, that changed your life forever?
Gil Moore
Well, you know, that. I guess that first concert in San Antonio was one such moment. But other things that I think changed, speaking personally, being able to bring my parents and let them come to Maple Leaf Gardens at the time in Toronto and come in and see the whole arena full of people cheering for triumph, that changed my life, because I know that as a young man, you can imagine parents are concerned of your welfare and this rock and roll. How's it gonna work out and is this gonna last? You know, that sort of thing. So that was one such moment. And I think from the band's point of view, I always felt that playing at the US Festival was kind of a magic moment, because, I mean, at that point, I mean, the band is really on a roll in 1983, and we're, you know, we're playing arenas all over America and Canada. But there was something special about that show because it was so crazy big. And it. It was. It was kind of monumental in the. In the history of, you know, kind of, I'll say, hard rock, heavy metal. Sunday at the US Festival was. It just had this place in history and the fact that we were able, you know, to do it, participate in it, and, you know, make friends with Steve Wozniak, who I'm still friends with.
Jeff Zito
Wow.
Gil Moore
And see the power of music, which is what's come with us all these years later. What our fans are telling us about our. They're telling us what the legacy of Triumph's music is. We're not telling them it's this. It's. It's the positiveness that came through, the positivity, I should say, of a lot of the lyrics, you know, the never surrender, hold on to your dreams themes, you know, follow your heart, that kind of stuff. We weren't so much Dungeons and Dragons. We were the other guys.
Jeff Zito
Right?
Podcast Narrator
The Celebrity Jobber podcast with Jeff Zito.
Capital One Advertiser
This message is brought to you by the Capital One Venture X Card. Venture X offers the premium benefits you expect, like a $300 annual capital one travel credit for less than you expect. Elevate, earn with unlimited double miles on every purchase, bringing you one step closer to your next dream destination. Plus, enjoy access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. The Capital One Venture X Card. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. Lounge access is subject to change. See capital1.com for details.
Podcast Narrator
The Celebrity Jobber Podcast with Jeff Zito.
Jeff Zito
What about a first job, Gil? I mean, I wanted to get into a little bit of what has been keeping you busy over the last few years, because I find that interesting. But I wanted to know what your very first paying job was.
Gil Moore
Oh, it's a paper boy.
Jeff Zito
You were a paper boy. Okay.
Gil Moore
Yeah, I delivered the Toronto Star, but, you know, I also mowed lawns and shovel driveways, and I caddied. Caddy was a huge influence on me because it got me just, you know, up close with. With, you know, adults and seeing how they would treat you. I started caddying when I was about 11, and then I ended up working in the pro shop at Credit Valley Golf Course here in Mississauga. I'm now a member. I've come full circle, so when I'm on the driving range, sometimes I tease the kids and I go, hey, you took my job. And they're like, Mr. Moore, what do you mean?
Jeff Zito
Oh, that's great.
Gil Moore
I used to work there. I used to work here. I used to do what you do.
Jeff Zito
11 years old, Gil. You, you know, tell me about your. Your.
Podcast Narrator
Did they.
Jeff Zito
Did they instill that hard work ethic? Tell me about. Did your mom and dad work? What did they do?
Gil Moore
My dad, he really had a tough life, and he was the greatest father you could ever have. He was just incredible. I have his photo. Sorry, a pencil sketch my mom did. Not a photo right behind my desk where I sit every day. And, you know, he grew up in the Great Depression, so there were no jobs. He grew up in Walkerton in a small town, worked in a gas station. He's all that. And he had that. That, by the way, he got because of a family connection. Otherwise, there was no jobs to be had. And then he got thrust right into the war. So he's in World War II and the back of a Lancaster bomber as a navigator. And you can imagine, like the entire crew, you got their lives in the palm of your hand, flying in the dark, you know, without the benefit of any of the navigational tools. We have he's doing it all mathematically using a slide rule and protractor and all that kind of stuff that navigators used in the Second World War. And then by the time he comes back and meets my mom and gets married, like, he's 40 years old, you know, and he built a great life for my mom and I here. He worked for B.F. goodrich in the rubber business.
Jeff Zito
Right.
Gil Moore
So he. He ran the Toronto sort of headquarters of B.F. goodrich for many years. And, you know, he taught me, his son, a lot about business from his experience. So I was very lucky.
Jeff Zito
Yeah. Especially being such a young man. Get a job. You mentioned several jobs and, you know, you were 11 years old, so that, you know. Any musical background with mom and dad?
Gil Moore
Yeah, my mom was. My mom was a very, very good pianist, and two of her sisters, my aunts, were also professional pianists. So growing up in my house, you know, there was always music whenever my aunts would come over or even when they weren't there. You know, my mom would play piano every single day. And sometimes my dad would sing Eyes Are Smiling or he'd sing a couple Elvis songs or whatever. He had a really nice baritone voice, so I was exposed to that. And, yeah, they never pushed me to work or anything like that. It was just back then, the rules were different. So now, for example, that job I had at the golf course, you have to be college age to get that job because the government's got about Ministry of Labor rules and, you know, workers comp. And all this stuff. Back then, if you fell down and you broke something, they just sent you home to your mother and said, oh, she'll put a band aid on it. You'll be okay.
Podcast Narrator
Right?
Gil Moore
You know, there's no rules, so.
Jeff Zito
Oh, my gosh.
Gil Moore
Different way of growing up.
Jeff Zito
It was totally different. You're absolutely right. Tell me. I had no idea. I guess I should have known about Metalwork Studios. This is one of Canada's, or it is Canada's largest recording studio, and you own it, and you've been operating it for. For how long? How did you get. I mean, when did this become part of your life, Gil?
Gil Moore
Well, it actually started in Triumph. We built one studio in. In 1977, and. But now, you know, it's. It's. We have a full sound and lighting company. There's a half a dozen studios, and the studios port. We have a college that's branded Metalworks, that teaches the music industry. We have about 200 students here, so we have a lot of different facets to the metalworks organization. We launched a charity last year called Sounds Unite Canada, which is to deliver free music education and music wellness to youth across Canada. So we've got a lot of great people here running these different aspects of the company. And I have several, three of my family members numbers are in the business and so on. So they make me look good every day, right?
Podcast Narrator
The Celebrity Jobber podcast with Jeff Szeto
Capital One Advertiser
brought to you by the Capital One Saver Card. With Saver, you earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment and at grocery stores. That's unlimited cash back on ordering takeout from home or unlimited cash back on tickets to concerts and games. So grab a bite, grab a seat and earn unlimited 3% cash back with the Saver card. Capital One what's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capital1.com for details.
Podcast Narrator
Celebrity Jobber I want you to go
Jeff Zito
to triumphmusic.com these guys, they're back out on the road. I mean, this is the 50 year anniversary. You've got, you've got April 10th in Orlando at the Hard Rock. You've got April 13th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel for my listeners in Tampa. May 24 at the Mid Florida Credit Union Amphitheater. My listeners in New Jersey. May 28 at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden. My listeners in Detroit, May 30, the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill. Full list of US and Canadian tour dates are online@triumphmusic.com tell me you one thing, Gil. There's been a little controversy, if you will, and I wanted you to clear it up. People talked about this not being a real Triumph tour. It is. It's all three guys. You've got a few touring musicians coming with you. But I know that was something that you wanted to clear up on your, on your website.
Gil Moore
Yeah, Jeff, I mean, there was, I don't know if you call it a conspiracy theory or whatever, but there's a few things that got misinterpreted when we first started and it's because originally, before this tour happened, I've been working with our lighting director on doing a mixed reality tour where none of the guys in the band were gonna be there. That's not what this is. Nobody's mailing it in. So Rick and I will be at every show and on stage all the time. Mike has got some health challenges, so we have our fingers crossed that he's gonna be at as many shows as he can be at, but we don't really know. So that's gonna be a game time decision about Mike. But of course, we have, you know, Brent and Todd and Phil X, you know, with us. So our band is ready to rock and roll. The Reloaded tour and the rock and roll machine are ready to rumble.
Jeff Zito
Yeah, I'm pretty excited for the Tampa date. That's the one I'm gonna go see. That's May 24th. With special guest April Wine. This is the Rock and Roll Machine Reloaded tour. These guys, I. I can't wait. This is so cool. It's been a while, and it seems like, you know, all great things, Gil, happened by mistake. Right? It's like accidents are, you know, usually this is. Seemed like maybe somewhat of an accident.
Gil Moore
It is. It's completely an accident. There was no intent. Like, several of the, you know, interviews that I've done, they've said, well, you must have been hiding this from us when you did previous interview interviews. I didn't know. It was just. Literally, it was no. Even after we'd played Edmonton, we still said no to Live Nation. And like, I said, you know, for me, the turning point was my kids. I mean, they're just like, dad, you're doing this. You're doing this. Please, dad, please. You know, and so you kind of realize, Jesus, it means that much to you. And then from. Also from the fans, like, it's the same thing. The please, please, please, and, you know, don't. And you kind of feel like you're the spoiler if you don't do it right, And. But of course, as soon as we started, like, as soon as I sat back on the drum throne and started beating on the drums again, you kind of rediscover something that you missed.
Jeff Zito
Right.
Gil Moore
You know, being with Rick. Our very first rehearsals. Just Rick and I. And, you know, and Mike was here, too, for some of them, and, you know, getting that sort of energy, I'll call it, flowing in the room again and seeing even the staff at Metalworks, like, everybody and buzzing around here, and our sound and lighting company, they're all buzzing. And the studios are. All the engineers are buzzing. So it's. It's that kind of enthusiasm. You can't put a price on it. So anyway, it's been. It's been. It's been fun. And it's also a great thing to get back in shape, like.
Jeff Zito
Sure.
Gil Moore
Using my own home gym more than I ever used. I even joined a private gym which has better equipment.
Jeff Zito
And that's awesome.
Gil Moore
Get some guidance there, too. Yeah. So it's a hoop.
Jeff Zito
That's awesome. So the Rock and Roll Machine Reloaded tour Kicks off in Florida, In Orlando, that's April 10th in Hollywood on the 13th. Like I said, Tampa will be a little bit later on in May. And then you've got. They're. They're everywhere. They're everywhere. Triumph music.com Gilmore Real pleasure talking to you and I wish you all the best. Great story. I'm really, I'm really excited to see you guys on the road and, and touring. It sounds like it's. Your guys are gonna have a lot of fun, so I wish you the best.
Gil Moore
Well, thanks a lot, Jeff. Thanks for having me on and I hope we can see you on the road. You'll let us know if you're at one of the shows and be good to say hi.
Jeff Zito
Without a doubt. I'll be at the May, the Tampa show in May 24th. I'll see you there.
Gil Moore
Awesome.
Jeff Zito
Thank you. Take care.
Gil Moore
Have a great day.
Jeff Zito
Those Canadians sure are nice people, aren't they? First job, just like me, Paper boy, but also he was a caddy at a golf course back when he was 11 or 12 years old. And he mentions full circle. He is now currently a member at that very same golf course. I thought that was pretty cool. He mentioned how that was a pretty important job for him, getting a up close and personal with adults. And you know, I've always told my son, you know, if you can look an adult in the eye and shake their hand, be able to carry on somewhat of a conversation, it's going to really pay off for you in the working world. And like Gil, one of my first jobs after being a paper boy, I worked in dinner theater, the Golden Apple Dinner Theater in Sarasota, Florida. Then I worked inside of a car heart barn at a very exclusive golf course called Laurel Oak. And I washed the clubs of famous people like Andre Agassi and world famous tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, just to name drop a few. He mentioned the relationship that he had with his father who instilled that work ethic in Gill. And he noted that he was the best father that you could have. He worked in a gas station, then was thrust into the war. And then when he came back, he ended up meeting his mom. He got married and worked for B.F. goodrich in the rubber industry. And Gil mentioned, you know, when I was asking, you know, the moment that changed his life, he mentioned a few different moments. One of them was a big show triumph played in San Antonio, which kind of put him on the map a little bit then. Then the other big show that he mentioned was the US Festival. You know, Apple's Steve Wozniak tried to put together somewhat of a Woodstock kind of festival in California back in the early 80s, which Triumph was a part of. But on a personal note, I think Gil mentioned being at Maple Leaf Gardens, you know, back in his homeland. His parents were there, packed house. And, you know, when you tell your mom and dad, I'm going into the world of rock and roll, they could be, you know, a apprehensive to give you their full support. But I think that moment where his parents were at the show, packed house, that was a personal moment of satisfaction for Gilmore where he was able to, you know, make his parents proud. You know, it wasn't music always for Gilmore. When he was a young man, he dreamt of being in the NHL, becoming a professional hockey player like a lot of kids. And behind the scenes, Gil runs his own studio just outside of Toronto, which he has now for many years. And of course, earlier I mentioned that Triumph is reunited and back out on the road for the first time in over three decades, celebrating their 50th anniversary, kicking off their Rock and Roll Machine Reloaded tour next month in Florida. April 10, a Hard Rock Live Universal Orlando. April 13, the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood. Plus dates in Canada, the Midwest, Texas and up in the Northeast. The Rock and Roll Machine Reloaded tour with special guests April Wine. Oh, man, this is going to be a good one. Full list of tour dates online@triumph music.com Pretty cool story. All three founding members of the community Canadian power trio Triumph, back together and back out on the road. First time in over three decades. Drummer Gil Moore initially wanted to be a professional hockey player in the NHL. Pretty crazy that he figured he couldn't accomplish that dream, so he chose Rockstar. You know, exchanged one dream for the other and was successful. Great story. Thank you. Thank you so much for checking out another episode of the Celebrity Jobber podcast. We drop new episodes each and every Friday by 8pm Follow on Instagram, CelebrityJobberpodcast and the YouTube channel, which is YouTube.com theatsigncelebrity, jobber. Past guests and episodes also online at celebrityjobber.com and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart. Wherever you listen to podcasts, please subscribe and of course would love a five star rating and please leave a review. Doing all those things really helps the podcast grow and I can't thank you enough for already doing so. And for those who haven't done it yet, I thank you in advance. Hope you have a great week. And until next week, we'll see you then. I'm Jeff Zito.
Capital One Advertiser
Brought to you by the Capital One Savor card. With Savor, you earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment and at grocery stores. That's unlimited cash back on ordering takeout from home or unlimited cash back on tickets to concerts and games. So grab a bite, grab a seat and earn unlimited 3% cash back with the Saver card. Capital One what's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capitalone.com for details. The following ZipRecruiter radio spot you are about to hear is going to be filled with F words when you're hiring.
ZipRecruiter Advertiser
We at ZipRecruiter know you can feel frustrated, forlorn, even, like your efforts are futile and you can spend a fortune trying to find fabulous people, only to get flooded with candidates who are just fine. Fortunately, ZipRecruiter figured out how to fix all that, and right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip with ZipRecruiter you can forget your frustrations because we find the right people for your roles fast, which is our absolute favorite F word. In fact, four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day.
Jeff Zito
Fantastic.
ZipRecruiter Advertiser
So whether you need to hire four, 40 or 400 people, get ready to meet first rate talent. Just go to ZipRecruiter.com Zip to try ZipRecruiter for for free. Don't forget, that's ZipRecruiter. Com Zip. Finally, that's ZipRecruiter. Com Zip.
Date: March 6, 2026
In this episode, Jeff Zito talks with Gil Moore, drummer and founding member of the legendary Canadian rock band Triumph. The conversation dives into Gil’s early dreams, formative first jobs, the unpredictable journey to rock stardom, Triumph's recent reunion after three decades, and the legacy of their music. The episode explores themes of perseverance, luck, family influence, and the intersections of mundane jobs with dream careers.
Triumph Reunites After Decades (04:10–06:00)
Triumph, the Canadian trio famous for hits like "Lay It on the Line," recently reunited for their first major tour in over 30 years.
The reunion was sparked unexpectedly by an invitation to perform at the 2025 Stanley Cup Final in Edmonton—a turning point for the band.
Gil credits his children for convincing him and the band to take the tour seriously after years of refusing similar offers.
"We've said many times that we're never going to tour again. And we were sincere when we said that. ...Our kids changed our mind, really." —Gil Moore (04:10)
Rediscovering the Joy of Music
Gil describes hockey as a central part of his childhood; like most local kids, he dreamed of playing in the NHL.
A growth spurt in adolescence made hockey less viable, leading him to focus on drumming at age 14.
"I always wanted to play in the NHL. I didn't want to be a drummer for hell, but I was probably destined to drive a Zamboni. So it just became obvious to me I was better at drums." —Gil Moore (04:35)
Bands Before Triumph (08:23–10:36)
Gil and future bandmates had played in several unsuccessful bands before coming together.
The first Triumph performance was a pivotal moment—immediate strong audience reaction signaled they had something special.
"We were like, halfway through the first song, and I see Mike, like, glancing at me and Rick's glancing at me, and it's like, hey, can you believe what's going on here?" —Gil Moore (09:11)
Luck and Chemistry
The Texas Breakthrough (11:14–12:26)
Triumph’s first major turning point came when they were unexpectedly invited to headline in San Antonio, Texas.
The sold-out San Antonio Municipal Auditorium show made Gil realize the band was truly taking off.
"We're like, what? Headline in another country? You got to be kidding me.... That's when I actually thought, you know what? I don't think the plane is going to crash." —Gil Moore (11:34)
Career-Defining Moments (13:02–14:24)
Performing at the US Festival (1983) was a monumental milestone for the band.
Playing Maple Leaf Gardens for a packed hometown crowd—especially with his parents in the audience—was deeply meaningful to Gil.
"Being able to bring my parents and let them come to Maple Leaf Gardens ... come in and see the whole arena full of people cheering for Triumph, that changed my life." —Gil Moore (13:07)
Legacy and Message
Triumph's music is known for themes of positivity and perseverance, which Gil feels have resonated with fans more than fantasy lyrics common in rock at the time.
"It's the positiveness that came through, the positivity, I should say, of a lot of the lyrics, you know, the never surrender, hold on to your dreams themes, you know, follow your heart..." —Gil Moore (14:23)
From Paperboy to Caddy (15:44–16:24)
Gil’s first job was as a paperboy at 11, followed by mowing lawns, shoveling driveways, and working as a caddy at a golf course.
Caddying exposed him to adult interactions and gave him confidence and people skills, eventually coming full circle as a member of the same golf club.
"Caddy was a huge influence on me because it got me just, you know, up close with. With, you know, adults and seeing how they would treat you." —Gil Moore (15:51)
Family Background and Influence (16:32–17:59)
Gil’s father was a World War II navigator and later ran the Canadian office for B.F. Goodrich, teaching Gil much about business and work ethic.
His mother and aunts were talented pianists, ensuring the home was filled with music.
"He was the greatest father you could ever have. He was just incredible." —Gil Moore (16:42)
Gil founded Metalworks Studios in 1977, which has since expanded to a full sound and lighting company, multiple studios, and a college for music industry education.
His family helps run the organization, and they recently started Sounds Unite Canada, offering free music education for youth.
"There's a half a dozen studios... We have about 200 students here, so we have a lot of different facets to the metalworks organization." —Gil Moore (19:43)
Tour Details and Lineup (21:03–22:58)
The Rock and Roll Machine Reloaded tour celebrates Triumph’s 50th anniversary, with shows across North America.
Addressing rumors: All three original members are taking part; the tour is not a mixed reality show. Mike Levine’s health will determine his participation on some dates.
"Nobody's mailing it in. So Rick and I will be at every show and on stage all the time. Mike has got some health challenges... that's going to be a game time decision..." —Gil Moore (22:22)
Fan and Family Influence
The tour was “completely an accident,” born out of family and fan encouragement.
The excitement and enthusiasm in rehearsals was palpable, reinvigorating the band.
"As soon as I sat back on the drum throne and started beating on the drums again, you kind of rediscover something that you missed." —Gil Moore (24:13)
On fate and luck in music:
"You need luck to get the right combination in a band... It's kind of like chefs in the kitchen." —Gil Moore (10:08)
On performing at the US Festival:
"It was kind of monumental in the history of, you know, kind of, I'll say, hard rock, heavy metal. Sunday at the US Festival was... It just had this place in history..." —Gil Moore (13:56)
On coming full circle at the golf course:
"Sometimes I tease the kids and I go, 'Hey, you took my job.' And they're like, 'Mr. Moore, what do you mean?'" —Gil Moore (16:19)
On his father’s influence:
"He taught me... a lot about business from his experience. So I was very lucky." —Gil Moore (17:54)
On family and the band’s reunion:
"For me, the turning point was my kids. I mean, they're just like, 'Dad, you're doing this. Please, Dad, please.'" —Gil Moore (23:44)
For tour dates and more info: triumphmusic.com
Past episodes: celebrityjobber.com