Anvil: audio interview

Time Out sat down with members of the band Anvil and director Sacha Gervasi to discuss their rockin' (and sweetly funny) new doc, 'Anvil! The Story of Anvil'

The documentary ‘Anvil!’ is released in UK cinemas this week, after receiving widespread acclaim at both the Sundance and London Film Festivals. It tells the story of the eponymous Canadian speed metal band who, after achieving short-lived success in the early ’80s, stayed together for 30 years making records, touring North America and playing to ever-dwindling crowds. Though their influence on the likes of Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and Megadeth was never in doubt, Anvil’s music struggled to reach a wider audience until an old acquaintance, teenage roadie-turned-filmmaker Sacha Gervasi, suggested making a ‘Spinal Tap’-style documentary charting their struggles to keep the band alive in the face of creative frustration, economic disaster and explosive personal differences...

I sat down with Gervasi, along with singer Steve ‘Lips’ Kudrow, drummer Robb Reiner and bass player G5, to discuss the movie, and the massive impact its been having on all their lives…

1.
Sacha Gervasi was a metal fan from the age of 15, when he first met Anvil at the Marquee in London. I asked him why he decided now was the time to make a movie about his favourite band. Listen here.


2.
The filming for the documentary took two years, and covered several countries. I asked Robb and Lips how they felt about an old friend coming back into their lives in such an intrusive fashion. Listen here.


3.
The initial cut of ‘Anvil!’ was over four hours long. I asked Sacha and the band which parts of the movie had to be dropped, and what their favourite memories were of the filming process. Listen here.
 

4.
In the wake of the movie’s release, Anvil announced a new CD, a tour and even a book. I asked the band if a fictional film were ever to be made about Anvil, who would play each of them? Listen here.
 

5.
The movie has brought the band a whole new level of publicity, including a series of appearances using the movie as support to a live show. I asked the band about the differences between a movie promo tour and the kind of on-the-road experiences they’re accustomed to. Listen here.
 

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