| 'Anvil
-- The True Story of Anvil' is a Sundance favorite.
By Ben Hansen
January 28, 2008 | Are you a Metallica
fan? Have you ever listened to Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax,
or any other band from that genre and wondered where
those bands found their initial sound? If you know your
metal roots, one band comes to mind -- Anvil. This band
inspired many metal artists who went on to sell millions
of albums and tour to millions of fans…while Anvil quickly
faded into obscurity.
Anvil, hailed by some as the godfathers
of thrash and speed metal, have persevered for 30 years
as a band, refusing to fold regardless of industry change,
family pressures, or any other external force. Founding
and current members Steven "Lips" Kudlow (guitars,
vocals) and Robb Reiner (drums) have been playing together
since they were school friends in Toronto, and made
a pact to rock together forever. One of the surprise
hits of Sundance, Anvil --The True Story of Anvil,
chronicles the most recent tour and album recording
of the band Anvil, some 25 years after their greatest
relevance in the eyes of the music industry.
Director Sacha Gervasi spent more
than two years with the band, chronicling and amassing
footage that has been masterfully cut and placed in
making an epic story that takes the audience through
every range of emotion. Facing failure after failure,
and given every reason to give up on their friendship
and their music, the band comes across constant challenges
in their attempt to get out playing live in front of
the fans. It's hard not to feel the bitter disappointment
with the band as they play to "packed houses"
of a few people, have record executives reject their
latest and greatest album, or hear family members repeat
the message that they need to "give it up."
Lips and Robb make a loveable "Yin and Yang"
tandem, and while also layered with a good dosage of
humor, this show definitely has the potential to be
a hit, and should be released to the general public
sometime in the near future, as per Sacha. In Sacha's
words, "At first you may see these guys and think
that they are just funny old heavy metal guys, but they
are authentic guys. Unlike most people, they are not
afraid to go out and try to live their dreams."
This movie is definitely a classic
story of friendship, perseverance, and a "Never
Say Die," attitude that at times would benefit
each of us, capturing the true human spirit at some
of its most raw moments. Metal guitarist Slash (of Guns
N' Roses and Velvet Revolver fame) summed things up
perfectly with a quote at the end of the movie, stating,
"How many bands can you think of honestly who can
stay together for 30 years? You've got a couple -- you've
got the Rolling Stones, you've got the Who, and you've
got Anvil." Let's hope these guys can rock for
another 30 years.
Check out Anvil on their website
at www.anvilmetal.com
for additional information on the film and more.
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