The Story of Triumph's Legendary Performance at The US Festival

Clip from Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine
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Beneath the pyro, spandex, and heavy metal hair, awaits an intriguing and deeply personal story of underdog rock band Triumph who rose to world domination in the '80s then mysteriously disappeared at the height of their fame.
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[@jaysonj9327]

It was about talent. Triumph was the only 3-piece that day, but they had more collective talent than any other band on that bill. They were sober, professional, had a great sound mix and didn't miss a single note.

[@ericandrews1661]

They might have been sober and fought the good fight against all the American dirtbags, but everyone else had fun that day. As for talent, van halen had more than triumph could ever hope to.

[@RogueReplicant]

​@@ericandrews1661Not so. Van Halen had an effing clown instead of a singer. Dirtbag Dave couldn't be trusted to hold Rik's jockstrap, f f s

[@jb-yi4di]

​​@@ericandrews1661Not true at all. Rik's playing is just as technical as Eddie's, maybe even more so. Go listen to their deeper cuts and not just Magic Power and Lay it on the Line. EVH is an icon for a reason and I'm not taking anything away from him. But even if I'm wrong, your use of the phrasing "could even hope to", is a gross misstatement.

[@RoeShamBoe]

@@ericandrews1661 says someone who clearly wasn't there that day

[@TheGrapeofWrath1]

I guess I understand Van Halen fanboism in as much as their music was more mainstream than Triumph's. However, the honest person who has seen both bands knows that Triumph is superior by nearly every empirical metric. Whereas David Lee Roth couldn't recreate his studio voice and sounded like an imposter, Rik Emmett and Gil Moore were vocally more dynamic live than in the studio. And Eddie Van Halen? One heck of a guitarist, but tapping has turned out to be not technically as difficult as traditional guitar. And Emmett's solos were a song or their own, while Eddie's were a series of riffs to show off his speed. EVH's guitar solos were impressive in speed but not musically. And Triumph was as tight as most of the day's rocker's jeans. Van Halen sounded drunk because they were. I've seen VH 4 times and Triumph 14. Comparing VH to Triumph live is a losing proposition for Van Halen fans. To their credit, VH was more commercially successful than Triumph. But if you want to go that route, than Michael Jackson was king of the '80s.@@ericandrews1661

[@Megadeth1921]

I was there, just turned 17 and Triumph was the best band that day by far. An unbelievable concert and day.

[@cassivellaunushonestus4927]

Me too. I was up front for Triumph with some chick on my shoulders. What a time that was.

[@mikewoods8565]

I was there when I was 17 years old as well. I was a Canadian rocker kid from Calgary and my brother win tickets off the radio and took me !!. We made our home base by that huge Canadian flag that was there everyday. I knew all their songs but it was so great to be in a crowd we're not everybody did but they sure did love it !!!

[@Menyhard]

One of the most underrated band ever

[@whiteninja9481]

Underrated by who?

[@vincegedeon6583]

@@whiteninja9481 well they are from Canada thats prob why lots of great Canadian bands never got the attention they deserved American bands were bigger back then

[@giftedplanksify]

Nothing underrated about this band

[@HoofHearted6]

April Wine included.

[@scandmaster]

I agree 200 %. And Rick Emmett probably one of the most underrated guitar players. Almost every guitarplayer who I talk to don't know who that guy is.

[@rmedzoyan]

WATCH all the bands from that day. I’m a huge EVH fan, but on that day Rik, note for note, took the gold. What amazing musicianship!!

[@joeshubin4655]

I tell people that all the time. Rick Emmett's Voice cut thru the heat like a knife and his solo lowered the temperature and made me forget about how hot it was.

[@keeplaughing8181]

Judas priest

[@frankplesko8723]

Of all the bands there that day, Triumph ruled. They simply sounded the best, played the best, and were the most memorable for me. My moment was when they played “Fight the Good Fight”. It was as the sun was setting, and incredible.

[@pawlpoche8736]

Agreed i’ve recently watched Metal Day again and triumph and Judas Priest were the best “sounding” bands that day Totally on top there game and clear sound!

[@RichWards-Wins]

Better than the mighty van Halen?

[@markc5771]

Van Halen sucked as they always did in those days.

[@RichWards-Wins]

@@markc5771 lol...can't argue with that.

[@markc5771]

@@RichWards-Wins Out of all the shows that I've ever been to, Van Halen 1982 was without a doubt the worst. Sloppy and shitty and Daves whole "I forgot the fucking words" shtick was part of the show. He "forgot the fucking words" to the same song in Worcester that year. I call bullshit

[@windowgirl7300]

"TRIUMPH" blew those others bands away!!! How can anyone compare, say, Motley Crue, to TRIUMPH!! IMO... CAN'T BE DONE!!! They were a cross between PROG ROCK and some type of METAL, and ROCK!! Their QUALITY of MUZIK combined with performance was PHENOMENAL. I think many of the CANADIAN BANDS were severely UNDERRATED- "TRIUMPH," "APRIL WINE," "RUSH," and others. I LOVE THEM ALL!!!

[@davidrichter9164]

RUSH was never underrated.

[@Rockmanxpr]

Two things: 1. Further proof Woz is the BEST Steve 2. Rik even makes saying "Oh Shit" sound like poetry

[@woodysdrums8083]

Best band of the whole festival by miles, the level of talent and genius are unsurpassed and they nailed it that day. My hats off to you three.

[@matthewwilson9656]

Triumph is still one of my favorite bands, after 40 years. The quality of their music is unsurpassed. The guitar work is amazing, but so are the blended harmony of their vocals. What sets them apart from most other rock bands are their deep, introspective lyrics. Put all of it together and it's something truly awe inspiring. Their music has helped me through some dark times. I thank God for it

[@benclark2026]

Amen brother

[@somersetcace1]

I remember being about 15 and having an argument with some other kids about Triumph. They were claiming Triumph was like a pop version of rush. No! No they weren't. About the only thing they had in common with Rush, is they were a three piece band from Canada. Beyond that, they were all their own and awesome!

[@tucoblondy1643]

@@somersetcace1 #me too , I still have a old friend that bugs me about “Triush” .

[@minkorrh]

Deep? Introspective? What planet are you living on? They were a fine band but you're going a little too deep there. As a guitar player I will say that nothing on their albums is 'amazing', especially when I have zero difficulty playing it. Look up the word 'sycophant', and don't be surprised when you see your picture there.

[@matthewwilson9656]

@@minkorrh Lol. Deep and introspective, as far as I'm concerned, is about lyrics that help you think about your thinking. Being emotionally intelligent. Do you have any idea what those words mean? Have you ever heard anything like that?

[@pathelsley4451]

I was there right in the front and they freaking killed it. In my opinion they sounded the best of all the bands. What a freaking party that was, a day I will never forget!

[@rogjackson]

Yeah, me too. I was 16. Scorpions also played great. I came for Van Halen and Ed was out of this world. Unfortunately, Dave was drinking too much, JD straight out of the bottle as I recall, and forgetting lyrics in the middles of songs. Nevertheless, it was one hell of a party. I do remember thinking "that Triumph band was good" and later buying a tape of theirs and enjoying it. I don't remember any of the bands having an off day. Talk about rager.

[@TebowcaT21]

No question they and the Scorpions took the show. Like you said. A day I’ll never forget!

[@paulweisgerber7654]

I was 18 and now, 40 years later, I’m still convinced that there will never be anything close to that day ever again. Rob Halford doing doughnuts on a Harley onstage, Ozzy and Randy, DLR screaming “I FORGOT THE FUCKING WOOORRRRDS!!”, Alex’s drum solo and Eddie’s Eruption, omg so many epic things … And blowing everyone else away, the best band of the day, Triumph. No, the Scorps. No, Triumph. No…. Aaaaaahhh! I still can’t decide! I just know that 380K+ people were there, nobody died, hardly anyone was arrested, and it was the biggest squirt gun fight in the history of mankind, lol! I totally wish I still had the t-shirt.

[@pathelsley4451]

@@paulweisgerber7654 Lots of great music that day for sure but that was Jake E Lee with Ozzy that day, sadly Randy had passed away…

[@garyconner6151]

Your a legend.

[@dumbcat]

they laid it on the line

[@STVG71]

Their performance of Fight The Good Fight is EPIC! The guitar solo Rik plays is just perfect.

[@I_need_an_oil_change]

Oh yes.

[@jmonty2005]

The other 3-piece rock band from Canada. So underrated. Thunder Seven is one of the best hard rock albums of the 80's

[@timprescott4634]

One of probably only three times in internet history where the underrated comment is actually accurate.

[@scottsouter280]

Thunder Seven is fucking gold!

[@ytr3488]

@@scottsouter280 Absolutely so is Allied forces

[@MGT_1960]

The other, other, other 3 pc. band from Canada. (Rush, Triumph, Stampeders, Goddo) 😀🎶🎸🇨🇦

[@minkorrh]

Triumph suffered from shitty production. When I was young I literally hated their thin, middy, guitar sound, but as an adult hearing the remastered songs, I was all in.

[@joes5150]

Rik Emmet is a great and under rated guitar player, singer, song writer and performer

[@gsdfan8455]

Damn straight.

[@stevewoan7834]

Absolutely 100%

[@marksavage1744]

He was a force onstage when I saw them live!!!!

[@brianlobo1512]

And he looks like Keith Emerson!

[@Edmundrs3rd]

As much as I understand your statement, I have to slightly disagree with your choice of words. Rik's problem is not that he is under rated (fans know how amazing he is), but his problem is that he was under exposed and not enough people have heard of him. If they had, then he would be up there with the best of the best. Semantics. Not a dis on your comment, I just wish more knew of him and Triumph.

[@Zoyous]

Man that drummer moves so smooth he looks like he's going in slow motion but he's hitting these precision fast fills

[@papapoodo6685]

I was there with my mom! What a day !

[@mikewoods8565]

I was a 17-year-old rocker kid from Calgary and my brother won tickets off the radio to go to the US Festival and took me !!!. We made our home base by that huge Canadian flag that was there everyday.. What a great set Triumph had and everyone was really into it

[@DMDvideo10]

Triumph was a band that did it right. They wrote and recorded great songs and then performed them great live. No gimmicks just talent and music...

[@cupoli138]

Many many bands do it the same way. Gimmick? How about their spandex? Their limited amount of palatable music pales in comparison to many bands that do use "gimmicks". A woman wearing jewelry or makeup is a gimmick along with anybody wearing clothing. Its better to be forthright but a little flash is not grievous...too much, unlike the early mtv mantra, is more than enough.

[@zappa1723]

@@cupoli138 whatever dude, you're nothing but a hater , period end of story

[@michaelcraig9449]

SKILLS. Talent alone does nothing, if not turned into skills! I hate that word talent, it is the most overrated word.

[@DMDvideo10]

@@michaelcraig9449 I believe everyone has a talent... Most people never learn to tap into it...

[@BillyGreen66]

Great fuckin' band from my high school days! Those Canucks rocked!

[@Jermeister12]

Hell yeah 😀😀

[@DineOnVR]

Triumph and Judas Priest sounded the best that day. I was 13 yrs old, and already a huge Triumph fan. My uncle turned me on to Triumph and Rush at an early age. Epic!

[@JimReuterskiold]

Triumph's relentless positive energy was what made them special.

[@christianhenriquenobrega3281]

A masterpiece of music history, their performance on the Us Festival was fantastic. They stole the show that day.

[@raid7752]

I was at this show for my 21st birthday. I love VAN HALEN, but folks they were not very good this night. Day 2 (Sunday, May 29th 1983) was dubbed “Heavy Metal Day,” with Quiet Riot; Mötley Crüe; Ozzy Osbourne; Judas Priest; Triumph, Scorpions; and Van Halen. Van Halen had already been three months into a massive tour when the 1983 US Festival came up, and weren’t in the best condition when their tour bus arrived at the concert site. David Lee Roth was so wasted he couldn’t remember the words to the band’s songs. According to Wozniak himself, in his memoir Woz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon, Roth was “practically falling down onstage. He was so drunk, slurring and forgetting lyrics and everything.”

[@lucabrasisleepswiththefish77]

VH was the highest paid band for US. ($1.5m I believe) Kudos to you for being there...(I'm still kicking myself for not being there!)

[@dontmakemelaugh01]

I stayed through Eddie's solo and walked out. I was so disappointed in Roth. Walked all the way back to San Bernadino.

[@jackluminous6024]

I know it's called "Rock Star", but D. L. Roth was the epitome of A-hole rockstar... A lot of Americans fell into the trap of being a dam dumpster fire .. (axl, vince, the entire grunge scene to name a few...) But not so with our Canadian brothers up North! 🇨🇦 Freedom Peace and Bacon Grease!

[@Freakinreviews]

I was there, the week after my 15th birthday. Triumph came on as the sun was going down and it was cooling off, so it just felt like a special moment at the concert. Triumph was a nice balance in between Judas Priest and the Scorpions. I was a huge fan of Triumph at the time, and seeing them at this event was pretty special.

[@toothyfangface1583]

You are a lucky man. I would have been 11 and my older sisters went but they didn't drag me along. Who could blame them? But damn, you saw Scorps, Priest, and Triumph? Lucky man. And I've always loved Triumph

[@brentschwebel2384]

I was there too. 15 years old. Took the US Bus from Bakersfield.

[@jb-yi4di]

Wow. Triumph and Scorpions at the same show. What a musical heaven.

[@nickjohnson5202]

@Mark Barajas.. It was Hell hot that day wasn't it?! It would kill me today, but at 14 it was fun

[@ralphtom3431]

Awesome man . If you didn't go to high school in the late 70s early 80s you've missed the boat on Punk. Hardcore , rock,hard rock , and new Wave cuz anything else is poser shite

[@kurtsaxton823]

I was there. I was an intern photographer for kmet Los Angeles and I covered metal day Triumph was definitely out of place for that day's lineup but they rocked the hell out of it.

[@cazgerald9471]

ꓕƎꟽꓘ

[@kurtsaxton823]

@@cazgerald9471 The Mighty MET.

[@mvunit3]

Oh Jeez! How I miss those days of KLOS, KWEST and KMET. When they weren't afraid of getting proggy or heavy after 10pm. But KMET had Jim Ladd and "The Metal Shop/kMETAL", maybe one of the 1st ALL Metal programs in the nation on a major AOR FM station. Soooo many bands from the underground and semi-famous that I still listen to. Those days of that type of radio are LONG gone.

[@kurtsaxton823]

@@mvunit3 the Burner Mary Turner.

[@kurtsaxton823]

@@mvunit3 Jim Ladd was the last true DJ, Mary Turner went to their sister station in Chicago and was still there early 2000's not sure now, and Ladd did a show on radio Paradise.

[@The1WhoKnowsTheTruth]

They were the best that day. Their sound was insanely great. Rik recognized it as a chance to really make a statement and he did.

[@movieman1556]

Was so glad to be there for all three days of music. Metal day was legendary. Triumph was perfection.🖤

[@BangerFilms_]

Amazing that you were there!

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Did your sunburn heal yet? 😁

[@rdlykryk4384]

Yeah buddy, Can't believe how long it's been. A few of us Metal head Marines hitched up from Pendleton. Still have the photos somewhere. What a blast from the past.

[@enricomedici498]

i was in the navy stationed in san Diego driove to sana Monica night before g ok t up at 7 headed to the show for heavy metalday traffic was backed up for miles one of the best days of my life

[@traviswyatt1113]

Still remember bringing home the Never Surrender album when it was first released and playing it over and over and over…then going back and discovering all of their previous material. Will always be a huge Triumph fan!

[@timothya.olmeda7299]

I got the chance to see Triumph 10 months earlier on July 2, 1982 at the Rose Bowl. Aldo Nova, Blue Oyster Cult, Triumph, and Journey. I was impressed by them all, but Triumph stood out and impressed me the most. Even as a 14 year old teenager. ☺️

[@richardbaxter2057]

Aldo Nova......now there’s a name that you don’t hear too often.....🤪❤️

[@RedBud315]

That's crazy because I saw the same lineup at the Rose Bowl but, instead of Triumph it was Loverboy who I think is also a Canadian band. When I did a little searching it appears they played in June of 81 and July of 82 at the Rose Bowl and both shows had Triumph but, I could have sworn I saw Loverboy. I've never seen Triumph live. I'm pretty sure I saw the July 82 show but, that was along time ago.

[@timothya.olmeda7299]

@@RedBud315 Do you remember the trash fight? M-80’s being thrown around the audience and set off? This took place at the 1982 show on the Fourth of July weekend. Estimated crowd of around 90,000+. Surprisingly it was the last show of the Escape Tour. They did play at the Forum four nights in a row November 22-25 in 1981 earlier in the tour. The opening bands for those shows were, Point Blank Billy Squire The Greg Kihn Band Loverboy

[@kevinismawayoflife4660]

I saw them 1 week before you. June 27 1982. Toledo Speedway. Foreigner, triumph, loverboy, Donnie iris. I could swear I remember Billy Squier playing that show also, but when I go back and look at the lineup he’s not on it. It’s all a little fuzzy

[@gator2813]

@@RedBud315 I was there and I remember it as being Loverboy instead of Triumph as well. But the other people I went with say it was Triumph. The fireworks show at the end was spectacular.

[@23skidoo46]

I think going into US '83 most ppl there were like - " Triumph? on heavy metal day? " . But , after their set most ppl were blown away by them live. Great band w/great songwriting. They might've been 2nd best that day right behind the Scorps as far as performance. No one touched the Scorps on that day. They were on top of their game.

[@fleatactical7390]

Scorpions were (and still are) my all-time favorite band. I don't listen to them as much as I did in the past, but I followed their career closely. True professionals and the interviews they have given over the years are something anyone interested in becoming a professional musician should listen to. Just a solid group of guys. Well, with one exception... someone whose name shall go unmentioned.

[@natewunderman4597]

I was there, and you're right. The Scorpions were the best of the day & night.

[@zappa1723]

I've seen Scorpions numerous times they were great but I felt that Triumph stole the whole show

[@tucoblondy1643]

@@fleatactical7390 Uli Jon Roth or Kottak ?

[@johndef5075]

Scorpions and Priest were on top of their game in '83. Great concert memories!

[@PurpleRain7474]

Rik's voice makes me weak at the knees, and to watch him jam his guitar the way he does, makes me fall to the floor 🤪😍🥰 Very underated band. These guy's had an amazing sound!!

[@letsgobrandon5800]

Nearly 40 years ago and still being talked about! Triumphant Triumph.

[@dono546]

Went to see Nazareth in 83 Triumph headlined and stayed for them - Whoa - Still one of the best live shows I've ever seen. Amazing sound and performance live

[@Nick-qf7vt]

Damn you're lucky! Two of my fav bands

[@indierockyhockey]

Nazareth! Hair of the Dog

[@machupikachu1085]

I'm betting that show was in Canada...

[@jeffwarren4938]

Two great bands...love Triumph and we wore out Hair of the Dog in high school as well. Saw Triumph three times...first time in 79....saw Nazareth with Blackfoot in 80 or 81.....that was one hell of a show...Blackfoot kicked ass too!

[@darindavis6291]

They were so unbelievably good live...

[@Jimmy-sb3fc]

My dream ticket for bands would be Rush and Triumph playing together... Two Canadian 3 piece bands would have been AWESOME!

[@tucoblondy1643]

Triumph’s lyrics where never about sex,drugs they where mostly uplifting ,positive , some about broken relationships that resonate how average people feel . Great piro, & laser shows for there time , and riks voice and great guitar where on another level ,that show & tour was the greatest !

[@sascotttx5145]

Well, except for that one girl, uhm, in San Antonio. You know ... the one that was shaken' her thing? I don't think I'll ever forget that little brown-eyed beauty. Got to shake it!

[@tucoblondy1643]

@@sascotttx5145 even Gil sang “ i’ll have her back by 11 o’clock dad I promise “ . American girls

[@sascotttx5145]

@@tucoblondy1643 I was thinking of Little Texas Shaker, from Rock and Roll Machine.

[@tucoblondy1643]

@@sascotttx5145 omg .. Just played it , were there different copies of Rock n roll machine ? I don’t even recall this one

[@sascotttx5145]

@@tucoblondy1643 Come on, Tuco. That's the kind of question a grown up asks. This was probably 1979, so I wasn't a grown up yet, I just thought I was smarter than most of them. Most likely I had the cassette tape to listen to in the Le Mans. It would still be a couple of years before I learned the value of buying the vinyl and then recording a copy for the car. But you had to use a good tape, like a Maxell UDXL-II. I still have ticket stubs to some shows. I paid $7 to see Triumph in 1978. Paid $8.50 to see Triumph and UFO, both headliners, in 1980. Back to the song .... listen to it closely. It's pretty much "Foxy Lady" with different lyrics.

[@nunyabizness1708]

One of those bands that sounds better live than on the studio album. And the studio album sounded fantastic.

[@tucoblondy1643]

My wife bought me Rik’s 2/100 Flying V Dean guitar for our anniversary some 18 years ago , my son who plays plugs it in every once in a while and treats me to some triumph riffs , brings a big smile 😊 definitely unique sounding

[@jimbarrofficial]

I saw these guys 3 weeks before this gig in Worcester, MA with Foghat. For $10.50 (including tax) it was the best value concert I've ever seen.

[@mikelopez9817]

One of my favorite bands man... they were so unrated it's a crime!

[@MoMoMyPup10]

They didn't have length or the anthem of hits like other bands but while they were together there was none better.

[@keithkoenig5320]

Come now, People! It wasn't all that and I saw them live back in the day.

[@mikesimonian484]

How are they under rated?

[@jeremysears4263]

@@mikesimonian484 They aren't mentioned among their peers and they were , from what I've heard from their songs on KZbin so fat, every bit as good as the best from that time period. Technically at least. I've rarely heard of them. But I still hear people I listened to in the 90's list Scorpions and Priest as influential. Obviously Motley and Van Halen are well known

[@funniebunnie4u]

Oh yeah baby.... 🔥🔥💜🔥🔥💜🔥🔥 Unexpected happy tears! Lolzz.. What an amazing band, and wild time to be alive. I was 16 years old, at that time and completely wrapped up, in ALL things Triumph! Thanks for the memories, and the magic, of the music!

[@rickmartin2168]

I was fortunate to see Triumph back in the day. That band blew me away...... I still listen to them today. Timeless quality original sound Rock and Roll. 🎸

[@Treester100]

Always LOVED this band . Lay it on the line is one of the all time BEST!

[@rhesreeves5339]

This gave me chills. It's like accidentally seeing a girl you are still in love with. All the memories come flooding back.. Most underrated metal band.

[@BoslagerBBQ]

Great band can’t figure out why they weren’t more popular.

[@deputyduffy]

They wern't dirt bags

[@scotttappin9298]

The greatest weekend of my life as a senior in high school

[@benclark2026]

Wow...footage of Emmett's excellent solo that I've never seen before...cant wait to see the documentary

[@BangerFilms_]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@wesmattimore2895]

You can get the DVD, I got it and it's FANTASTIC

[@johnsoos6907]

@@wesmattimore2895 Does it include the entire performance, as well?

[@wesmattimore2895]

@@johnsoos6907yes, you should get it...

[@johnsoos6907]

@@wesmattimore2895 I definitely will!

[@digidrum2003]

I remember back in the early 80's Triumph shirts were everywhere....it was awesome!!!

[@robertbeasley2218]

I was at that show. They sounded better than all the rest. It was beautiful.

[@rushrules81]

Rush will always be my favorite band but these guys were amazing too and deserve more credit, great band, great live.

[@gocars3210]

1:26 Neil

[@rushrules81]

@@gocars3210 haha that guy does look like him.

[@hunterhunter5906]

I was there, man what a day! Triumph rocked! They didn't seem at all out of place to me, just a great band that totally belonged there.

[@WillyPark]

Even here in 2022, I remember Triumph was the best band of that day.

[@mjt7231]

The finger style solo was so good.

[@chrish8932]

Awesome!! Cannot wait for the documentary to hit the states.

[@haigreen]

Can't wait to get my hands on this rockumentary, great footage, great insight. Don't forget the Triumph fans across the Atlantic!

[@toothnail605]

If you were facing the stage I was on the right side and really close. I was 20 yrs old at the time and to see Rik do his solo was something that stayed with me for many many years, (and i'm a drummer not a guitarist) Triumph was on fire that day they stuck to their guns and who they are as a band and individual people who believe in being themselves -- by doing so they rivaled any band that day and/or the whole festival. It was great to see them having a great time but more importantly they weren't all drunk and super sloppy like well, I won't mention names. You want to drink before you go on stage thats fine and your business, but when it has an effect on your performance then i'll call you out and call you a big loser! Simply because your taking people's money and most people have to suffer to obtain their money. Again only if it affects you performance. JP, Scorpions, and Triumph stole/took the show hands down!!

[@robthornton9129]

The most underrated band of the 80s and I was there and there was a lot of women there and a lot of them had their shirts off too

[@michaelbujanda8785]

I finally bought this documentary on blue ray!!!!! 😃😄😁😀 I have watched it like 50 times!!!! I can't get enough of Triumph!!!! I love the stories told by Rik, Gil, and Mike!!!! I found the documentary very enjoyable!!!! I loved the live performance at the end when they played at Metal Works studio!!!! In front of some Die Hard fans!!!!! A thank you performance to pay homage to all Triumph fans!!!!!😄😄😄😄👍👍👍😁😀😁

[@Jermeister12]

TRIUMPH 😀I've always loved them 😀I saw them several times .They kicked ass😀

[@PresidentGas1]

I was at the first US Festival in 82. Epic.

[@johnkeller5163]

When John 5 talks about playing guitar perfectly, that is coming from a fantastic guitarist to admire Rik Emmett. I saw Triumph three times in concert and yes, they were frankly epic in concert.

[@ToneAddictions]

A perfect moment in time!!!!!

[@brianphillips9152]

Beautiful Tama Imperialstar kit with 5x14 Imperialstar steel snare.

[@stevelee3264]

I was there and Triumph with Rick Emmit was a huge difference from the Judas Priest before and Scorpions after.. They rocked!

[@stevenlornie1261]

Great band. It's a shame they never lasted long enough for my generation to see them. This looks like it could be a great watch.

[@briansauer6695]

They were AWESOME Steven! Was 17 in '84 and saw them in my hometown of Guelph Ontario, along with Helix opening for them on the Thunder 7 tour. It was my 2nd concert ever, with Maiden's Powerslave tour being my first. To this day, out of the hundreds of concerts I've seen from backyards, to bars, to arenas and stadiums, the Thunder 7 tour would rank in my top 5! Having Helix open was a real treat too as Helix were on their 3rd album tour.

[@jeffwarren4938]

Saw them three times, first time was in '78 or '79.

[@jamescoleakaericunderwood2503]

I wanted to end up at the US FESTIVAL too! It was so hot litteraly on Heavy Metal Day... people were dropping like flies during Ozzy...we were hand to hand over our heads people that needed medical ... Eric Underwood Class of 81 Downey High School California

[@jimtatro6550]

Please do a full length documentary about these guys. We’ve got the Rush doc,the ZZ Top doc, we need the other great trio doc.

[@briansauer6695]

They did. It's called Rock And Roll Machine. It was on TV in Canada about 3 weeks ago on a Saturday night. It was AWESOME!

[@bobbrown6603]

There's a DVD of the documentary coming out late summer/early fall according to Gil

[@tmklunk]

They need to do this again before all the greats are gone!

[@ellamcclanahan9811]

I was there 13 years old great times

[@christrudell7966]

I seen Triumph at Stephen Leacock High School as a teenager. Rick Emmett had sparklers on his guitar. Unbelievable talent from Toronto.

[@bobcaygeon4533]

I went to Agincourt Collegiate. Also saw them at our school. There was some great Canadian Rock and Roll in those days.

[@fintanoclery2698]

@@bobcaygeon4533 I missed it on account of being a tad young but they played my brother's high school in Simcoe..........and I've lived on the outskirts of Bobcaygeon for 25 years.......Canada may be geographically big but it's a small village.

[@bobcaygeon4533]

@@fintanoclery2698 Small world. My wife and I just moved to Simcoe county (Brechin area) from Mississauga. Almost neighbours! Lol.

[@kq6878]

I was 16 when i went to heavy metal sunday. Was just about to the fence when triumph was on..fantastic performance...still remember that show very well almost 40 years later...kids these days don't know the bliss of music in that decade

[@diamondplate]

Day on the Green, Oakland Ca. Journey, TRIUMPH, Eddie Money, Brian Adams and Nightranger. Triumph was incredible. Bought my first Triumph cassette the next day.

[@miguelbarahona6636]

Steve, we are so glad you did it!

[@georgehuerta1990]

Back in high school I love this band I seen them about three times fantastic band to see in concert

[@RockinExperience]

Rik Emmet is such a cool dude. Met him backstage after a killer solo show. He jammed just 3 feet from me. 🤯

[@lwayneo]

I was there on that glorious day and Triumph was on top that day. I saw them play at the Rose Bowl as well with Aldo Nova, B.O.C. and Journey. On this day Steve Perry was magical.

[@SGBassplayer]

Us Festival ‘83 is definitely the first destination if I ever get hold of a time travel device.

[@donbabcock2062]

Such a powerful positive message and the pure musical abilities of these guys, Triumph is one of my favorites of all time!

[@tfs4499]

GREAT BAND, GREAT MUSIC, GREAT TIMES!

[@97warlock]

US Festival Day 2 ...... The One that got away ... I was on the far far east coast,may as well been a million miles away, but I read and gawked at every magazine that came out from then on with US Festival coverage.

[@lizzieb6311]

OMG! I SO LOVED Triumph! Absolutely AMAZING! Triumph… ELO… Boston…those were my jam ♥♥♥♥♥

[@Murasama]

I count myself lucky to have attended so many concerts in the 80's and 90's for so many huge rock/metal acts including several of Triumph's (the Allied Forces and Never Surrender tours were incredible). I remember recording the US Festival on Betamax tapes (versus VHS) just to get a little extra quality. While Triumph looked out of place on Heavy Metal day and also didn't have their usual pyro and light show, their absolutely positive music and musicianship did the talking. Still consider Triumph concerts as being in my personal top 10 and am so looking forward to the documentary including the short superfan show they did.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

what a day, the metal day in May 1983. Triumph are underappreciated A leaguers. Their music is timeless. Nice to get The Woz to introduce the band. Jake E Lee's debut with Ozzy,......Imagine if Randy Rhoads had lived, the guitar hero power on the bill with Randy, Rik and EVH....even Carlos.

[@darrenvanderwilt1856]

I was there that day. The whole show was epic. I got sunburned but had a blast. Triumph was spectacular.

[@jimmyfranks8854]

Such an accurate title. I saw Triumph twice. Second time at the US Festival. They rocked! Sounded so good and great show!! Scorpions and Judas were good, but most bands not so much. Triumph rocked!!

[@jeddyhi]

"Music holds the secret, to know it can make you whole. it's not just a game of notes, it's the sounds inside your soul" And with that, I was hooked.

[@m.e.1297]

Amazing song. Just A Game was released in my senior year and became the soundtrack of my life. They aren’t in the Rock Hall of Fame but Madonna is. Wrap your head around that!

[@sharpdressedvan]

Have you ever moved on to some real music? Not some adolescent attempts at simple rhymes? The sounds inside your soul are probably your farts gathering to explode.

[@MrRugbyloosehead]

I have the DVD/CDand the first time I watched it, I got goose bumps from watching the crowd, give the band the deafening roar of applause, when they finished their set! Like the look on the guys faces said it all! I'm sure this was the moment of their career! But the fact they stood out in a day full of the cream of metal was so great! I love watching that video to see it again and again,the look of accomplishment!

[@starlight6325]

Simple facts - highly underrated band, more talent between the THREE of them than 2 or 3 other bands combined that played that day, and style that captivated their audience. TRIUMPH deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

[@malibuconv1968]

I was at the US Festival '83 and it was every bit as great as it looks.

[@leelauder4411]

I came home and the phone rang,, my girlfriend was crying histerically!! I said WTF happened?? She said Van Halen was playing!!! LMFAO!!

[@davidgraskemper8518]

Saw them at the Richfield Coliseum New Year's Eve 1984. Molly Hatchett opened for them. My first concert.

[@danielethier2015]

Blinding light show is in my top favorite songs by triumph. I'm a 60yr old schooler and have heard..seen the best of the best. Triumph rocks 👍👍👍

[@judysmith6563]

One of all-time favorite bands.

[@timprescott4634]

#woz is the MAN and Triumph ROCKS!

[@TPain79lawguy]

The 1980s was probably the culmination of classic rock n roll - so much great music and talent. Missed greatly.

[@joshgeiger8942]

I would say classic rock was over by the 80s. But the 80s were a helluva decade for music.

[@TPain79lawguy]

@@joshgeiger8942 Fair point.

[@razorsharp8549]

To this day, when I feel a bit down, I always play some Triumph to lift me up. Works all the time.

[@toddpeterson2992]

When i watched this concert, I loved all of the bands, but Triumph gave me the greatest pleasure. So criminally under rated and almost forgotten.

[@jaysantos536]

I knew they were a BIG TIME talent in 1979 when "Just A Game" hit our record store. I played it ALL the time in store...

[@ivantheterrible2796]

why did it stop? I wanted it to continue! Def looking forward to seeing this banger!

[@fishman-tr9im]

Outstanding video. I'd lost the details of this event in my mind. What a day and what a story. I've seen Triumph live 4 times and they're phenomenal - they are captivating...🤘

[@kevinismawayoflife4660]

They were my first concert. Toledo Speedway Jam 1982. What a great band!