The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour
Canadian rock legends Triumph brought their Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour to the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax on April 28, 2026, delivering a performance that balanced nostalgia with reinvention. Even with a unique lineup configuration, the band managed to capture the spirit and power that made them one of Canada’s most respected arena rock acts.
The evening kicked off with fellow Canadian icons April Wine, whose set warmed up the Halifax crowd with a strong dose of classic rock familiarity. Their presence added depth to the bill, making the night feel like a celebration of Canadian rock history rather than just a single headlining performance.
From the opening notes of When the Lights Go Down, Triumph set the tone for a dynamic show. The rotating cast of musicians—including Brent Fitz, Todd Kerns, and Derek Sharp—brought a fresh interpretation to the material. Instead of attempting to replicate the original recordings exactly, the band leaned into a live, collaborative energy, allowing each performer to leave their mark on the songs.
That approach was especially noticeable on tracks like Spellbound and Allied Forces, where shifting lead vocal duties added a new dimension. The absence of longtime bassist Mike Levine and the decision to have Derek Sharp fill in for Phil X created a different stage dynamic, but it never felt like something was missing—rather, it felt like an evolution of the band’s sound for this tour.
Instrumental highlights were a major part of the night. Rock & Roll Machine stood out with its extended guitar solo, weaving in excerpts from Hall of the Mountain King and showcasing the musicianship that has always been central to Triumph’s identity. The band also embraced a looser, jam-oriented feel during Rocky Mountain Way, a Joe Walsh cover that featured standout drum and bass solos from Brent Fitz and Todd Kerns. Moments like these gave the show a sense of spontaneity that resonated strongly with the audience.
As the set progressed, the energy continued to build. Crowd favorites like Lay It on the Line and Follow Your Heart connected immediately, reminding everyone why these songs have endured for decades. The emotional core of the performance came through clearly, particularly in the transitions and intros that paid homage to deeper cuts in the band’s catalog.
The closing stretch delivered exactly what fans were hoping for. Magic Power brought a singalong atmosphere to the arena, while I Live for the Weekend—featuring Gil Moore on lead vocals—added a raw, celebratory edge. The final song, Fight the Good Fight, served as a fitting conclusion, tying together the themes of perseverance and passion that define Triumph’s legacy.
Overall, Triumph’s Halifax performance proved that even with lineup changes and a refreshed approach, the band’s music remains as powerful as ever. Rather than simply revisiting the past, this tour reimagines it—offering longtime fans something familiar, yet still exciting and new.
Setlist
When the Lights Go Down, Somebody’s Out There (Brent Fitz on keyboards), Spellbound (Todd Kerns on lead vocals), Hold On (without Gil Moore), Allied Forces (Derek Sharp on lead vocals), Blinding Light Show, Rock & Roll Machine (extended guitar solo with excerpts from Hall of the Mountain King), Rocky Mountain Way (Joe Walsh cover; drum solo by Brent Fitz and bass solo by Todd Kerns; Gil Moore on lead vocals), Never Surrender, Lay It on the Line, Follow Your Heart (intro includes 24 Hours a Day), Magic Power, I Live for the Weekend (Gil Moore on lead vocals), Fight the Good Fight
