DVD Recommendation: Anvil - The Story of Anvil

It's been awhile since I've done a DVD recommendation on here, so I'm glad I have an especially good one. Anvil: The Story of Anvil has nothing to do with electronic music as you might have surmised from the cover. Instead, it's a documentary that speaks to the experience of touring. I would put this one up with This is Spinal Tap as being required viewing for touring musicians, but I think anyone who has longed to make music their living would appreciate it, too.

Anvil tells the story of 1980's Canadian metal band of the same name. If you've never heard of them, you're probably not alone. Although the band is often cited as an influence by more well known-acts, Anvil only briefly flirted with fame before sinking back into relative obscurity. The movie picks up in the present day where the only two remaining original members are both in their 50's, working dead-end jobs, barely scraping by, but never giving up the hope that they could still make a come-back and finally get the recognition they deserved.

That opportunity arises when an Italian fan offers to book a European tour for the band. What follows is an unbelievable string of misfortune and soul-crushing set-backs during which lead singer Steve "Lips" Kudlow keeps a steady eye on the prize, never giving up hope. What adds a whole different layer to this is that the Anvil guys aren't the typical rock star douchebags... they're genuinely nice (if emotionally damaged) guys. You find yourself hoping against hope that the next gig for them will be a good one, and time after time something goes wrong. In a clever way, I think the film maker sort of helps you feel what the band is feeling. And if you've ever been in any of the situations that happens to the band, it hits even closer to home. This is what separates this film from your standard band documentary. Most films of this type feature the band when they are ascending to the greatest heights of their career. This one shows a band at its lowest point, still slogging through the mud and ever onward.

To me, that's what was most striking about this movie. The love these two guys have for music is palpable and almost maniacal. I don't know many musicians strong enough to spend 30 years playing dives for crowds of 30 people, getting screwed by shifty promoters, and having their albums met with general indifference. What these guys feel for music is beyond mere love. Indeed, you get the feeling that the music is the only thing holding these guys together at times. I think that's pretty inspiring in a weird way.

The movie isn't entirely bleak, but I'm not going to give away any secrets. If you're a touring musician, there is no way you won't love this movie. (And if you don'tt, check again... you're probably wrong.) But if you have a deep love for music on any level, you owe it to yourself to check this one out. It really is an exceptionally made film.