Let’s Rock Chats With Gil Moore of Triumph

By Paul Eastwood

Triumph: Rock and Roll Machine is the long-awaited documentary about one of Canada’s greatest bands. The music scene in Toronto in the 70’s was incredibly fertile, seeing many bands rise to national and international fame. Through good business savvy, a keen eye to spectacle, and a LOT of hard work, Triumph rose to prominence throughout the 80’s. This documentary brings the history of Triumph to light in a truly entertaining and enlightening way. The film is produced by Sam Dunn of Banger films, who you may remember from other works such as the fantastic Rush doc Beyond the Lighted Stage, Iron Maiden: Flight 666, ZZ Top-That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey and many, many others. Through archival video and interviews with Gil Moore, Rik Emmett and Mike Levine, along with anecdotes by Sebastian Bach, John 5, Lawrence Gowan and others, you get a sense of the sights and sounds (and indeed the smells) of the genesis of a Canadian lcon.

I first saw Triumph at the Ex in Ottawa in August of 1979, with Goddo opening. Between the lights and pyro effects and the unbelievable musicianship, I became a lifelong Triumph fan. This documentary is a must-see not just for Triumph fans but for any music lover.