Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X has offered new details regarding the logistics and lineup for the upcoming Triumph reunion tour, confirming that the founding members intend to perform for the duration of the concerts rather than making limited cameo appearances.

During a January 21 interview on SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk”, Phil X discussed his role in the highly anticipated trek, which celebrates the Canadian rock legends’ 50th anniversary. The tour, marking Triumph‘s first major run in over 30 years, will feature the classic trio of Rik Emmett (guitar, vocals), Gil Moore (drums, vocals), and Mike Levine (bass, keyboards) augmented by a backing band consisting of Phil X, bassist Todd Kerns, and drummer/keyboardist Brent Fitz.

Addressing speculation that Emmett and Moore might only participate in a portion of the show due to the physical demands of touring, Phil X dismissed the rumors (as transcribed by Blabbermouth):

“Right now it’s just been talk, but [some] people think that [Rik and Gil] only gonna jump up on for a couple of songs or something like that — that’s gone around as well. But that’s bull. They’re playing the entire set. And if anything, Gil might sing a couple of songs and not play drums. And that’s when Brent will come in and play drums. And the thing about Brent that’s so amazing is that he’s amazing on keys as well. So he’ll be playing piano and keys. And then there are parts, if Rik feels comfortable with his ability, and he’ll be, like, ‘Hey, Phil, take this line,’ or, ‘Hey, Todd, take this line,’ and then something continues.”

According to Phil X, the decision to utilize a larger ensemble was driven by a desire to recreate the band’s studio sound authentically without relying on technology. Moore, in particular, was adamant about avoiding backing tracks.

“They’re probably getting better every day, but I think they’re excited about not having to carry the entire bag and having us there instead of [using backing] tracks, like a lot of bands do. Gil is Mr. Quality Control, and he wants it to be as good as it can be. And instead of running tracks, he’d rather have guys up there doing it. And Rik feels great about that too. I mean, as a three-piece, they never had some of the harmonies [when they performed live] that were on records, so they’re both excited about having that, the ability to just open up with five guys singing. So that’s another thing that they couldn’t do in the past.”

The guitarist also noted that Emmett has been collaborative regarding the stage arrangements, offering to cede the spotlight for specific musical moments.

“I think once you get on stage and there’s the adrenaline, and then after there’s a few shows under our belts and you have the momentum, I think anything could happen. But when I talked to Rik, he’s all about sharing the moments, like, ‘Hey, Phil, after I do this and this song, I’d like you to have a moment and do your guitar thing here.’ And it’s pretty amazing. I’m, like, ‘What? Really?’ [Laughs] They’re very sharing people.”

When asked about the extent of Mike Levine‘s participation in the nightly performances, Phil X indicated that those details are still being finalized.

“I’m not up to speed on that. I don’t know if anybody is. It’s just something that we have to see when we get to that bridge.”

With the tour dates approaching, scheduling has become a primary focus. Phil X admitted that coordinating rehearsals between the Triumph dates and his obligations to Bon Jovi has been complex.

“Well, we were actually exchanging texts today about it, so it’ll be soon. There hasn’t been any dates per se, but we’re looking at the availability of everyone right now. And I think there’s one time where we’ll be rehearsing Triumph, and then I’ll have to leave for a few days to rehearse with Bon Jovi, and then come back and rehearse with Triumph again. So there’s I’m jigsaw puzzling the f**k outta my calendar. [Laughs]”

The tour, which features support from April Wine, is scheduled to begin on April 22 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The itinerary includes 10 shows in Canada and 16 in the United States, concluding on June 6 in Boston.

Triumph 50th Anniversary North American Tour Dates 2026

Canada

April 22 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – GFL Memorial Gardens
April 24 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
April 25 – Hamilton, ON – TD Coliseum
April 28 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre
April 29 – Moncton, NB – Avenir Centre
May 1 – Laval, QC – Place Bell (Montreal)
May 2 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre
May 5 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
May 7 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
May 8 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome

United States

May 13 – Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre (Chicago)
May 14 – Milwaukee, WI – Miller High Life Theatre
May 16 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
May 17 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
May 20 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (Dallas)
May 21 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
May 22 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land
May 24 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
May 26 – Atlanta, GA – Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
May 28 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (Philadelphia)
May 30 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill (Detroit)
June 3 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
June 5 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater (New York)
June 6 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion