Lips taught me guitar in the 90's in North York when I was around 11 years old. He was doing group lessons at a local community centre and half the time we'd just be getting him to solo and to tell us stories about touring, partying, etc ... But yeah I remember him telling me the truth one time about what it takes to work hard for the dream and that's it's not all easy living and partying all the time. He told me he did food deliveries and taught guitar just to get by, because working to make it as a rock star takes sacrifice, dedication, etc. It was a reality check for me that nothing comes easy.
I watched this whole movie thinking it was a mockumentary. Told my friend "Guy...you gotta watch this new one. As good as Spinal Tap!" He was like "That's not a mockumentary bro." I was like "WTF?!"
I've just watched this film on the BBC in England and I loved it even though I'm not a metal fan. Respect to the band for sticking to their belief's. It's strange though because I'd had heard of Anvil and always thought they were a pretty big band until I saw this film. Good luck fella's and keep on rockin!
Just rewatched this classic film as my wife hadn't seen it. The frontman Lipps is a joy to behold. He knows he should be wealthy and famous but for bad decisions and wrong place/wrong time. Yet he still dares to dream - the scene in Japan where it really does feel 'last chance saloon ' and they are first on the bill at 11.30 a.m and they might be playing to 20 people but come on to a rapturous reception is so heart warming. The echoes of 'This is spinal tap, are uncanny - paid in curry, missing connections, puppet show higher billing ( there's a scruffy , hand written poster of the bands due to play including anvil)
I saw this at the Trocadero in Philly this week. The movie was amazing, the live performance was amazing, the Q&A session was amazing. I can't say that I knew alot of Anvil before...but after seeing this and speaking to these guys...i sincerely admire thier dedication and positive attitudes toward life and music. These may be the "realest" people i've ever met....EVER. They should be held as an inspiration to everyone out there.
I'm no metal fan, but an old friend of mine loved this film and I've heard nothing but good things about it - I'm going to go see it tonight - good job boys!
Its amongst the shadows by some Von dillon bloke or something. Absolutely awesome film, anyone that can be as dedicated as these guys deserve all they get. It makes you release how easy some of these manufactued bands get it these days.
This was in 2008 now 10+ years later and nothing has changed. They are still touring in a cheap rv and still living in the same place and still whining about the music business.
@Tom Powers the one time i could've seen them was last year but their gig got cancelled and the 2nd closest place was a 21+ venue (i was 17 at the time, 18 now)
It is a superb film about friendship!! Saw this movie through the Secret Cinema and it was followed by a surprise live set by Anvil. I was always a closet metalhead...I'm so out now!
There is a business aspect to the music industry. TLC sold 10 millions records during the mid 90’s. Then on national television, admitted to being broke because they signed “bad contracts”. And this was immediately after receiving their first Grammy.
Sweet! Life imitating art - This Is Spinal Tap parodied this movie before this movie ever existed! I used to work with a guy who's band open for Poison or Whitesnake or somebody up on Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario Canada) back in the day... I wonder how many stories there are like this one?
I JUST heard these guys talked about on (and they were coming on) the Opie and Anthony radio show on XM. I HAVE to see this film. Also, SUPPORT THE BAND BY PURCHASING their new album dont illegally download it. Its about time they received some attention
I like the stuff they played in the trailer, to bad they missed the boat for so long. Maybe the buzz from this movie and all us youtubers will get help Anvil in a positive way
Bless them. At least they’ve got recognition for their belief in themselves and metal. I remember seeing their name at the bottom of the heap somewhere back in time such as Reading Festival or Monsters of Rock and thought only “ Weapon “ was a cornier name for a Heavy Metal band...after all “ Bad News “ were a genuine parody but Comic Strip could’ve thought of a more metal sounding tag....or Perhaps they’d have met with resistance or worse from an actual-outfit using a generic metallic description of their sound. “ Tank “ were great anyway . Love from Paul Wellers’ Plumber 😎
Ive got to give it to rob & lips they have stayed true! This shows the real hardship of being in a band!I hope the movie isn,t a parody of the band,because they had the goods!"FORGED IN FIRE"their third album(my favorite) was world class metal for it's time! produce by Chris Tsangaridis Thin Lizzy,Tygers of Pantang,JUDAS PRIEST'S" PAINKILLER"!Hopefully this movie brings them some recognition for so many years of dedication!
B freakin' S... Metal on Metal? Mothra? Forged in Fire? Trust me, when Priest was putting out crap like 'Parental Guidance' - these guys were putting out Backwaxed!
This is a great film and I commend them for never calling it quits but I believe they never made it cause their music wasnt good enough the riffs are lazy and generic the lyrics are juvenile and cheesy and the vocals aren't very appealing the only silver lining is the drummer and he is way too good to be in this band if they worked harder to write better music they might've made it how they wanted
