Behind The Vinyl: "Magic Power" with Rik Emmett from Triumph

We had Rik Emmett, Lead Vocalist for Triumph, come back to the boom 97.3 studios to share his story about their song "Magic Power" on vinyl! Rik talks about how listening to the radio as a kid that inspired the meaning behind "Magic Power", the recording influences when recording the song including Led Zeppelin and The Who. All that and more! Watch as Rik goes Behind The Vinyl!
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[@hikewithmike4673]

I love this song and it connected to every teenager who grew up in the glorious 1980s....it truly was "magic power" and good medicine!

[@rhugh02]

This is so true... perfect comment! Triumph, Rush, Ted Nugent and Boston.

[@gduhate]

Amen- great song for a hike, Mike

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

Glorious indeed. The greatest time there ever was.

[@TripletDad3]

I met him at The Blue Note in Cincinnati, and he was everything you could ask for in a musical icon. He was humble, funny, approachable, and just a genuinely nice guy. I was already a fan of the band, but I walked away as a fan of the man too. He has an enthusiasm for music that is contagious, and he's still a great singer and musician.

[@scottlowell493]

I miss Triumph. Criminally underrated band!

[@kitsmith3606]

Plenty of us "lovers" of their music. Just fills your soul like no other band can.

[@DONGOE]

TOTALLY AGREE. Have always loved Triumph. Rick seems like a real class act.

[@pkw5150]

That sums it up perfectly

[@floundergearjam]

Couldn't Say It Better

[@steveb4400]

Same here!

[@mjgirard3381]

I love it when Rik does these breakdowns of the songs and you can see the music pull him back into it for a few moments.

[@webby64channel35]

Yes! I agree

[@caseycoady3063]

He is re-living the moments..great to watch the joy on his face

[@DONGOE]

I got shot down for suggesting that Triumph should be in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but I still think that.

[@pulsarlights2825]

Why do we care who is in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame again? I see these comments all over youtube, but I have yet to be convinced that the HOF has any authority and why we should give a shit about them.....

[@aaronjohnson3463]

As soon as rap artists got in then all credibility was lost

[@pulsarlights2825]

@@aaronjohnson3463 I agree, Rap artists in is nothing but a SJW political statement....I am surprised Kings X is not in HOF, the singer is both black and gay.....lol

[@ronyeahright9536]

Of course they should be; the Rockin Roll HOF is a total joke. They have bands/people in there that aren't even remotely rock and roll, and don't give me the bullshit about how rock n roll is an "attitude". Tupac is in the hall, what a joke. All politically correct bullshit.

[@dongoergen9009]

@@ronyeahright9536 - Nailed it !!

[@geraldhartley]

I was lucky enough to be front row at a Triumph concert in 1979 right in front of Rik. It was thrilling.

[@xJRx77]

Not sure if he'll see this... but I would like to thank Rik for writing this song. I'm 61, and it's in my top 10 all time favorite songs. It's message still makes me tear up to this very day. Triumph, a band that never really got the recognition it should have. Great band.

[@johbb755]

"Magic Power" - Is probably one of the most iconic of Triumph's songs. So positive, so motivating. I remember reading in the Ottawa Citizen after one of their concerts, "Triumph was not a heavy metal band, it was a Precious Metal Band... That, rang as true then as it does today. I'm a bit I'm biased of course :)

[@DONGOE]

Saw Rik Emmet sing the US National Anthem at his son's baseball game a few years ago at Comerica Park in Detroit. His son played for Central Michigan; they were playing Michigan State. Rik still has the pipes!!

[@ttown918]

Watching him reflect and smile - he's like, yea, we made some pretty awesome music; good times.

[@mousiespanks2379]

One of the most underrated songs and albums of all time.

[@edwardbliss8931]

Who remembers when "Spellbound" was always number one on the "Top 7 at 7" on Q107?

[@waguin7042]

Amazing guitarrist, amazing vocalist and one of the most amazing bands ever...

[@jeffreycarpenter9817]

You might be able to name a better singer. And you might be able to name a better guitar player. But you can't name a better singer/guitar player

[@ronyeahright9536]

and dont forget amazing writer

[@chris2words]

and an even nicer person

[@jipfluffy2143]

I was one of those girls with the transistor radio on under my pillow at night singing to those songs yep this song spoke to me for sure!

[@elvissuperkarate3893]

Rik Emmett = class act. This band was so good.

[@davidarmitage289]

Triumph was the first concert I ever saw as a teenager I won front row tickets from CKOC … Hamilton Place in September of 1980.. Harlequin opened… Rik threw my friend a pick.. EPIC time I will never forget.

[@chriscampbell499]

Rik is such a cool, humble guy for a rock star. If I see an interview with him, I stop and watch it.

[@cheesyrider6914]

Think we all had a transistor radio under our pillow

[@mrtjohnson1963]

and that little plastic earplug that just wouldn't stay put !!!

[@2Zero8discipline]

Listening to Jim Croce --1973 seems like only a few years ago, boy how time flies!

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

my grandparents bought me my little radio. Probably cost $5 from Japan in the early 60's. This was fun seeing Rik sharing his love of the music and the story of this song,

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

time in bottle indeed!@@2Zero8discipline

[@steveb4400]

A class act is Rik!!! And one of the greatest songs ever. I love how he credited Pete Townsend and the Who. Very cool!

[@webby64channel35]

He loves what he does! I can just see it in his body language. You put your heart and soul into it. Thank you!

[@narq5099]

Magic Power- that music, the lyrics... perfectly capture the emotions of that experience of youth and music. An example of how music is the manifestation of emotion.

[@rickferrari9042]

They were a great band I saw them at the US festival in 83

[@Hellbent7069]

I love that song, one of my all time favorites.

[@tonyboyer28]

Rik Emmett is a rare thing in the music biz. He' s incredibly talented while at the same time being a humble, "regular guy." I could never say enough in praise of this totally genuine, real Christian man who never gets in your face. He LIVES his faith and quietly does so with perfect balance. I loved him in the 80s and I love him even more now.

[@shawnlusby1538]

That's cool to know that Rik is a Christian. I always thought Triumph's music had a very moral and spiritual tone to it without being overtly religious. There was always a positive message and the music rocked! If you get a chance, listen to Daniel Band. They are a Christian rock band from Canada who have a sound very similar to Triumph

[@magneto7930]

I didn't know he was a Christian. That's great to know! There was definitely a more positive vibe to many of their songs more so than everyone else.

[@bryanseitz8137]

And he still has his voice! Very rare these days.

[@DONGOE]

Totally agree. Wish I could meet him. Seems like a real class act.

[@dr.jamesolack8504]

Shawn Lusby Would it matter if he was Jewish? Or if he believed in Allah, or Buddah? I'm truly curious. What does ones religious affiliation have to do with ones musical capabilities? Does his political affiliation contribute or detract from his music? What about his philosophical beliefs? Do they play into this in any way?

[@suesue7572]

I loved this band as a teenager and still do. He's really aged well.

[@wooliegeek]

I love hearing the little details that Rik adds. Like the “that’s a Howard Roberts guitar”. I love that thing.

[@laloquintana9845]

So many good!!!! Memories, from a one of my all time favorites bands.. TRIUMPH. And one of the guitar leyends... RIK EMMET.

[@edwinjahnes2739]

The best band of its time. It’s been 40 years now and I still feel I’m free - what a fantastic band.

[@bryanseitz8137]

This is my favorite kind of interview. Thank you, Rik, for sharing with us what it was like to write & record one of your biggest hits. I know it has given me much (audio) pleasure over the years. I still remember the 1st time I saw Triumph at Hara Arena in Dayton, Oh. I believe it was the Allied forces tour. I will never forget it!

[@lady_in_blue83]

Versatile guitar player, fantastic vocalist, great songwriter and most importantly, appears to be a kind human. My way to follow from tenderness to passion... My greatest rock music influence who even forced me to pick up my own electric guitar to resonate with him! How I want to learn your hooks, riffs and chords! Your unforgettable double neck guitar brings only good memories:... Thanks a lot, my dear Rik! You are amazing!

[@dave47663]

Rik, you influenced my playing more then 30 years ago through today. Thank you.

[@davidarmitage289]

Never forget seeing them play this at the US Festival…. EPIC! Soundtrack of my teenage years

[@dmcsc5]

What a great guy. You know there were parts where he was "damn, I'm pretty good!" He's wrong....he's GREAT

[@chipfitzpatrick8219]

Its so cool to hear Rick talk about the song. Has and the band are so cool I wish they would get back together one more time. Thank u rick

[@robertgoodwinr6523]

A serious legend. Love him. Great band.

[@MegaTriumph1]

Give yourself credit that is one Great tune you created.

[@dennysvelez3482]

I love this song so much. Thanks for the memories Rik.

[@wolven7235]

As a smalltown kid from Austria it was hard to get Triumph records in the 80's, but I got all of them and til now they have a special place in my vinyl collection. As I infected my friends with Triumph (we all listened to Dio, Nugent, Crue...)for me as a rock dj THIS song also gave the opportunity to get to know the girls on the scene 😊 My favourite song along with Lay it on the line! Thanks for the wonderful music of much better times 🙏

[@olivertoeknuckleiii2093]

One of the greatest rock songs ever written. Thanks Rik.

[@gmonti1111]

Rik is genius...I grew up listening to Triumph. I was lucky enough to see them a few times. As a matter of fact I'm listening to the Never Surrender on vinyl right now.

[@Joe-wo7rg]

Rik Emmetts voice was fanominal

[@1mexfighter]

True genius and gentleman may I say

[@willsweat5413]

I grew up outside Detroit and always kinda considered Triumph "one of ours". I recall going to TN and KY to see family and exposing them to this great band! Miss those guys.

[@raybbj]

It's never over Rik!

[@anakina1]

This is so fun to watch. Shout out to Pete Townsend was great and you can see him get sucked in. Almost like a reunion could take place.

[@treymerrill6993]

This is awesome seeing Rik listeningand commenting on a song he’s written.. he even seems to be having fun rather than being bored. He must have been enjoying himself with the interviewer. Great job!!!

[@rickattard2339]

I bought this Album on yonge st Toronto at sam the record man when it was released took the subway home with the record under my arm with excitement of getting home to my stereo and playing it on the pioneer turntable..it was everything i expected.. Great album..wore the Album out ..must of played it 1000 times ..money well spent

[@infernozy]

Triumph lives...many thanks Rik

[@pensnut08]

The album before this... "Progressions Of Power"... Even they forgot it... Love that album!

[@williammay8413]

Great Canadian band and remember my wild and crazy youth listening to these songs

[@mikeb4606]

I got Allied Forces and Billy Squier Don’t Say No albums for Christmas when I was 10 years old and played them both over and over and over.

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

This song is the best cure for depression. Magic Power indeed.

[@aaronrobinson4]

I could listen to this for hours! Love hearing artists breakdown their music. Ive listened to this song thousands of times and never noticed the organ. Love all the little nuances that make this a phenomenal song

[@richardschroeder121]

Allied Forces....greatest album ever! Thank you Rik

[@aburden8580]

This guy's enjoying his own music MORE that me. I (almost) feel cheated. Rock on Rik.

[@gaiaquinton9489]

God bless you brother ~

[@ziskokid1]

I had a transistor radio under my pillow too. Thats how we listened to music with a really cheap earpiece.

[@olivertoeknuckleiii2093]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@Angel57501]

Magic power is one of my favorite songs of my teen age.

[@elizabethmaguire7487]

How this video doesn't have 1 million views or more boggles my mind! Best guitarist in the world! They don't make music like this anymore & I'm so blessed that I was born in this time of rock n roll! 🇨🇦♥️🔥

[@brianlobo1512]

4:26 is the best. Glad that Rik liked it too!

[@jamesmorrison2030]

I can't put into words how much you have inspired me. THANK YOU

[@walpolescrew]

That song gets you going

[@froggy5935]

Ha!! I too got a transistor radio when I was 9 years old...Panasonic I think...It was red and had a little wrist strap so you could carry it around. That red radio went everywhere with me...under the pillow at night, on the handlebars of my bicycle when I rode around the neighborhood, in my lunchbox to school...I had to make sure my parents kept a supply of 9 volt batteries in the house.👍

[@79tazman]

Man I wish I was old enough to see these guys live but I was born in 79 when they were hot and by the time I was going to concerts they were split but I got to see Rik a couple time do Triumph and it was awesome

[@TavaresProject]

One of my top ten songs of all time!!!! Especially the US festival version. Majestic!!! I was that same kid Rik!!!

[@jaysuperhawk8546]

The US Festival performance was one of those unique time and place where magic just happened. It can't be planned - things like that just happen. I was only 13 and did not see the performance until I was 16 on VHS (lol) and it was life changing.

[@xavierbalzola863]

What a great ..great player he is...Rock...Classical...Jazz...it doesn't matter this man is Brilliant...and criminally underrated

[@thelovefund]

Love how RIck's still the lil kid in bed, with covers over his head, jamming to his own song... Still feeling the "MAGIC POWER". haha Awwwww is it over??? Yeah...it's over... haha CLASSIC ROCK STAR!!! WOW...

[@maximusmann9285]

Saw these guys in the late '80s at the old Ohio Center in Columbus. The laser light show was kinda the new thing back then and it blew my mind. Great sound, great show, great band.

[@michellesullivan3540]

I was at that same concert that yr probably in the 80s in upstate NY...One of best concerts

[@joseph47711]

listened to ths today, such a good insperation for workin a round to this day>> 2022

[@patrickmcquillan3039]

It only took 40 years but worth the wait to see and hear Rick talk about his music and life, l love this music its part of our youth

[@tbroda2351]

I grew up in the NW part of Saskatchewan & I would lie on my bed & put my head exactly in the middle of my Hitachi gettoblaster to hear proper stereo. I wasn't allowed to use the car because I had worn the battery down too many times😊 In the mid-80's, the only way we could hear music was thru the power of AM, the best time to get Calgary was 1am...

[@johnkelley7868]

Ah Rick your to humble in my opinion the music you guys created were a master peice I played this song for my 10 yr old daughter she ended up stealing my cd it's her favorite song ever she's 22 now I've asked her for the disc back she told me to kick rocks in a way it's great because I got to pass on my love of music and triumph it's all good she can keep it.

[@anance6514]

Fantastic Musician.

[@robinsings]

What a voice..

[@richiebricker]

Ive seen my twin, Mr Rik Emmit on every tour they did throughout the 80's even that small show they did on May 28th of 83. Thanks for putting me in the video. You dont even know how cool that is although you got way more screentime than I. The first Triumph show with No LASERS, I guess the venue was too small to fit em in, lol. :)

[@damrgee8279]

You can tell he loves it

[@mikemercer5808]

This song is so awesome. It totally explains the hold that music can have on our souls.

[@billydemunbrunjr.1180]

I miss Triumph as well they are by far my favorite band of all time , I have been fortunate enough to have seen them in concert multiple times and there music still amps me up to this day,just a feel good bad ass band Rik Emmett is such a talent along with Gil Moore ,and Mike Levine absolutely amazing

[@BluesLicks101]

Triumph was one of the very few GREAT bands of the 70's and 80's that I never got a chance to see live. I have always regretted that, but I just want to say THANK YOU Rik for deeply inspiring this guitarist with your uplifting vocals, lyrics, and of course - your AMAZING guitar work, one of the very best!

[@estuder32anthonywayne98]

You missed it! Hell of a show!

[@pakrats]

www.rikemmett.com/shows/ I've seen Rik twice in the last couple of years. He plays acoustic and is amazing. Keep an eye on his site for upcoming shows!

[@triumphfan770]

Triumph is the best ever.As is Rick!

[@redrum9484]

Greatest guitarist all time!

[@chuckcecconi4571]

The GOAT Rik Emmett

[@magneto7930]

Seriously underrated band!

[@rochellestanley9532]

A song that automatically takes me back to a special place and time 👏

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Not very many true triple threats in musical history. Rik is one of them. Plays, sings, and writes like a virtuoso.

[@unstablebobgable]

Beautiful song!

[@6410daniel]

thank you for this song... it put me into being a dj for 25 years,, probably played this one 200 times thru the years..

[@planet6393]

Thanks for the wonderful memories Rik!

[@danfitzpatrick4112]

Magical!

[@wildimpo]

I've listened to that song so many times I could probably play it on guitar and I've never played one

[@goteverlastinglife]

Awesome Rik, I must say it has been a honor to grow up listening to Triumph. Was 15 when Allied Forces came out.

[@pjford1118]

I saw him a few years ago, still incredible to see live!

[@musicshari4177]

what memories that brings back when it first came out I thought they were the group Yes as he is reminiscent of Jon Anderson but Triumph rock's I've seen them in concerts back in the day. love this song

[@danjaquez1379]

I love how after all these years, the guitar (1:11) can still stop him in his tracks.

[@davidannis2430]

i love this song. so great to hear Rick talk about it thanks!!

[@jonhaugan3442]

It's 2021 and the algorithm has pushed this to my feed. I love this stuff. The stories behind songs, how artists create their work is fascinating. Thank you for posting these. I was always a fan Triumph's too, so I love hearing about this song and others by that band.

[@garytibbles9756]

Rik's vocals are so great. It's a little thing but my fav. part of this song is "one chance for escape..........." , Love how he extends that , Fabulous singer , Love Triumph to this day !

[@waynesulatyski2430]

Seems like we all did the transistor radio thing.lol.

[@markbadillo5145]

i love rik emmett , please keep rockin , and playing the guitar and songs like you do , you are such a great music artist