GIL MOORE has offered detailed clarification regarding the lineup, performance roles, and overall structure of TRIUMPH’s highly anticipated 2026 tour. In a recent interview, the drummer addressed growing fan curiosity about how the band plans to distribute musical responsibilities on stage, particularly with several high-profile guest musicians involved.
Speaking with The Metal Voice, GIL MOORE explained that the upcoming tour will be built around collaboration rather than rigid roles. While longtime TRIUMPH members remain central to the performances, guest musicians PHIL X, TODD KERNS, and BRENT FRITZ will play integral parts throughout the shows.
MIKE LEVINE’s status and the brotherhood of TRIUMPH
One of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the tour has involved bassist MIKE LEVINE. Addressing the issue directly, GIL MOORE acknowledged that health challenges may affect LEVINE’s ability to appear at every show. However, he emphasized that MIKE LEVINE remains a core part of the band’s identity.
Transcribed by The Metal Voice:
“Well, for starters, Mike [Levine], like we’ve said from the beginning, has got some health challenges. But, man, I’ll tell you what: he wants to be there,” MOORE said.
“He’s got the spirit and the will. He’s part of the brotherhood, of course. So when I say we’re a brotherhood, he’s the number one brother, and we’re hoping that he’s gonna be at as many shows as possible.”
Although MOORE made it clear that LEVINE’s participation cannot be guaranteed for every date, the intention is to include him whenever possible. This approach reflects both respect and flexibility, ensuring the tour remains faithful to TRIUMPH’s legacy while adapting to real-world circumstances.
Commitment from GIL MOORE and RIK EMMETT
While uncertainty surrounds MIKE LEVINE’s availability, GIL MOORE stressed that he and RIK EMMETT are fully committed to the tour. According to MOORE, their presence will remain constant throughout the run.
“But I can’t predict that part of it. As far as Rik [Emmett] and I are concerned, unless we get hit by a bus, we will be on the bus,” he continued.
“We will be at every show. We will be playing all the way through every show.”
This statement reinforced the band’s dedication to delivering complete performances, regardless of lineup adjustments. Moreover, MOORE took time to clarify how the guest musicians will be treated within the live setup.
Guest musicians treated as equals
Rather than positioning PHIL X, TODD KERNS, and BRENT FRITZ as supporting players, GIL MOORE described them as accomplished artists in their own right. According to him, the tour is designed to showcase everyone involved.
“Now, let me say this. When you’ve got guys like Phil X and Todd [Kerns] and Brent [Fritz], these guys are not side sidemen. That is not who we’re talking about here,” MOORE said.
“We’re talking about guys that are rock stars, big time, in their own right.”
By framing the lineup this way, MOORE made it clear that the performances will be shared experiences rather than spotlight-driven showcases.
Expanding on the collaborative mindset, GIL MOORE explained that both he and RIK EMMETT are intentionally avoiding a “lead-heavy” approach. Instead, they plan to allow each musician space to shine.
“I mean, what Brent and Todd have done with Slash, what Phil’s done with Triumph or what he’s done with Bon Jovi subsequently… I mean, Rik and I are not puck hogs,” he explained.
“So these guys are gonna shine in this show. And we would be idiots not to let them do that. These guys are great players and great singers, so we’re gonna share the stage. We’re not gonna hog the stage.”
This philosophy ensures that the performances will feel dynamic and unpredictable, while also respecting the individual strengths of each musician.
Performance roles will evolve in rehearsals
Although a general framework exists, GIL MOORE confirmed that many performance decisions will be finalized during rehearsals. According to him, flexibility remains a key part of the planning process.
“And as far as individually who does what in which songs, those are things that we work out in rehearsals,” he said.
“We have a template, obviously, like who’s gonna sing which song, or blah blah, blah, but once we get into the arena and we get [our lighting director] Paul [Dexter at Masterworks in Los Angeles] and we get the big sound and lighting system set up and everything… that puck’s gonna get passed around a little bit.”
This approach allows the band to adjust arrangements based on how the music feels in a full production environment rather than locking everything in too early.
Guitar interplay and dual-drumming excitement
One of the elements GIL MOORE seemed most excited about was the interaction between PHIL X and RIK EMMETT on guitar. According to him, their shared enthusiasm and mutual respect create a powerful dynamic.
“And I’m not sure exactly what, but just think of guitars, for example. You got two guys like Phil and Rik,” MOORE noted.
“When they get together, they’re, like, ‘Hey, man, you take it.’ And, ‘No, no. You’re doing better than me. You take it.’”
He described their collaboration as a natural exchange rather than a competition.
“They’re just passing it back and forth, back and forth like this,” he added.
“And then, when they start playing together, holy crap. It’s amazing. So, it’s gonna be a lot of fun working out those parts.”
Additionally, MOORE expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of sharing drum duties with BRENT FRITZ, something he has never done before.
New vocal possibilities for GIL MOORE
Another intriguing aspect of the tour involves GIL MOORE potentially taking on more vocal responsibilities. According to him, the expanded lineup now makes that feasible.
“With Brent and myself, I don’t know. I’ve never done double drummers before. It’s gonna be fun,” he concluded.
“It’s a double-barreled shotgun we’ve got going.”
He explained that the setup could allow him to step out front more often.
“Rik is talking about wanting me to sing upfront as well. I never could really do that well in Triumph before because you have no drums. Now we have drums.”
However, MOORE emphasized that nothing is set in stone yet.
“So I don’t know if that’s gonna happen until we get in a rehearsal environment and then we see, how does it feel? And no wine before its time.”
Final decisions still ahead
As preparations continue, GIL MOORE made it clear that the final structure of the shows will take shape during rehearsals. While fans may be eager for definitive answers, the band’s flexible approach suggests a tour built around chemistry, spontaneity, and mutual respect.
With rehearsals on the horizon, TRIUMPH’s 2026 tour is shaping up to be both a celebration of legacy and a fresh collaborative experience.
