You guys know we are very close with our clientele, but sometimes our clients hold the truth back from us. The truth is that this guitar was sent to us by the aforementioned on consignment. Our client, Bill (well, I do need to hide his real identity to protect the innocent) said to me, "Hey Lee. This guitar was just sitting around and I need the space, ya know?" After a little prodding under the guise of getting the history of the instrument, the mystery was revealed. It's now apparent and in the open that our contact was well on his way to replacing Rik Emmett of Triumph. As the story was revealed to me by Bill (yea right- his likely name), Rik was getting a little too big for his britches for bandmate Mike Levine. You see, Mike was tired of his lyrics being changed by Rik. Even if you know the band, you might not be aware that the original version of "Lay It On the Line," was entitled "Who Touched My Behind?" and you may also not know that the instrumental called "A Midsummer's Daydream" was originally titled, "I Ate Mexican and Soiled My Jeans": A sordid tale of eating chile rellenos and the excess of drinking Tecate beer. Look, I can relate to that but unfortunately, Rik could not. As you can see, Mike being an equal partner was, at that point looking for Rik's replacement. As the story was conveyed to me, Bill was a roadie for Triumph in the Summer of 1980 and not half bad on an axe, so of course he was apprised on the upcoming vacancy. Knowing that Rik utilized a doubleneck guitar in the show, Bill bought him one with the expectation of becoming a touring member. Sounds great right? Not so fast! That's when Rik pulled the demo for their forthcoming album, "Allied Forces." You see, for Triumph, that album was to them as "Dark Side of the Moon" was to Pink Floyd. Once the band heard that demo, poor Bill was relegated to unloading the Marshalls again. As Florida Evans said on Good Times, "Damn, Damn, Damn!" This guitar is a reminder of Bill's "I was almost there moment" and as you can see, it's in exceptionally fine condition. Now you know the reason- unrealized potential. As for Bill, well he did have the last laugh, you know. He is now living a life of anonymity in the Great White North. After he was dismissed from his duties by the band, Bill got several degrees in business and was last seen rubbing elbows with Hugh Hefner. As a surprise to all after Triumph disbanded, Bill bought all of the rights to their songs and as I was told, has "Allied Forces" perpetually playing at his palatial estate. You see folks, it's never been about where you start, it's where you finish.