anvil live

"Getting old is inevitable, but growing up is optional" - Steve 'Lips' Kudlow

For me, Anvil will be forever linked with my first proper festival experience, opening up the Monsters of Rock at Castle Donington for Quo, Gillan and Saxon among others, way back in the summer of '82. Despite the torrential rain, they played with such passion and power, and at a greater velocity than, say Motörhead, which was a real eye opener for me in those heady, pre-thrash days. This band can be admired in equal measure for thier dogged tenacity, as well as for thier highly influential brand of proto- speed metal. Through good times and bad, this band have done whatever it takes to keep it flying all these years, and thanks in some part to a certain film, they are enjoying the fresh success they so rightly deserve. Having seen them kick epic arse with Saxon on thier Into the Labyrinth stint last Autumn, I was very keen to see them once again, this time in a headline scenario - particularly given the fact that thier new album, Juggernaut of Justice is such a bona fide corker... and the same can be said for this evening's performance.

Kicking off with a rip-roaring rendition of March of the Crabs from thier seminal Metal on Metal opus, it is clear that this band still have the 'passion and power' that made me a fan all those years ago, along with a tangiable enthusiasm for what they are doing that is just plain infectious.

Blending seamlessly into fellow MoM classic 666, the band have effortlessly found thier cruise control, and the subsequent ride is simply electrifying. New album title track Juggernaut.... sounds utterly fearsome live, and the grins on both band and audience gathered here this evening speak volumes. It's truly heartening to hear the consistancy of new numbers such as On Fire, alongside longtime pearlers such as 'School Love or Forged in Fire, all delivered jackhammer tight, and loud as all merry hell. Closer examination reveals just how formidable the individual parts of the Anvil machine is... since the band stripped down to a three piece back in 2008, bassist Glen Five has really stepped up to the plate, and it is startlingly apparent what a solid bass player he is, seamlessly filling in all the cracks during Lip's guitar breaks, whilst lending that glorious bottom end to Robbo's thunderous battery.

Robb Riener is a joy to watch on the kit as always, and his talents were showcased this evening via a number called White Rhino and it is easy to see why this guy, along with perhaps Cozy Powell and Philthy 'Animal' Taylor, were so instrumental in influencing an unruly infant called 'Thrash Metal' back in the day. One of metal's hardest hitters, without a doubt.

Lips, of course, is the consummate frontman, amusing the hordes inbetween songs with his sharp anecdotes, and winning everybody over with his chunky rhythms and vibrator charged solos - as displayed in the Anvil live mainstay Mothra.

Lips' recalls the late great Ronnie James Dio before ripping into the distinctly sabbathy Thumb Hang in tribute, much to the delight of the assembled Nottingham hordes; but it is the arrival of their 'anthem' Metal on Metal that really whips this unruly lot into a frenzy!!!

Amid chants of "Anvil!!" they return to the stage and treat us to a hair raising rendition of 'Jack Hammer', before bringing the curtain down with newie Running'

As the band come out to join the happy(and half deaf!) throng post-show, it is abundantly clear that there is very little separation between these three guys and their supporters and everyone that was here tonight, or indeed on this entire tour, would agree that Anvil totally deserve to 'Live the dream' they so ardently sought all these years. It really is about time.

by Rod Boston