Legendary Canadian rock band Triumph is preparing for its long-awaited reunion tour in 2026, marking the group’s first full run of shows in more than three decades. But one major question remains surrounding bassist and keyboardist Mike Levine and whether he will be able to take part in the tour due to ongoing health concerns.
In a recent interview with Dr. Music, guitarist and vocalist Rik Emmett spoke openly about the band’s return to the stage and Levine’s uncertain involvement. The upcoming tour celebrates the band’s 50th anniversary and will feature support from Canadian rock veterans April Wine. The run begins with two shows in Florida in early April before moving through a series of Canadian and U.S. dates that stretch into early June.
Altogether, the tour will visit 10 Canadian cities and 17 American cities, with stops ranging from Ontario to Boston.
A Classic Lineup — With Reinforcements
Although Triumph’s classic lineup includes Emmett, Levine, and drummer/vocalist Gil Moore, the band will be joined by additional musicians for the tour to help recreate their expansive studio sound onstage.
Among those participating are:
•Phil X – guitarist known for his work with Bon Jovi
•Brent Fitz – drummer and keyboardist from Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators
•Todd Kerns – bassist and vocalist from the same band
This expanded lineup will allow Triumph to bring their classic catalog to life in a more layered and powerful way onstage.
For years, Emmett insisted he would never tour again with Triumph, but the opportunity to celebrate the band’s legacy eventually changed his mind.
Reflecting on the decision, Emmett explained that it came down to facing the unknown rather than avoiding it.
He said the experience feels like taking on a new challenge at age 72 — an opportunity he didn’t want to ignore, even if it meant stepping outside his comfort zone.
Emmett admitted he still has moments of doubt about the demanding schedule of touring, joking that he sometimes wonders whether he has “bitten off more than I can chew,” but ultimately decided the only way to know was to try.
Mike Levine’s Health Concerns
The biggest uncertainty surrounding the reunion tour is Levine’s ability to perform.
In late 2025, Levine revealed he had been dealing with a hand problem that prevents him from playing at full capacity, raising questions about his participation in the shows.
According to Emmett, rehearsals were scheduled to begin soon, but Levine was unlikely to attend because of his health condition.
Emmett explained that the band still wants Levine involved if he is able to recover enough to play.
He emphasized that the door remains open:
“There’s an open spot for him if he wants it, if he can claim it.”
However, Emmett also hinted that Levine’s absence from certain events — including a special “Triumph night” appearance at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena — may indicate that the bassist’s health could prevent him from touring.
A Long and Complicated History
Triumph’s reunion carries added emotional weight given the band’s history.
Emmett originally left the group in 1988 following disagreements over business and musical direction, which led to a long period of estrangement between him and the other members.
For nearly 18 years, the relationship between Emmett, Levine, and Moore remained strained before they eventually reconciled.
The band later reunited briefly for festival appearances in 2008, performing at Sweden Rock Festival and Rocklahoma — shows that proved fans still had a deep love for Triumph’s music.
Looking Ahead to Triumph’s Return
With their 2026 reunion tour approaching, Triumph is preparing to bring decades of classic rock back to the stage.
For Emmett, the comeback represents both nostalgia and a new adventure — a chance to celebrate the songs that defined the band’s career while embracing the challenge of performing them again after so many years.
Whether Mike Levine ultimately joins the tour remains uncertain, but Emmett made one thing clear:
The band still hopes the original bassist will find a way to stand beside them again.
If his health allows it, the spot is waiting.
And for Triumph fans around the world, that possibility alone adds another layer of anticipation to one of classic rock’s most unexpected reunions.
