Saturday, May 2nd at Canadian Tire Centre felt like stepping into a time capsule — one that roared back to life with the unmistakable sound of Canadian rock royalty. Triumph’s Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded tour rolled into Ottawa with a show that blended history, heart, and high‑octane musicianship. But before the headliners fired up the machine, the night kicked off with a packed‑house tribute to another Canadian staple: April Wine.
April Wine: A New Era, A Familiar Fire
On paper, “April Wine – no original members” might make some fans hesitate. In reality, Ottawa showed up early—and in force.
Marc Parent, who stepped in as frontman after the passing of Myles Goodwyn, gave the band a strong emotional anchor. Raised in Ottawa and now living in Montreal, Parent’s local roots clearly helped fuel the turnout. The crowd wasn’t just curious; they were invested.
From the first notes of “Oowatanite”, it was obvious this lineup came to honour the legacy, not imitate it. The band leaned into the hits, and the audience responded—singing, clapping, and filling the arena with that familiar, warm April Wine energy.
“Enough Is Enough” was introduced with a brief reflection on “everything going on in the world today,” giving the song a sharper edge and a timely relevance. “Just Between You and Me” turned into a tribute, lighting up the arena in memory of Myles Goodwyn—phones and lights raised, a quiet, collective thank‑you.
The emotional peak came with “Sign of the Gypsy Queen”, which earned a huge standing ovation. By the time “Roller” closed the set, the entire arena was on its feet, cheering the band offstage like conquering heroes. No original members or not, April Wine absolutely mattered to this crowd.
April Wine Setlist
- Oowatanite
- You Could’ve Been a Lady
- Say Hello
- I Like to Rock
- Enough Is Enough (introduced with a heartfelt message about the state of the world)
- Bad Side of the Moon
- Just Between You and Me (performed in memory of Myles Goodwyn, lighting up the arena)
- Sign of the Gypsy Queen
- Roller
Triumph: The Machine Roars Again
After more than three decades away from touring — their last run was in 1993 — Triumph’s return felt monumental. The show opened with a time‑capsule video sequence, charting the band’s evolution and setting the tone for a night steeped in legacy.
After the time‑capsule intro rolled through Triumph’s history and the lights dropped, the band didn’t just return — they arrived with serious star power. While Mike Levine was absent from the Ottawa stop, the lineup was bolstered by three of rock’s most respected modern players:
Triumph performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 2, 2026 – photo Allan Fournier- Triumph performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 2, 2026 – photo Allan Fournier
- Triumph performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 2, 2026 – photo Allan Fournier
- Triumph performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 2, 2026 – photo Allan Fournier
- Triumph performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 2, 2026 – photo Allan Fournier
- Triumph performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 2, 2026 – photo Allan Fournier
- Triumph performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 2, 2026 – photo Allan Fournier
- Triumph performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 2, 2026 – photo Allan Fournier
- Brent Fitz, known for his work with Slash and Gene Simmons
- Todd Kerns, a fan‑favourite vocalist and bassist from Slash’s band
- Phil X, the high‑energy guitarist who helped carry Bon Jovi through multiple tours
Together, they added a fresh, muscular edge to Triumph’s classic sound. When the voice boomed, “It seems the machine is ready,” the crowd already knew they were in for something bigger than a nostalgia show. And with that, Triumph launched into a set that proved the machine wasn’t just ready — it was reborn.
Twin Drummers, Towering Visuals & A Band Recharged
The heartbeat of the night came from two drummers, Brent Fitz and Triumph’s own Gil Moore, performing in perfect synchronicity. Their combined power added a fresh, thunderous dimension to the classic Triumph sound.
Visually, the production was stunning.
- Cityscapes lit up “Somebody’s Out There.”
- Triumph‑themed imagery pulsed across massive screens.
- Even fireworks made an appearance, giving the show a stadium‑sized punch.
But the emotional peak came during Rik Emmett’s guitar solo in “Rock & Roll Machine.” It was a masterclass — fluid, fiery, and deeply expressive — earning a standing ovation that felt like a collective thank‑you for decades of music.
Later, before “Magic Power,” Rik addressed the crowd, sharing that just a year ago he wasn’t sure he wanted to come out of retirement. The songs, he said, stayed alive — and the world still needed “a little hope, a little faith.” The arena erupted.
Triumph Setlist
Main Set
- Lights Go Down
- Somebody’s Out There
- Spellbound
- Hold On
- Allied Forces
- Blinding Light Show
- Rock & Roll Machine (with Rik’s extended solo)
- Rocky Mountain Way (featuring solos from Brent Fitz, Todd Kerns, and Phil X)
- Never Surrender
- Lay It On the Line
- Follow Your Heart
- Magic Power
Encore
- I Live for the Weekend
- Fight the Good Fight
A Triumphant Return — And a Celebration of Canadian Rock
Triumph’s Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded stop in Ottawa wasn’t just a concert — it was a celebration of resilience, musicianship, and the enduring power of Canadian rock. From April Wine’s emotional tribute to Myles Goodwyn to Triumph’s explosive return to the stage, the night delivered everything fans hoped for and more.
With support from SoundSunite.com, the tour also highlighted the band’s commitment to music education and tools for the next generation — a fitting legacy for artists who helped define a genre.
If this show proved anything, it’s that the machine isn’t just running again. It’s roaring.
The Machine rolls into Winnipeg tomorrow night before continuing on with stops in Edmonton, Calgary and Montreal before heading into the USA for a few weeks to close out their comeback! Visit https://www.triumphmusic.com/ for tickets and show information.
