May 2026 • Volume 52, Number 07 • www. illinoisentertainer. com
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TRIUMPH anadian rock trio, Triumph, have recently reunited after 30 years apart to partake in a 50th anniversary North American tour.“ The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded 2026 Tour” will celebrate the band’ s long and stellar career. Guitarist / vocalist Rik Emmett, bassist / keyboardist Mike Levine, and drummer / vocalist Gil Moore have forged a musical bond that has lasted over 50 years. Thankfully, the three septuagenarian friends have put all their differences behind them and recognized that the time was right to celebrate the band’ s long history and its numerous accomplishments.“ It was the last thing on earth that I ever imagined or contemplated,” Emmett admits during a recent Zoom interview.“ But it just goes to show you how time can change things, and I’ m grateful to have the friendship and the partnership of the guys again. Especially Gil, which, I’ ve had the deepest falling out with him. Mike’ s had his own health challenges through this last little bit, and I’ m not even sure he is going to be able to make it out for too many of the actual touring dates.” One of the main reasons Triumph decided to reunite was recognizing the effect the band’ s classic songs have on people to this day.
Although the future of Triumph after this tour is still undecided, Emmett believes the band still has a future. Kelley Simms spoke to our Canadian heroes that arrive May 13th at Allstate Arena, Rosemont.
06 HELLO MY NAME IS GARY...
As Shoes guitarist / vocalist Gary Klebe remembers it, he never really entertained the notion of cutting his first solo disc at the seasoned age of 73, as he’ s just done with the shimmering new Out Loud set, issued on the band’ s longtime personal imprint, Black Vinyl Records. In fact, whenever he would stop to review its growing catalog of tracks, he would feel less assured, even more doubtful.“ So to be honest, I still wasn’ t sure that I would ever release it, because I just didn’ t feel quite right on my own.”.” But fate found an unexpected way of calling his bluff. The Zion, Illinois native knew it was finally possible to go it alone. Tom Lanham spoke to the talented Mr. Klebe.
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CinerimaScopes
Mando and Grogou.
Spins
Flea, The Colourfield, and more.
The Claudettes
Chicago’ s electic cabaret-rockers are now on Pravda Records.
Media
Sirius XM’ s Mark Ruffin knows Jazz.
Calendar
1600 shows and 4000 bands, it’ s IE’ s live music calendar.
Studiophile
Studio and rehearsal space news.
Classifieds
Music services, musicians and more.
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Publisher
Publisher John Vernon
Contributing Editors Curt Baran Mike Meyer Tom Lanham Lori Vernon
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Classified Advertising David Gedge
Founder Kenneth L. Voss
Publisher Emeritis David Roberts
John Vernon
4 illinoisentertainer. com april 2019 Contributing Editors Curt Baran T L h illinoisentertainer. com may 2026
Advertising Sales Scott Assmann Mike Engel
Advertising Director John Vernon
Website Direction Notion Pool
Senior Columnists
Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
- Sweet Home Rick Kaempfer- Media
Kelley Simms- Caught In A Mosh
David C. Eldredge- East Coast
Advertising Sales Scott Assmann Mike Engel
Ad ti i Di t
Contributors: Andy Argyrakis, Guy Arnston, Penelope Biver, Patrick Conlan, Deena Dasein, Jaime de ' Medici, Andy Derer, Jeff Elbel Terrence Flamm, Steve Forstneger Michael Gallucci, Michael C. Harris, Max Herman, Tom Lanham, Aubrey Vernon Carter Moss, Michael Obrecki, Greg Olma Arsenio Orteza, Rodney Pawlak, Steven Kikoen Bruce Pilato, Matthew Pollock, Jason Scales, Kelley Simms, Ed Spinelli, Riley Vernon, Tim Shockley, James Turano
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