Triumph 50th Anniversary Tour Ft. April Wine – Canadian Tire Centre – Ottawa
Reviews and Photos – Cole Lewis Photography

The Canadian Tire Centre was alive with anticipation on May 2nd, as a packed crowd gathered for a night that celebrated the enduring power of Canadian rock.

Opening the evening, April Wine proved exactly why they remain legends of the genre. With decades of material at their disposal, they delivered a tight, high-energy set that immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. Launching into crowd favorites like “Oowatanite,” “You Could’ve Been a Lady,” and “Say Hello,” they wasted no time setting the tone. The arena filled quickly, and the band fed off that energy, delivering a performance that felt both nostalgic and electrifying. A standout moment came when Marc Parent leapt from the drum kit, a move that perfectly captured the band’s commitment to putting on a dynamic, engaging show. April Wine didn’t just warm up the crowd they ignited it.

By the time Triumph took the stage, the atmosphere had reached a fever pitch. With Rik Emmett, and Gil Moore demonstrated why their music continues to resonate across generations. Joined by Todd Kerns, Phil X and Brett Fitz to round out the incredible sound. Sharing vocal duties, they brought a rich variety of sound that kept the performance fresh and powerful throughout the night. Notably, many in attendance were seeing Triumph live for the first time; fans who had grown up with their music but never had the chance to experience it in person. That sense of long-awaited fulfillment was palpable from the moment the band stepped on stage.
Triumph delivered a set packed with classics, including “Somebody’s Out There,” “Hold On,” “Lay It on the Line,” and “Magic Power,” each met with enthusiastic singalongs and roaring applause. The band’s chemistry and musicianship were on full display, reminding everyone why they remain icons in Canadian rock history. Closing the night with “Fight the Good Fight,” they left the crowd energized and deeply satisfied.

It was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of legacy, passion, and the timeless connection between artists and their fans. For Ottawa’s rock community, this is a night that won’t soon be forgotten.

Triumph

April wine

Triumph Set List:

When the Lights Go Down
Somebody’s Out There
Spellbound
Hold On
Allied Forces
Blinding Light Show
Rock & Roll Machine
Rocky Mountain Way
Lay It on the Line
24 Hours a Day
Follow Your Heart
Magic Power
I Live for the Weekend
Fight the Good Fight