Rik Emmett of Triumph fame shares his engaging rock memoir, demonstrating he isn’t your typical rocker – engaging in sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It becomes overt that Emmett is a musician, taking pleasure in the art of creating and performing music. Unlike many rock stars that love to party, Emmett made sure he stayed hydrated and got plenty of rest during grueling tour schedules.
Emmett shares his musical influences including the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, and Yes. Emmett tells interesting celebrity stories, and dubbing himself as a minor celebrity. Emmett recalls being shy and reserved as a child, and overcoming panic attacks. Emmett talks glowingly about his loving family, the wife he married 47 years ago, and his four children, and now four grandchildren.
In “Lay it on the Line” Emmett recalls the early success Triumph enjoyed, but also being entangled in a costly battle with their record label. In the end, another record company would buy out their existing deal, but the band would struggle to pay back the debt. Emmett talks about the factors that led to his departure from the band, and what ultimately brought him back for a reunion tour. Fittingly, Emmett and his band mates would receive Canadian hall of fame honors.
Emmett admits to being a secular agnostic humanist, and shares his insights on God, religion, and politics. The rocker also offers his advice for musicians, the art of creating music and writing lyrics. Emmett recalls his favorite live gigs, going solo, reinventing himself, and his decision to retire from touring. Rest assured, Emmett’s “Lay it on the Line” is not your typical rock memoir.
By: Rik Emmett
Narrated by: Eric Smies
Length: 9 hrs
Release date: 10-10-23
