Rick Emmett:Leaving Triumph

One of the best guitarist walking the earth today. Very under-rated and better than most.

Would like to make a correction here...."one of Canada's premier guitarist" should read "One of the world's premier guitarist". Thank you.

I am an American of strong Canadian-French heritage, but went to college in Texas, and Triumph was absolutely huge there in the late 70's/early 80's where I first heard them from records in dorm rooms.  Still today, as then, I could not believe Rik's level of musicianship--just a fabulous musician; a tasteful, sensitive, highly facile player.  I still love Rik's music.  I remember being so impressed that he included a classical guitar piece and also a jazz arrangement on every album in there with all that great rock.  It inspired me to begin classical lessons and eventually get a music degree.  He opened the door for a kid who had only been exposed to electric guitars and country music to learn about classical and then jazz.  I wish he knew what his music meant to me and what a tremendous influence he was on my development.  Rik is a North American TREASURE.

I understand what he's saying but the video is mistitled. He never discusses leaving the band.

Rik Emmett is a class act and phenomenal musician. Very inspiring guy.

As a guitarist, singer, songwriter myself for 36 years. This fan loves your versatility & melodic chops. And I love your drive to challenge yourself. It's like you feed off challenging pieces of music. Never Surrender!

Rik, I’m 60 years old and been playing guitar for 48 years now. My touring top 40/(now) Classic rock band had several Triumph songs in our set in the early ‘80’s and I loved that stuff. However, I absolutely love the more recent efforts every bit as much if not more so. I think you’ve progressed tremendously. I couldn’t care less whether it’s acoustic and melodic or a wall of harmony electric leads blistering my ears. It’s all good. Most fans just don’t understand what it’s like to play the same songs night after night. Hell, Skynyrd plays the same solos note-for-note night after night some 50 years later. Man, don’t pay any attention to people that can’t possibly empathize with you as a musician. Your talent will always outshine the shadows of negativity anyway. Love your music - please keep it coming. You’re amazingly talented my friend.

Ric has that special one of a kind voice. He has that high pitch. Love the way he sings Fight the Good Fight. And his guitar playing is phenomenal. He also has great stage presence and command.

For such a gifted guitarist Rik is humble as hell. One of the best all around guitarist ever!

One of the greatest guitarists of all time. The fact that he plays so many different styles is what makes him so incredible. I saw Triumph twice back in the 1980's. Always a great show with that band.

I saw Triumph at least 3 times in Seattle!! I won tickets once off the radio. I had every album. Those were the good ole days! I miss Triumph so bad!!! I loved all 3 of you!..Loved u guys so much I went out and bought a TR7..since I didn't win the one at the show in Seattle that was being gave away. The guy in front of me won it. Lol Love your guitar playing..fan for life!

I understand what he means about being "the soundtrack to someone's life". On the other hand, we can't expect him to stay frozen in 1981. He's different, the other members of Triumph are different, we've changed, the entire world has changed. 

He is playing in Walkerton tonight (March 10 2018) and I have 3 tickets. This is a beyond words moment because I have admired his music for 40++++ years.

Rick is an absolute perfectionist in the level of his guitar playing.

My one wish is Triumph would reunite for a world tour. Please!!

I met Rik Emmett back stage in Clifton Park NY, his teacher was a professor in music, Joe Pass and I bought one of the guitars he used, a beautiful blonde full hollow body Gibson and Rik signed it for me, we played a little and my vocalist was with me and knew most of his material... A night to remember! 

Brilliant...brilliant man.....he and his music have become the sound track of MY life...been listening to him since 81...and such a good person. Thank you Rikk...for everything you have done

How can anyone not love this dude? He is simply awesome!!

Rik Emmett you're a good man.

Rick is an amazing guitarist who can play many styles brilliantly. I liked Triumph because of Rick's playing. He doesn't have to play heavy metal or hard Rock. Finger Talking is a mixture of flamenco, country, jazz, blues and it's amazing.