This past Friday night, Canadian metal band Anvil made a stop in St. Louis. They played in front of a fairly large crowd at one of St. Louis’s top concert venues, The Pageant. The crowd was full of metal-heads of all ages and while it was obvious that most of the fans there had never heard of Anvil before the documentary “Anvil! The Story of Anvil”, they were loud and into every note the band ripped out.

The band, more known for last years documentary than their music, put on an outstanding and inspiring show.   From the opening note of “March Of The Crabs”, through the very last note of “Jackhammer”, Anvil showed the crowd they they are much more than the goofy, lovable guys that love metal and refuse to give up on their dream.  They are very talented musicians that love playing in front of people and deserve every bit of success that they are finally receiving. 

For a band that is now mostly in their mid -fifties, they spent 80 minutes playing their respective instruments as if they were still teenagers.  Lead singer Steve ”Lips” Kudlow may not be the best vocalist, but he has more charisma than most I’ve seen in concert.  He’s not only humorous and sincere, he treats the fans as if he has known and loved each one of them personally for years.  He also surprised me with his far above average guitar playing.  He took songs that were mostly recorded with two guitar players and he alone mastered them note for note.  He did have a little help on the song “Monthra”.  During the song he brought an old friend on stage to help with the guitar work.  Here’s “Monthra” with some help from a vibrator. 

The new guy, bassist Glenn Five, who’s been with the band now for 15 years,  patrolled the stage and stole the spotlight every chance he could with his outstanding play.  He was one of the most entertaining bass players that I’ve seen in years. 

The nights real star was drummer Robb Reiner.  In the movie, Reiner comes off as a laid back stoner that isn’t a bad drummer.  On the stage however, Reiner comes to life magically and completely mesmerized and controlled the crowd.  The crowd loved every second of his amazing drum skills and his drum solo was absolutely phenomenal.  This man should be considered one of the top drummers in the history of metal.

I will admit that I would have never had any interest in the band had it not been for the documentary.  However, after watching them perform I’m now a fan and I completely understand why they were considered as inspirations to many of the genres top bands. 

Anvil not only put on a great show, but they come across as great guys.  They were genuinely happy (Lips never stopped smiling) and loving every minute of performing.   After 22 years of never giving  up on their dream, they are an inspiration and deserve every bit of success they have finally achieved.

Set List -

1. March Of The Crabs

2. 666

3. School Love

4. Winged Assassins

5. This Is Thirteen

6. Mothra

7. Flying Blind

8. Thumb Hang

9. White Rhino

10. Mad Dog

11. Forged In Fire

12. Metal On Metal

Encore

Jackhammer