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Monday 16 February 2009

A night of Canadian Metal






Secret cinema was the occasion (Czech it out)
So we headed off to The shepards bush empire for the night. No idea what we were going to be watching apart from the clue that everyone was dressed as either Metal Heads/Rockers/ or sleazy promoters. Obviously we assumed Spinal Tap was going to be showing. Wrong we were.
We found our way to our seats and were rewarded with popcorn, sensations and vitaminjuice. ACE> The theater filled with rowdy metal fans and there was an old drunk rocker chatting rubbish on stage. Then all the way from Toronto came couldron. A cheesy metal trio of skinny kids blasted out a couple of tunes. Followed then by a short film and then onto the main showing. Still not having been told what it was going to be. And being informed "its not spinal tap you idiots" But actually getting to witness the UK Premiere(ish) of a film that opens friday. called ANVIL the Story of Anvil. Anvil were a metal band from the 80's that toured with Bon Jovi, white snake and the likes but never ever got big or made any more. Now 13 albums later and with a combined age of over 200 they're trying once again to make this album work. With a front man who was the spitting image of my American neighbour and some catchy vocals the film documented their lives and struggles through small tours of pubs and finally a huge gig in tokyo.



You can see why we found it hard to work it out whether it was a joke or not. But no it couldn't be they were just too genuine to be fake. Just good men who play metal. Anyway after an hour n a half or so and having been promised a star guest after the film, Being teased with the likes of sir bobby charlton or George Michaels mum, we stayed seated. Only to be greeted by spot light at the end of the film soloing on a tier to the right of the stage was 'Lips' Front man of Anvil!!!!! HOLY SHIT. The crowd erupted and he made his way down to the stage where he was joined by Robb Reiner (drums), and Ian Dickson (bass). Dave Allison (guitar) had left the band with his eastern european wife after the documentary was made. So they played a few songs whilst the whole crowd was on their feet clapping, cheering, chanting. This was Anvils biggest moment. But it was about to get even bigger. Joining them on stage for their final song. METAL ON METAL! was none other than Scott Ian from ANTHRAX. What a night they played thier final song and everyone left happy. What a night. Secret cinema goes all out. LIVE THE DREAM.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Good summary! I have yet to write up a post for my blog. Amazing night though. I had tears in my eyes when those guys really appeared on stage. Quite frankly the movie positively surprised me and I would have enjoyed the evening even without the special appearance. Well now I'm not only a proud owner of an Anvil fan shirt but will also never again miss a Secret Cinema show! Maybe see you next time!

thecoolgeek