The story of Anvil continues
Emo’s, Austin, January 25, 2010
Reviewed by Adi Anand
One of the most compelling tales to come out of the music business recently, "Anvil! The Story Of Anvil," directed by former roadie Sacha Gervasi, has finally brought the veteran Canadian band all the fame and glory they yearned for throughout an almost incomprehensible career timeline.
The band formed in 1978, and by the early '80s, they were set to lead metal music's charge onto worldwide audiences. Of course, if you've watched that stellar documentary, you know what happened next. And then again. And so on. Until last year. Gervasi's film has given this oft-maligned band another shot at glory, and boy, have they seized it with both hands.
The current tour is tailor-made not just for Anvil fans, but perhaps more importantly, it fits best friends Steve Kudlow (a.k.a. Lips) and Robb Reiner like a pair of gloves. Every stop on the jaunt includes a screening of the movie, followed by a live performance, and then the band gets to bask in its glory by mingling with fans.
The performance was memorable; the reception Lips and Reiner received probably even more unforgettable. The set-list included all the old favorites as well as material from their new record "This Is Thirteen."
Lips was at his best, delivering one scorching guitar riff after another and constantly engaging the crowd between songs. He paid tribute to one of his biggest influences, "Back then, I was a kid listening to Black Sabbath...I'm still a kid listening to Black Sabbath" and there were plenty of anecdotes that had the familiar "25 years ago..." prelude.
Reiner was in fine form as well, delivering a thrilling drum solo during White Rhino. Other highlights included Forged In Fire (Anvil's anthem), Metal On Metal" (the fan's anthem) and Mad Dog (dedicated to Lips' British bulldog Beast).
It doesn't matter that Anvil has become somewhat of a novelty act, and it's besides the point that they are finally attaining the success they so craved as teenagers. They helped create a niche in mainstream music 25 years ago, it was heartening just to see that, in concert, Anvil is still at the top of its game, dispensing top-notch metal music to the masses.
And the crowd ate it up in exuberant fashion, chanting the band's name after almost every song. Except for that one fan who was displeased that his V.I.P. package did not afford him a free copy of the DVD. He even hassled Reiner for a good five minutes during the chaotic meet and greet, and was soon escorted out, but not before crying out "Anvil sucks." It was much like a movie. Thankfully, it was Lips' words of wisdom that rang true as the hordes dressed in Motörhead, Megadeth, DIO, Iron Maiden, ACDC, Obituary, and of course Anvil clothing, filed out, "Metal is here forever. It is timeless music."
