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Anvil!: The Story of Anvil
At age 14, Toronto school friends Steve “Lipsâ Kudlow and Robb Reiner made a pact to rock together forever. Forming their band Anvil, they went on to become the demi-gods of Canadian metal with their acclaimed 1982 album Metal on Metal. The album influenced a generation of rockers that included Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, but despite their notoriety, Anvil quickly slipped from the limelight and into obscurity. Almost 30 years later, Lips and Robb continue to chase their dream. This behind-the-scenes autobiography follows the ups and down of the duoâ s career and their volatile friendship, reveals their dedication and unadulterated passion for their music, and leaves no stone unturned along their last-ditch quest for fame and fortune. Based on Sacha Gervasi's award-winning film of the same name, this hilarious yet poignant account is a reminder that dreams really can come true.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 9, 2019
Listen, I love an underdog story as much as anyone else. Who doesn’t enjoy the idea of the plucky loser taking a victory lap at the expense of the doubters and haters? This tale is as old as time, and spans the world of competition from sports to spelling bees. And music. Of course, music. Anyone can recite the tried and true saga of the Little Band That Could, the one that hoisted that gold record after years of slogging it out playing dives and bar mitzvahs.
Which is where we begin this whole “Anvil: The Story of Anvil” thing off. The 2009 book (supposedly authored by Anvil frontman and lead guitarist Lipps and drummer Robb Reiner) was adapted from a 2008 award-winning documentary titled identically to the book. For those not in the know, Anvil is (they are still active in 2019) a Canadian heavy metal band that started in 1978. They toiled in relative obscurity for decades before screenwriter Sacha Gervasi decided to make a documentary about the band’s forlorn history. The movie centers on an ill-fated European tour set up by an amateur promoter, and the band frequently misses gigs and plays to small crowds even when they do manage to make showtimes. It’s a good movie, and the book is good, too. Anvil is composed of likable guys who never gave in and never gave up. Their popularity briefly exploded after the release of the movie and book, as one might expect. They managed a few dates opening for AC/DC and also did another European tour that ended up being very successful, probably due to having professional management on hand to deliver the goods.
And then the band started to once again find themselves out of the public consciousness and back to a more or less obscure standing in the music industry. I have no real idea what the band is actually doing these days. The only reason I am listing them as “still active” is because their Wiki page says so. What happened? Well, let me tell you something, Mean Gene. The whole Anvil story was really based on a bit of deception. And to do that, we are going to have to separate the Myth from the Reality of the situation.
THE MYTHOLOGY: Anvil was the heaviest band on the planet in 1982. Their sound was the prototype for thrash metal and they were on the verge of huge success. But fate was not on their side, and other bands like Anthrax and Metallica would get the press and the record deals and go on to immortal rock ‘n’ roll fame while Anvil languished in Canada. They wuz ROBBED, man!!!
THE REALITY: Thrash metal was born from a sound that merged punk’s speed and energy with metal’s musical chops and technical virtuosity. Bands like Motorhead and Accept were FAR more influential to the development of thrash than was Anvil. Hell, the musical historian can go back to the ”Sin After Sin” album released in 1977 by Judas Priest and find the gnarliest piece of proto-thrash ever recorded in the truly evil sounding “Dissident Aggressor.” The truth of the situation was that Anvil was a bunch of fun guys who partied hard and played real fast. Their failure to secure a record deal with a big label was a result of the fact that they just weren’t that GOOD. It was hard to take them seriously. Lipps dressed in bondage gear on stage and played guitar solos with a dildo. Their only attempt at creating an image was their name itself. Look! We’re ANVIL! Because, you know, like an anvil is really HEAVY! YEAH! And the song titles…..”Show Us Your Tits” wasn’t exactly going to get them on the radar of the AOR playlists that ruled early ‘80s FM radio.
I find the whole story touching and a bit manufactured all at the same time. And yeah, they got Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and Anthrax’s Scott Ian to do cover blurbs gushing about how much they loved Anvil back in the day. Even Slash gets in on the action as he writes the forward for the book. But the whole narrative about how influential the band supposedly was just stands in the way of what is truly a story in perseverance and patience. Geez, these guys played in bowling alleys for audiences that numbered in the single digits. They released album after album of music that got flat out ignored. They mortgaged their homes and took out loans from relatives to keep things going. Their day jobs barely fed them much less provided for recording costs. And yet, they kept on going. And I certainly don’t begrudge them their short-lived but profitable success after the release of the movie and the book. Lipps and Robb DESERVED a break after all those years. But I also can’t buy into this idea that they were some sort of great, overlooked, and uncredited influence on the development of thrash metal.
The book itself pretty much follows the narrative of the movie. It’s a fast-paced read and there are a couple of interesting photo sections. You can knock this sucker out in a day or two, or you can just skip it and watch the movie. It’s all feel-good stuff, even if it seems a bit overcooked at times. I can only go for so long reading about how Lipps and Robb think that they were innovative for writing songs like “Butter-Bust Jerky.” Uh-huh, it’s pretty much about what you think it is. And there are plenty of other cliches in their songwriting. Yeah, yeah, the metal brotherhood. Horns up, dude. Is anyone gonna show up to the gig tonight?
“Anvil: The Story of Anvil” is a book (and a movie) that I really WANTED to like more than I did. There is some fun and compelling stuff here, but it’s also a bit like listening to your Uncle Roy go on and on about that time his bar band was ALMOST picked to open for Van Halen, and how that would have been the big break that they needed to become ROCK GODS! You hear that same story every Thanksgiving and it’s a little old now, especially after Uncle Roy has a few beers under his belt and starts burning holes into the couch with his cigarettes every time he nods off.
Again, Anvil has returned to relative obscurity after that brief flirtation with success in the wake of the movie and book. It must be difficult to go back to your day jobs after one has tasted a bit of the limelight, and I do hope these guys keep rocking as long as they can. Just, you know…..tone it down a bit, boys. Playing leads with a dildo looked ridiculous when you were young, think about how it looks NOW. Three stars just because I’m generous that way. Buy it if you bump into it in a bargain bin somewhere, but I don’t see a need for you to seek this out unless “Butter-Bust Jerky” just happens to be one of your favorite tunes. Light up the sky……..
Which is where we begin this whole “Anvil: The Story of Anvil” thing off. The 2009 book (supposedly authored by Anvil frontman and lead guitarist Lipps and drummer Robb Reiner) was adapted from a 2008 award-winning documentary titled identically to the book. For those not in the know, Anvil is (they are still active in 2019) a Canadian heavy metal band that started in 1978. They toiled in relative obscurity for decades before screenwriter Sacha Gervasi decided to make a documentary about the band’s forlorn history. The movie centers on an ill-fated European tour set up by an amateur promoter, and the band frequently misses gigs and plays to small crowds even when they do manage to make showtimes. It’s a good movie, and the book is good, too. Anvil is composed of likable guys who never gave in and never gave up. Their popularity briefly exploded after the release of the movie and book, as one might expect. They managed a few dates opening for AC/DC and also did another European tour that ended up being very successful, probably due to having professional management on hand to deliver the goods.
And then the band started to once again find themselves out of the public consciousness and back to a more or less obscure standing in the music industry. I have no real idea what the band is actually doing these days. The only reason I am listing them as “still active” is because their Wiki page says so. What happened? Well, let me tell you something, Mean Gene. The whole Anvil story was really based on a bit of deception. And to do that, we are going to have to separate the Myth from the Reality of the situation.
THE MYTHOLOGY: Anvil was the heaviest band on the planet in 1982. Their sound was the prototype for thrash metal and they were on the verge of huge success. But fate was not on their side, and other bands like Anthrax and Metallica would get the press and the record deals and go on to immortal rock ‘n’ roll fame while Anvil languished in Canada. They wuz ROBBED, man!!!
THE REALITY: Thrash metal was born from a sound that merged punk’s speed and energy with metal’s musical chops and technical virtuosity. Bands like Motorhead and Accept were FAR more influential to the development of thrash than was Anvil. Hell, the musical historian can go back to the ”Sin After Sin” album released in 1977 by Judas Priest and find the gnarliest piece of proto-thrash ever recorded in the truly evil sounding “Dissident Aggressor.” The truth of the situation was that Anvil was a bunch of fun guys who partied hard and played real fast. Their failure to secure a record deal with a big label was a result of the fact that they just weren’t that GOOD. It was hard to take them seriously. Lipps dressed in bondage gear on stage and played guitar solos with a dildo. Their only attempt at creating an image was their name itself. Look! We’re ANVIL! Because, you know, like an anvil is really HEAVY! YEAH! And the song titles…..”Show Us Your Tits” wasn’t exactly going to get them on the radar of the AOR playlists that ruled early ‘80s FM radio.
I find the whole story touching and a bit manufactured all at the same time. And yeah, they got Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and Anthrax’s Scott Ian to do cover blurbs gushing about how much they loved Anvil back in the day. Even Slash gets in on the action as he writes the forward for the book. But the whole narrative about how influential the band supposedly was just stands in the way of what is truly a story in perseverance and patience. Geez, these guys played in bowling alleys for audiences that numbered in the single digits. They released album after album of music that got flat out ignored. They mortgaged their homes and took out loans from relatives to keep things going. Their day jobs barely fed them much less provided for recording costs. And yet, they kept on going. And I certainly don’t begrudge them their short-lived but profitable success after the release of the movie and the book. Lipps and Robb DESERVED a break after all those years. But I also can’t buy into this idea that they were some sort of great, overlooked, and uncredited influence on the development of thrash metal.
The book itself pretty much follows the narrative of the movie. It’s a fast-paced read and there are a couple of interesting photo sections. You can knock this sucker out in a day or two, or you can just skip it and watch the movie. It’s all feel-good stuff, even if it seems a bit overcooked at times. I can only go for so long reading about how Lipps and Robb think that they were innovative for writing songs like “Butter-Bust Jerky.” Uh-huh, it’s pretty much about what you think it is. And there are plenty of other cliches in their songwriting. Yeah, yeah, the metal brotherhood. Horns up, dude. Is anyone gonna show up to the gig tonight?
“Anvil: The Story of Anvil” is a book (and a movie) that I really WANTED to like more than I did. There is some fun and compelling stuff here, but it’s also a bit like listening to your Uncle Roy go on and on about that time his bar band was ALMOST picked to open for Van Halen, and how that would have been the big break that they needed to become ROCK GODS! You hear that same story every Thanksgiving and it’s a little old now, especially after Uncle Roy has a few beers under his belt and starts burning holes into the couch with his cigarettes every time he nods off.
Again, Anvil has returned to relative obscurity after that brief flirtation with success in the wake of the movie and book. It must be difficult to go back to your day jobs after one has tasted a bit of the limelight, and I do hope these guys keep rocking as long as they can. Just, you know…..tone it down a bit, boys. Playing leads with a dildo looked ridiculous when you were young, think about how it looks NOW. Three stars just because I’m generous that way. Buy it if you bump into it in a bargain bin somewhere, but I don’t see a need for you to seek this out unless “Butter-Bust Jerky” just happens to be one of your favorite tunes. Light up the sky……..
March 7, 2020
I spent a long time hovering between two and three stars. The book was merely OK, but I do like to root for the underdog, and it was nice to read a metal biography that wasn't a bunch of dudes bragging about themselves for 300 pages. They at least document some struggles, some mistakes they made, and some people they trusted that they shouldn't have trusted. This earned it an extra star for me.
That's not to say it doesn't have all the things that make metal biographies tedious. First of all, there's the sexism. I know the 1980s were a different time. I know there were groupies. But do we have to recount it with such breathless desperation? Do we have to now, in present day, call them "chicks?" This stuff ages horribly, and it's become glaringly obvious that the musicians from the 1980s/90s metal scene just never outgrow it. Ever.
Highlights: Lyrics, printed out to make sure we appreciate them, that read "Can't get to sleep 'cause I hear you squealin', like stuck little pig you love the feelin'." It also helpfully includes the lyrics to "Butter-Bust Jerky," and if you want to know what that is, just Google it.
Anyway. There isn't much Spinal Tap-ish about it. They just haven't made a full-time living making music. It happens. There are plenty of talented musicians in bars across the country who've devoted their lives to it, and they just never get rich from it. I wish they could, but they don't. This book is more a character study, although I'm not sure the authors always know it. You can see their personality traits on display: Robb's penchant for quitting and taking off when he doesn't like what's happening, Lips's barely veiled dislike of Squirrely, etc. Those moments make it worth the extra star. As for the backstage adventures, I'm done reading those. I think this was the last unread metal biography left on my shelf, and I've had my fill. \m/
Side note: There's a typo at the top of page 133 (soft cover). There should be a period between "honor" and "Anvil." (See? I read it all.)
That's not to say it doesn't have all the things that make metal biographies tedious. First of all, there's the sexism. I know the 1980s were a different time. I know there were groupies. But do we have to recount it with such breathless desperation? Do we have to now, in present day, call them "chicks?" This stuff ages horribly, and it's become glaringly obvious that the musicians from the 1980s/90s metal scene just never outgrow it. Ever.
Highlights: Lyrics, printed out to make sure we appreciate them, that read "Can't get to sleep 'cause I hear you squealin', like stuck little pig you love the feelin'." It also helpfully includes the lyrics to "Butter-Bust Jerky," and if you want to know what that is, just Google it.
Anyway. There isn't much Spinal Tap-ish about it. They just haven't made a full-time living making music. It happens. There are plenty of talented musicians in bars across the country who've devoted their lives to it, and they just never get rich from it. I wish they could, but they don't. This book is more a character study, although I'm not sure the authors always know it. You can see their personality traits on display: Robb's penchant for quitting and taking off when he doesn't like what's happening, Lips's barely veiled dislike of Squirrely, etc. Those moments make it worth the extra star. As for the backstage adventures, I'm done reading those. I think this was the last unread metal biography left on my shelf, and I've had my fill. \m/
Side note: There's a typo at the top of page 133 (soft cover). There should be a period between "honor" and "Anvil." (See? I read it all.)
August 16, 2020
From reasonable stardom to virtual obscurity to redemption..
The Story Of Anvil is a story of brotherhood between two Canadian metal head friends, Steve "lips" Kudllow and Rob Reiner. Sticking together through everything the world throws at them. From alcohol, drugs, sex parties and playing bars packed to the rafters to STDs, divorce and shitty record deals and gigs in front of literally 10 people and blown opportunities.
Its hilarious and sorrowful at the same time.
Good point: it shows a very human side to "rock stars" lives when you're in a band that no one cares about.
Bad point: you are reminded A LOT that Rob Reiner was voted best drummer in the world.. (yes... in 1981). And they like to push the fact that they were an influence on some bands today that are selling millions, such as Metallica and Guns'n'Roses as though they were the only band to ever play heavy music.
The Story Of Anvil is a story of brotherhood between two Canadian metal head friends, Steve "lips" Kudllow and Rob Reiner. Sticking together through everything the world throws at them. From alcohol, drugs, sex parties and playing bars packed to the rafters to STDs, divorce and shitty record deals and gigs in front of literally 10 people and blown opportunities.
Its hilarious and sorrowful at the same time.
Good point: it shows a very human side to "rock stars" lives when you're in a band that no one cares about.
Bad point: you are reminded A LOT that Rob Reiner was voted best drummer in the world.. (yes... in 1981). And they like to push the fact that they were an influence on some bands today that are selling millions, such as Metallica and Guns'n'Roses as though they were the only band to ever play heavy music.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2018
Yes, I read 'The Story Of Anvil' and I haven't even seen the documentary yet. The commitment of 'Lips' Kudlow and Robb Reiner to becoming the best thrash-speed metal band they can be is quite astounding the book describes their struggles, and struggles, and struggles. Finally they break through via the acclaimed documentary, and are recognized as a great influence on bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Overkill, Guns & Roses et al. Again, plenty of nasty on the road stories, but you do get the impression that these guys aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer. Rock on!
---Steve McGowan
---Steve McGowan
July 10, 2023
A brilliant book that’s much more than the story of a rock band. Lips and Robb Reiner were teenage friends who had a dream, like many, about starting a band. Passionate and accomplished musicians, they began their quest at just fourteen years old. The fact they never made it as big as the bands they inspired, is secondary to their commitment to each other and dedication to Anvil. These guys are the epitome of tenacity and endurance despite the odds being constantly stacked against them. It helps to be a fan of the band but I think most rockers out there will like this book
Long live Anvil.
Long live Anvil.
January 17, 2025
I love Anvil and wasn't disappointed with this book. Like the band it is rough and ready and no holds barred.
Lips and Robb from the band tell their story from childhood to almost making it big and then obscurity before finding fame in latter years.
It has plenty of sex drugs and rock and roll but also like the band and the 2009 documentary that rediscovered them it has a lot of heart.
I also found out they toured with Motorhead in 83 and played the long gone diggers nightclub down the road in Chippenham
Lips and Robb from the band tell their story from childhood to almost making it big and then obscurity before finding fame in latter years.
It has plenty of sex drugs and rock and roll but also like the band and the 2009 documentary that rediscovered them it has a lot of heart.
I also found out they toured with Motorhead in 83 and played the long gone diggers nightclub down the road in Chippenham
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2009
Anvil! is the story of the pair of Canuck metalheads behind the three-decades-strong Anvil - a band whose shadow was (until recently, at least) much longer than the zeroes on their paycheques.
The book's written (aside from Slash's introduction) in a very simple way - the editors have transcribed interview remarks from Lips, the band's guitarist, and Robb, the band's drummer, and labelled them with a name so you know who's talking. I felt slightly short-changed with this approach, but by the end of the book I felt appreciative of its directness; it communicates a real sense of personality that's sometimes lacking from more editorially filtered music writing.
Are Anvil a good band? They're longstanding and have received props for putting speed-metal on the map. Lars Ulrich, Scott Ian, Tom Araya and the like all rate the band, so they must have something to their particular stripe of rock. But ultimately, the band is kind of secondary to the relationship at its core.
This is a feel-good book that tells the story of two guys who never gave up in their belief that they were going to be rock gods. It's difficult to say that it's a cautionary tale - though there's drug use and some of the band's members have troubles with it, the woes of narcotics aren't really plumbed - but it's worth the ride regardless.
The book's written (aside from Slash's introduction) in a very simple way - the editors have transcribed interview remarks from Lips, the band's guitarist, and Robb, the band's drummer, and labelled them with a name so you know who's talking. I felt slightly short-changed with this approach, but by the end of the book I felt appreciative of its directness; it communicates a real sense of personality that's sometimes lacking from more editorially filtered music writing.
Are Anvil a good band? They're longstanding and have received props for putting speed-metal on the map. Lars Ulrich, Scott Ian, Tom Araya and the like all rate the band, so they must have something to their particular stripe of rock. But ultimately, the band is kind of secondary to the relationship at its core.
This is a feel-good book that tells the story of two guys who never gave up in their belief that they were going to be rock gods. It's difficult to say that it's a cautionary tale - though there's drug use and some of the band's members have troubles with it, the woes of narcotics aren't really plumbed - but it's worth the ride regardless.
December 31, 2015
I LOVE books about bands, life on the road and the struggles and adventures of artists. This got a little repetitious at times but it was still a lot of fun. They talked about partying, but it wasn't as bad as many of the other biographies I've read about rock bands where the drugs come before anything else. These guys really were "brothers in rock" and that kind of makes me sad when I think of guys I was in bands with in the past who I don't really associate with anymore.
I haven't seen the documentary but I can't wait to watch it.
I haven't seen the documentary but I can't wait to watch it.
August 6, 2015
Picked this up over the past weekend and blazed through it. The is a real life Spinal Tap adventure of two hard rocking Canadians and their struggle to make it big in the music biz. Well worth the read! There is a documentary about them too. I listen to a lot of music and and have heard of a lot of different bands. Even ones I don't like and ones I have never listened to. For some reason Anvil has alluded me all these long years? Until now!
April 2, 2014
Terrible - not nearly as good as the brilliant film of the same name. Poorly written and much too long, there is way too much time spent on the distractions of the rock'n'roll lifestyle. I really had to force myself to finish.
It does end on a high, with the band riding the wave of the film's success, but it's a long march getting there.
It does end on a high, with the band riding the wave of the film's success, but it's a long march getting there.
March 16, 2010
Awesome read. Anyone who knows someone who has played music either recreationally or professionally can totally understand these guys. Really relatable and an easy read. Great book.
March 3, 2011
A very fast and inspiring read. I didn't put this book down unless I had to. A lot more detailed than the fine documentary which inspired it, which is a very good thing.
December 27, 2012
Awesome story, all the intense heartache & anguish of trying to 'make it' in the music business - truly inspirational!!!!
February 8, 2016
Inspirational.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews