Guitar Teacher REACTS: TRIUMPH - "Lay It On The Line" | US Festival 1983 LIVE 4K

[@ajeromski2078]

Triumph does not get anywhere near the credit they deserve. Great band. Rik Emmett is one of my favorite guitar players ever, and Gil Moore is an animal on the drums. I also don.t want to leave out Mike Levine, holding down the low end!

[@michaelkeyser7382]

Rik Emmett is a beast of a guitar player. He wrote for years in Guitar Player magazine. He is a true virtuoso.

[@supernothing77]

I think he authored on of the first guitar tab instructional book methods

[@douglasjohnston1465]

It is hard to sing and play guitar yet he plays complicated riffs not just simple strums to help support another guitarist sometimes it seems like they have two guitarists a good cover band would probably need five or six people to replicate their songs

[@MichaelMartin-eh6wl]

@@douglasjohnston1465 They did tour with a second guitarist. I believe it's the same guy Rik does his solo tours with now. David Dunlop I believe is his name, and can be seen in some of their videos. l Now, I'm not sure when they started having Dave play on tour with them, but I believe it was around the Progressions of Power tour.

[@georgebaader9817]

@@MichaelMartin-eh6wl Rick Santers was the guitarist that toured with Triumph on the last 2 or 3 tours that Triumph did before Rik Emmett left the band. Dave Dunlop worked with Rik Emmett after he left Triumph and did his solo work

[@MichaelMartin-eh6wl]

@@georgebaader9817 Yes, I do remember that name now. Thanks.

[@dirtyburd71]

23 years old, southern California summer and a whole day of great bands! What a day!!! These guys came out, unassuming in their appearance, three regular guys that ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@danriley5848]

Triumph was an absolutely incredible band with incredible talent and they just don't make bands like this anymore.

[@drjay73]

No they don't and I doubt they ever will.

[@RobertReaves-ec4jk]

It sounds like they went into LedZepplin and possibly some Aerosmith and made it work pretty cool. They were awesome and the singer/ guitar player is unbelievable they should have been bigger than they was but than again look at Skynyrd makes you wonder how their plane ran out of fuel they were on thier way to possibly become the biggest ever especially after Steve Gains joined them. He was the icing on the cake for them

[@SeanRoberts-my8lh]

Lots of great bands today. I love Triumph but their songwriting was spotty - a few good ones, lots of bad songs. At the end of the day, he who has the best songs wins.

[@skarlottt]

I'm loving the people who are discovering Triumph!

[@tinaclark9086]

Me too! Seen them in toledo in 85 with Molly hatchet. Triumph was phenomenal! Had the biggest crush on Ric Emmett.

[@slowfinger2]

I'd like to mention how under-rated Gil Moore is as a drummer. Triumph was his band, and he owned the recording studio they produced their albums in. The first song in this concert Gil takes lead vocal and delivers what I consider a tour de force of heavy rock drumming. That's a freight train coming mama. Again later he delivers a similar groove and vocals in "Rock'n'Roll Machine."

[@txtamaman]

In a small way, I kinda felt bad for Gil, one of the only vocalists that could out sing Gil was Rik!

[@tomsears2471]

Rush fan here. One of my favorite songs growing up. Thanks for covering this. Triumph was a great band.

[@papasmurf5925]

Me Too. Always thought Triumph was incredible in their own right!

[@drjay73]

Canada has two of the greatest 3 piece bands of all time in Rush and Triumph! Both amazing in every way. But let's not forget about April Wine and Coney Hatch!!!!

[@SeanRoberts-my8lh]

thank god us fans can like, literally, thousands of bands lol

[@stevec5462]

17 year old me was there at the “US” as in “you and me” Festival. I was within 30 feet of the stage for Triumph and Scorpions. Best two bands on that bill. VanHalen went on drunk and stunk it up. Incredible!!

[@zeppelinfan9360]

Judas Priest I thought actually set the tone prior to Triumph.

[@Rivrdweller69]

18 yr old me was there too. The triple threat of Priest, Triump and Scorps was epic. All three at the top of there game. VH was disappointing...

[@davesbucket]

I was there too, VH was horrible (and I am a VH fan)

[@TheeRocker]

Saw a ZZ-Top show where Billy completely disappointed, then the venue shut em down, and it was actually a very short show, of about 35 min... Beard kicked his floor toms off his riser, lol...

[@vanwylde9993]

I agree. 🤘

[@Groduke1011]

Emmett was so great, he probably would chew anyone up an spit them out technically but what made him great was he was so down to earth and the songs he wrote were inspirational but fun.he was not out to change the world with his lyrics either.

[@davelongenecker7472]

Couldn't agree more! Some reason he gets over looked on any top guitar best of list.

[@benclark2026]

TRIUMPH loves youuuuuu!! My favorite band of all time and Rik Emmett is my favorite guitarist/musician of all time. They walked on to the stage that day so calm and professional...and then proceeded to make history. Like Jack Black said in "School of Rock", "One great show can change the world!"... And here we are talking about how incredible they were on that day almost 40 years later. They damn sure don't make 'em like Triumph anymore. Thanks for taking the time to do this reaction video.

[@terriertz5134]

Dude--I love the look on your face watching this. You look like a kid on Christmas morning looking at all the gifts under the tree for the first time. So excited. It's awesome. You're appreciation for great music is both extraordinary & fun.

[@larryconn9771]

I thought the same. He truly gets just how amazing Rick and the band was. Got to see them in St. Louis at the old Checkerdome. EPIC show !

[@spetersonmusic]

We do this almost every weekend in my band. We treat it as a performance staple within our shows, even at bars. We play it straight like the original recording, but no one - and mean no one - can argue with what Rik and the band do. That video, I've seen - to pull that off in front of a crowd that big, with that amount of energy, focus, groove, and precision - you cannot deny the power of what that was at that moment. Triumph was another Candian trio that just blew the roof off, even if there was no roof.

[@scorchin6481]

I was there, I've been to literally thousands of concerts, and been playing guitar since 79, this is without a doubt one of the best live performances of any band, a real Triumph for these guys on that Historic Day! Keep hoping for a Reunion Tour, come on Guys, its never too late to Rock!

[@haroldbelfast]

"Never Surrender" from this performance is something you'll never forget once you see it. As a young player just starting out, seeing Rik's guitar work on that song literally set the bar for me as to what rock guitar could be; probably THE defining moment of my guitar journey for the next 40+ years. If you ever come back for another Triumph analysis, check that one out.

[@greymattervandal]

My pick too. The way he wields that Ibanez double-neck (and twists it at the end) is pretty shocking!

[@andydavis2881]

Duane you are so correct! Michael definitely needs to breakdown his playing performance doing Never Surrender !! Watching Rik on the Double Neck and during the chorus Rik keeps turning his volume up and down while singing absolutely insane the little stuff like that most people don’t even realize!

[@russellstraight9991]

I'd have to agree with you

[@MrAitraining]

Yeah and that Bass/Solo break is one of my favorite. Mike Levine shines on it too. Their whole set here was amazing.

[@jt2112able]

Agree 100%, awesome

[@DennyBob521]

I was there - 15 years old, in guitar heaven. My father was super liberal as far as letting me go places and do things with friends like this. It was a different time 40 years ago. I LOVE Triumph and have learned many of their songs and played them in bands back in "the day". Rik used a lot of colorful chords in his songwriting/playing - he is an extremely skilled guitaist - still . . . "When are we F'ing and when are we F#'ing?" 😂😂

[@craigrosen6908]

My favorite band. Saw them live only twice, but man, did they give me chills live! Rik went on to have a long solo career that covered almost all styles of guitar, but it never reached the heights of his Triumph days for pure energy and velocity.

[@rickglassman4443]

I saw Triumph several times when I was a teenager. Rik Emmett was, and still is, one of my all time favorites. Such a talented entertainer.

[@davesbucket]

I was at the US festival; Triumph was the best band of the festival, by far. Truly a great performance. I somehow made it to the front and after hundred of concerts this is still one of my fondest memories.

[@davesbucket]

Some of those you mentioned are not my cup of tea, but I love VH, and they sucked! I’ve seen many great performances for VH but this was not one of them!

[@NoCoverCharge]

Triumph one of the greatest guitar rock bands of all times

[@kinkinmyslinky967]

This song gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Triumph is so overshadowed by Rush but so f’kn incredible in their own right.

[@seanmanning652]

Same as Rush,,,just another British Invasion band like all those from Australia.

[@antiherognome6703]

@@seanmanning652 Both Rush and Triumph are from Canada .... Toronto to be more accurate

[@jeffwarren4938]

​@seanmanning652 you are nuts, or musically illeterate! Riks voice blows that screeching Lee by a mile.

[@kpd987]

Thanks for highlighting Rik and Triumph. Freaking incredible band.

[@robertbuffalo8287]

I was at that show and Triumph was great!

[@BUNKERJR53]

An extremely underrated group back in the day. What a phenomenal power trio. Rik's vocals are amazing not to mention his guitar playing. I still have their cassettes laying around.

[@joedella-mattia2234]

One of the many greatest bands in the world outta Canada!!!🇨🇦 Triumph!!!🤟🤟🤟🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@preferablystephen480]

Michael ...thank you for reviewing Triumph / Rik Emmett!!!!!! He is a MONSTER. Please, please, please do yourself a favor and listen to Fight the Good Fight at this same performance - Live at the US Festival. You will be changed forever. I promise you... you will NOT see a better live performance by a band. Rik is a beast on this song. I guarantee you'll be shocked or your money back. It would be great if you'd post your reaction to it too. Love some Rik Emmett. Criminally under rated as a guitarist. And... so is Triumph.

[@headcheeze69]

Good call...so good!

[@AudioAtmos]

Agree!! Fight the Good Fight was always my favorite of Triumph and it’s done with absolute perfection and feeling at the US Festival.

[@19freddy73]

My face lit up when I saw this on my feed. I recommended it a couple months ago but never thought I'd see it here. So thank you.

[@karlbolundstedt]

WOW!! JUST LOVE IT!! TAKE A LOOK AT THIS WOMAN WHO ANALYSIS RICK EMMETS VOICE!! TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS ❤🙏🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸❤👍 KB

[@jonbigg7385]

Dude! Rik was my primary inspiration when I started playing back around 1981. Triumph deserved way more recognition that they got here in the states. What else can you say? Killer player with a killer voice to boot.

[@mikewoodrow5878]

Listening to Triumph and watching them play live are 2 totally different things, altogether. Rick Emmet usually makes my jaw drop during each solo, at some point or another. Awesome trio. Peace from Toronto

[@dentondam]

Glad you like this underrated Canadian band. You reactions are priceless. Rick is amazing in all way. This song should be the new Canada Anthem Watch the entire show, it's a must!

[@russperry3000]

I was there in ‘83 and I remember Triumph being on fire that day, but watching all of the videos available from that day, without doubt they were the best act, and totally nailed it. I think Rik had maybe the best recorded day ever in live music history with his playing and amazing voice.

[@MrTonicAmps]

Triumph is such an under-rated band. I remember listening to Rock and Roll Machine and Just A Game over and over on cassette back in the day. Such an awesome band!!!

[@james-he7xv]

It’s a fucking rock masterclass on great songs!

[@Finnssssss]

Just a Game record and 8-track in the car for me. Seen them live twice and are one of the best live bands i ever saw with The Scorpions not far behind.

[@pbraun2102]

I've worked several all-star concerts where Rik was a guest player. And having spent a reasonable amount of time just talking to him at rehearsals and in the green room, not only is he actually that incredibly good at whatever style of music he plays, he's also funny, charming, and one hell of a nice guy.

[@switch1408]

Nice breakdown bro!! As a kid from a small Missouri town in the 80s this was my jam...i always get chills when I see this performance 😊

[@stevenmonte7397]

That crowd. Wow!! Rik is a genius writer. I love seeing his interviews on KZbin. Such a great song writer. Always loved Triumph!!!

[@hawleybrowder4083]

This guys reaction gets me every time. I love it.

[@jeffwarren4938]

Me too...I love it when I see someone get just how much talent was on that stage....mind blowing!

[@rayward6763]

As a Canadian kid of the 70s/80s Rush and Triumph were everything!

[@terryomalley1974]

Same!

[@markkremser]

Watch Triumph's entire performance at the US Festival. Unbelievable.

[@headcheeze69]

YES!!

[@MrAitraining]

It was their Apex moment. Rik and the band came out with a purpose. One of the best guest sets ever and Gil isn't even using his own drum set.

[@martsol262]

Buy the recording (dvd).

[@randyacosta1194]

The performance is so good, as memorable as Frampton comes alive!

[@paulthompson7412]

They owned Heavy Metal Day in ‘83. Incredible trio. Really should review more songs from this show.

[@jeffholmes1491]

Scorpions ruled that day honorable mentions for VH and Triumph

[@Mach19760]

I was there in 83, and was as close as anyone else as I was working security. Probably the best concert ever other than RUSH.

[@larrybenson902]

I was at this show, it was every bit as amazing as you see on video.... 40 years later I still remember it.

[@Calman682]

You are absolutely spot on

[@23nacho23]

His solo during Rock n Roll Machine during the US festival is legendary.

[@VinceEmbry]

Agreed. I've been waiting for a reaction.

[@aquaticborealis4877]

Triumph were just amazing musicians. They could sing and play extremely well at the same time. Rik Emmett was one of the greatest singer/guitar band leads of all time. Their live performances were a clinic on how to kill it.

[@peterstephen6596]

Another savage three piece from Canada Love your work mate keep up the great work Love and Respect

[@sooooooo8]

Dude, it makes my heart full seeing someone like you appreciate the band I absolutely loved, these songs filled my life with such richness.

[@APICTH-c9n]

I have listened to Triumph for many years and especially enjoy the positive vibe of most of their songs. This is my favorite song and this live show is an utter masterpiece. Both Ric and Gil are world class virtuosos, and Levine lays down a super bass groove.

[@Irockthere4]

I was there and then 20 years later interviewed Mike the bass player at a hotel in Hollywood for the DVD release of this performance. Very nice guy. First saw Triumph in 1980.

[@stevedunn2621]

First show I ever went to was Triumph at the Rosemount Horizon theatre in Chicagoland. Am guessing they were touring their first album or sucessful album. It was general admission and we got there early. Was literally center stage leaning on the stage. Rick was 5 feet from me! Have seen some good shows over the years but nothing compares to that experience!

[@89801wink]

Rock-N-Roll Machine from this concert will melt your face. I was 4 rows back Center Stage here. Crazy good concert/weekend.

[@guitarjoe411]

Always loved triumph still do and I'm 61 now rick is the man and together they are a well oiled mechine.!!

[@user-xt7rs8md7p]

Awesome!!! Love this band, Rik, Gill, and Mike and their music Best rock performance at the US festival and possibly ever - period. They were that good

[@nsb1970]

Thank you for appreciating how extraordinary this performance is. Top three live performances in my book.

[@frankr4776]

that was an amazing show i was there and they sounded just like the video live

[@paulpo999]

Triumph was my first rock concert - 43 years ago in Harrisburg PA. What a great introduction to concert-going!

[@Rick-5728]

City Island?

[@paulpo999]

@@Rick-5728 No, the Harrisburg Forum. Although saw a number of acts on City Island when they used to have concerts. The Forum is a great venue.

[@jimbeau64]

I saw them live in the 80s in my youth....best live performance ever!

[@danielgrogan2227]

That second rift after the drum run come out of Zeppelin's "whole lotta love". 9:50 Canadian bands mash-up songs all the time. Red Rider and April wine did this too. I love it

[@TeeDOG6]

I Like To Rock is an awesome song.

[@jerrysalfi4474]

I think Rik is taking a bit of a shot at Zep with that guitar break even doing the last one with Page’s famous hip shake. Having a bit of a laugh at Zep’s expense.

[@scoutbeavers7355]

Last half of the last drum roll sounds like Mr Crowley/ After hours.

[@scoutbeavers7355]

Love this band, I was 13 then 🤟

[@leewells9331]

I was there! Great band. I also saw him in a small club with his own band.

[@richvail7551]

I felt your reaction it was wonderful. Thanks for pointing out the drummer, I never noticed how relaxed he was keeping up with a heavy metal rift going on. In the zone fa sha.

[@tomfalcone4253]

Saw Rik Emmett perform a duo show at a great little venue outside Philly called the Sellersville Theater. He played all the Triumph tunes. Very interactive show. Funniest thing he said was “if I had known I’d still be playing these songs all these years later, I’d have sung them in a lower key. What was I thinking” He transposed every down about 3 steps.

[@MrAitraining]

This was Triumph's Apex moment. Their set here at the US Festival is one of the great guest sets ever. They were so ON and Rik was out of his mind great this day.

[@scottangelucci8611]

You're not mistaking, he did switch it up some from the Album, this was a huge event and they wanted it to be fresh. I saw them in 1985 at Alpine Valley outside of Milwaukee, absolutely killer show, that night was pure magic, I had a hard time believing three guys could create a wall of sound like they did, very symphonic !

[@michaelsummers4625]

A great band with a great run of albums, from “Just a Game” through “Thunder Seven”. They always delivered in concert.

[@geraldhartley]

If you start with Just A Game you're missing some of their best work. Take a listen to Blinding Light Show/Moonchild or Rock and Roll Machine.

[@Joel-McConnell]

I was there! They were utter perfection that day......Underrated band, all of them were and still are fantastic musicians.

[@funkster007]

So glad I saw Triumph in their prime. Not only were they flawless performers but their stage production was insane too. This is my favorite video taped concert from them, but the Halifax show later in the 80's was incredible too.

[@timbennett6644]

I remember watching this... It was Allied Forces that blew me away.. Rick's playing was incredible

[@Guitargate]

So damn good!!

[@paulthompson7412]

@@Guitargate Never Surrender was amazing as was Fight the Good Fight. Saw them half a dozen times at their peak. Keep digging…

[@michaelbrowne541]

Rick Emmett has always been one of my favorite guitar players.. he can play anything.. you need to go to 30 minutes into this triumph show at the US festival and listen to his solo.. your brain will melt... His playing at that part of the show blows away what you just showed.. if that's possible.. and it is.. you will not be disappointed.. and the fact that he plays that good as a lead singer is amazing 🎸🎸🎸🎸👍🤗

[@I_need_an_oil_change]

Best review I’ve ever seen. Liked and subbed.

[@crow818]

I just happened upon this, and as someone who attended that second day at the US Festival, Triumph was by far the surprise band of the day! They rocked the place and to this day remain one of the best bands as far as live performances I’ve ever witnessed. They sounded perfect and had the crowd going wild!! I’m so glad I was there to see it!! And watching your reaction is awesome! Glad to see you felt it and saw it!! I recommend watching the whole performance it’s here on KZbin!! Worth seeing it all!!

[@Woodytobiasjr]

I recall reading or seeing it somewhere where the first guitar solo is a friendly poke at Rush' "La Villa Strangiato". Rik Emmett is such a great player

[@williamelkins1613]

I thought that is what that was. Cool

[@jonathanjacques7250]

Saw them in the late 70s. Great live!

[@dylankopff5062]

Triumph one of my favorite all time bands, sport of kings, and surveillance I must have listened to 100s of times One of my favorite songs ,"headed for nowhere" rik Emmett and Steve Morse trade licks in the solo ,unreal!!!

[@johnleonard3806]

When I was a teenager in the 70's growing up in upstate NY I had a friend that came back from a show and said this band KILLLLS it.

[@jamesm5883]

Probably one of the most underrated bands, grew up listening to these guys!

[@danralph7168]

No probably about it!!! And I grew up doing the same, still do even now.

[@brheinfeldt]

I saw them that same year at the Texas World Music Festival aka The Texxas Jam at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX. I absotively loved their performance!!&! I've seen them a few other times and they have NEVER disappointed!!&!❤❤❤❤

[@leelauder4411]

I don't ask for much,,, the truth will do just fine!! I watched it live!! What a BAND!! Peace brother

[@GizmoDeVoe]

None of the licks were in the original version or in many of the concerts I went to, but this was definitely new stuff and totally off the rails. The whole band was on fire this concert.

[@jimcook5711]

This is the best live performance I've ever seen. IMHOP

[@MrAitraining]

Their whole US festival set is in the best ever guest live set conversation

[@rachelkopel5678]

Woo woo: love this. Stadium rock (like you taught me.) I totally missed this era. I was embedded in bluegrass. When you call out the chords like that I can shred-along on my ukulele. (😂). Welcome home. 💕🙋🎶.

[@theonlyredspecial]

This was some performance I usually watch it a few times a year. This band had serious energy around this time. Loved your intro Michael some nice bending !

[@johnmcelhaney8490]

They were amazing! Thanks for doing this! Hope you well buddy!

[@1961markc]

Check out their whole set from the US Festival!!! It was awesome!!!!

[@mnorty1]

best dvd i have and i got alot of dvds..these guys are on fire in this concert!!

[@BillHardway]

His playing brings me to tears with the joy of my young adulthood

[@CianRourke]

When rock shows were real rock shows. There are of course a few who still rock this hard live. Foo Fighters, The Darkness, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, etc. I got to see Triumph in Nashville in 1979 in a very small theater. Serious rock. Rik had a wall of white Marshalls. 🤘

[@MichelleWolniewicz-pj8td]

I fell into your website dude. It was awesome watching you totally absorbing the greatness of the band. Emmett 's the man. His talent playing and his vocals OMG. From Buffalo, couldn't tell you how many times I've seen Rik solo and the band live. Totally privileged

[@MarkDonnelly-f3b]

Love your channel Michael !! I'm met Rik add a charity auction in Columbus in 89 when I was 19. Truly my Guitar Hero!! And so nice

[@gordonbezanson4710]

I was at the concert in Halifax N.S utube has alot of live vids of that concert it truly was amazing top 3 concerts of all time for me.

[@davidcambiotti925]

Thank god someone did this. Such an underrated band, with amazing guitar parts and insane melodies. I started playing guitar about 9ish years ago, and lots of the new wave players (around me at least) have slept on this band. A shame that new guys aren't seeing this stuff, the songwriting is immaculate.

[@Guitargate]

Yeah!!

[@openroadband6510]

Dude, you made my morning with your enthusiasm for this legendary performance. Cheers from Toronto, Canada, hometown of Triumph 🤟

[@charlespeterson7863]

This as my favorite band, next to the beloved Van Halen. I saw them many many times and they just rocked the house each and every time. The passion and energy Rik brought, along with his amazing voice was unreal for me as a teenager. THANK YOu so much for this clip and the energy you brought with this Mike !!

[@LeevitDeBeeva]

I had a buddy who had that whole festival concert on VHS back in the day. That was my intro to Triumph. Mind blowing performance

[@raulcardenas8115]

All Triumph performances from US festival were great. They stole the show. Fight the Good Fight was great as well as Magic Power. My favorite band during the early 80’s

[@moflow99]

I've seen so many videos of great performances from this show. I really REALLY wish i could have been at this one.

[@philpughsky]

Rik is the coolest guy. I played on a ball team that used to play against a team where he lived. He used to show up all the time. Awesome guy. Geddy even showed up once or twice.

[@darrenmarsiske4427]

The solo change-up was a tribute to fellow Toronto trio Rush! Listen to La Villa Strangiato , especially at 5:40 minute mark.

[@charleybielby340]

Really glad to see Triumph get some love. Love this tune. Always a fan of your videos Mike!

[@gene2049]

Great appreciation and knowledge of a great band and song. Emmett can hold his own with any other great guitar player. Plus no one can sing like him. Love Triumph !§!

[@ZenWithKen]

A little Lay It On the Line with some Rocky Mountain Way thrown in. Thanks for sharing!