If you keep up with film at all, or if you're a hard rock/heavy metal fan, you've probably already heard about the new documentary Anvil: The Story of Anvil. The movie, which has been highly praised by such acclaimed filmmakers as Michael Moore, focuses on Anvil's struggle to "make it big" in the metal world, even after some 30 years since the band's formation. Ever since the previews appeared on VH1 Classic, I had wanted to see the film. Yet, as usual, it didn't seem as if the film would be playing here anytime soon. However, a few weeks later, I learned from our local paper that not only would the movie be screening here but that the band would actually perform a live set afterward. You must be thinking, "What? A live set where? In a movie theater?" That's right.
When I arrived at the quaint Malco Ridgeway Four (which often screens obscure, independent films), it appeared as if no one was there. A part of me almost thought that the show had been canceled. Anyways, I walked into the theater's lobby, and lo and behold, there sits Anvil guitarist Steven "Lips" Kudlow on the couch, munching away at a bag of popcorn. After a second of awkward staring, I introduced myself as a fan and asked for a photo op. With a mouthful of popcorn, he muttered something that resembled, "Well, I'm sitting right here!" He's not a talkative guy, but still, it was a neat encounter.
Then, I noticed a merch booth on the other side of the lobby, where drummer Robb Reiner (coincidentally the name of This is Spinal Tap's director) stood talking with a manager. He was a little more conversational. At this point, more people began arriving, and I saw some familiar faces within the Memphis guitar community. As usual, before any show, I spent the time chatting with fellow gearheads. By the time the Malco staff allowed us to enter the theater, an extremely long line had formed.
Seeing that this was a movie about metal, I opted for front row seats (not normal for me). In front of the screen was Anvil's gear, all set up and ready to be played after the show. Finally, the overhead lights dimmed, and the movie began, free of trailers and ads. At once, Anvil's most well known track, "Metal on Metal," began playing at a volume much louder than any other movie I've been to. At that point, I knew I was in for a treat.
Even for non-metal fans, the film is a well produced, riveting documentary that will surely capture some more awards in the future. We learn that Anvil, despite their lack of commercial success, remains well respected within the hard rock/metal community, as evidenced by the film's interviews with Slash and Lars Ulrich, both of whom cite Anvil as huge influences. The movie really reminded me of Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler. In both films, you have has-beens who desire to hit it big again, simultaneously risking livelihoods and relationships in the process. When all is said and done, director Sacha Gervasi leaves us with a powerful film about success and failure in the modern world, as well as the often difficult pursuit of the American (err, Canadian in this case) dream.
The real magic of the night came with the short set the band played after the screening. They actually sounded extremely good. My front row seats placed me directly in front of "Lips," who was playing his trustworthy Flying V through his silverface Fender Twin Reverbs. It wasn't a special set up or anything. They didn't have big lights or a fancy stage backdrop. They weren't even mic'ed. But that fact didn't matter. They came out and played with such extreme emotion and passion. You could really tell that these guys really do love what they do, and it made me respect them that much more. I didn't really know any of their songs beforehand, but their little show was probably one of the most unforgettable ones I've been to. If you have a chance to see Anvil: The Story of Anvil or the band themselves, by all means, do so. You won't regret it.
Apparently, the movie has helped Anvil towards reaching their dreams. has now been selected by AC/DC to open at two huge stadium gigs later this summer.
Click here to view the rest of my pictures taken at this show.
Learn more about Anvil: The Story of Anvil.
Seeing that this was a movie about metal, I opted for front row seats (not normal for me). In front of the screen was Anvil's gear, all set up and ready to be played after the show. Finally, the overhead lights dimmed, and the movie began, free of trailers and ads. At once, Anvil's most well known track, "Metal on Metal," began playing at a volume much louder than any other movie I've been to. At that point, I knew I was in for a treat.
Even for non-metal fans, the film is a well produced, riveting documentary that will surely capture some more awards in the future. We learn that Anvil, despite their lack of commercial success, remains well respected within the hard rock/metal community, as evidenced by the film's interviews with Slash and Lars Ulrich, both of whom cite Anvil as huge influences. The movie really reminded me of Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler. In both films, you have has-beens who desire to hit it big again, simultaneously risking livelihoods and relationships in the process. When all is said and done, director Sacha Gervasi leaves us with a powerful film about success and failure in the modern world, as well as the often difficult pursuit of the American (err, Canadian in this case) dream.
The real magic of the night came with the short set the band played after the screening. They actually sounded extremely good. My front row seats placed me directly in front of "Lips," who was playing his trustworthy Flying V through his silverface Fender Twin Reverbs. It wasn't a special set up or anything. They didn't have big lights or a fancy stage backdrop. They weren't even mic'ed. But that fact didn't matter. They came out and played with such extreme emotion and passion. You could really tell that these guys really do love what they do, and it made me respect them that much more. I didn't really know any of their songs beforehand, but their little show was probably one of the most unforgettable ones I've been to. If you have a chance to see Anvil: The Story of Anvil or the band themselves, by all means, do so. You won't regret it.Apparently, the movie has helped Anvil towards reaching their dreams. has now been selected by AC/DC to open at two huge stadium gigs later this summer.
Click here to view the rest of my pictures taken at this show.
Learn more about Anvil: The Story of Anvil.
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