Power and Glory of Triumph

Power and Glory of Triumph

By Karen Hepburn, Toronto Sunday Sun, 4th September 1988

“This one’s for you!” said singer Gil  Moore from behind his raised drum kit before Triumph broke into the walloping  rocker Allied Forces in the Kingswood Theater last night.

And he obviously spoke for vocalist/guitar hero Rik Emmett, bassman Mike Levine and keyboard player/guitarist Rick Santers, who gave the audience of  about 10,000 a unified power rock punch.

From the moment the local trio-cum-quartet hit the smoking stage along with a  few heart-stopping explosions, their youthful fans were on their side, cheering and clapping in acceptance.

The gold and platinum record holders offered material from their latest LP Surveillance and such older releases as Rock and Roll Machine, Just A Game,  Thunder Seven, The Sport Of Kings and Allied Forces.

Somebody’s Out There, Tears In The Rain, Never Say Never and Lay It On The Line were just some of the beautifully executed highlights.

Rik Emmett delivered stinging, biting, and electrifying guitar breaks  throughout the show; and soared in a long, but eventful mid-show solo.

His fingers were fret dancing and his facial expressions funny as he presented a tapestry of colourful lead pieces, demonstrating his talent and instrumental maturity. It wasn’t a surprise when he received an instantaneous  standing ovation.

Emmett, Levine, Moore and Santers all shone in their effort to give their  supportive Toronto fans an unforgettable event.

Concert openers Brighton Rock also packed an emphatic rock punch, showcasing tracks from their upcoming second album Take A Deep Breath.

The local quintet, fronted by the handsome, charismatic Gerry McGhee was well  received, but didn’t return for the encore the audience demanded. However, the  spirited band did depart with an entertaining Power Overload, which McGhee sang  carrying a small boy on his shoulders.