Triumph

Inducted in 2008

The Canadian hard-rock power trio Triumph epitomized arena rock in the 1980s. Their virtuoso musicianship, soaring melodies, exceptional songs and outstanding live shows made them superstars and an enormous influence on stage and on record.

Vocalist/guitarist Rik Emmett, bass guitarist/keyboardist Mike Levine and vocalist/drummer Gil Moore met in Toronto in 1975. Their commercial breakthrough came in 1979 with their third album, Just a Game. It generated the band’s first Billboard Top 40 hit single, “Hold On.” Another notable single was “Lay It on the Line,” which was a rock radio smash. The album was certified Gold, their first to sell 500,000 copies in the U.S.

Career Highlights

2008

Clark was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

1940

Wins the CBC’s national music competition at the age of 14.

1945

Records first album, I Got Rhythm.

1950

Records first album, I Got Joins Norman Granz’s Jazz at the Philharmonic..

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1950-1960

Forms the first Oscar Peterson Trio in the early 1950s.

1992

Band replaces Emmett with singer/guitarist Phil X.

1988

Rik Emmett leaves the band for a solo career.

1981

Allied Forces reaches No. 23 on the Billboard charts.

Quick Fact

2008 Juno Awards. Hall of Fame inductee Triumph. Pengrowth Saddledome. Calgary, Alberta. Photo: CARAS/iPhoto.ca

1979

Release their commercial breakthrough, the Gold record Just a Game

1975

Form in Toronto

Photos

Quick Fact

In 2012, Rik Emmett received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for Community Service.

Video Background

Videos

Quick Fact

The band’s first paid concert was at Simcoe High School in Toronto in 1975. They received $750.