Never Quit Before The Miracle: The Story of Anvil

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Sep 26, 2022

Discover the inspiring tale of Anvil, the 80's metal band that refused to fade away. Their journey is packed with resilience and unwavering dreams, even after decades in obscurity. The filmmakers share heartfelt anecdotes about the band’s struggles and triumphs, highlighting the transformative power of music and friendship. With nostalgic memories and emotional reunions, this story celebrates authentic artistry over commercial success. Join them as they navigate the highs and lows of their rock and roll existence, ultimately redefining what it means to succeed.

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ANECDOTE

Sasha's Introduction to Anvil

Sasha Gervasi discovered Anvil through a magazine cover featuring a man in bondage gear.
He became their fan and roadie after sneaking backstage at their London concert.

ANECDOTE

Parental Reactions to Anvil

Sasha's mother disapproved of Anvil, pulling him away from them at their hotel.
His father, however, allowed him to tour with the band after meeting them.

ANECDOTE

Early Anvil Fans

During Anvil's early years, their London show was attended by future music icons like members of Anthrax, Metallica, and Def Leppard.
Years later, Anvil reconnected with these individuals, highlighting their early influence.

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Meet the masters of resilience. 80’s metal trailblazers: Anvil.

For those of you who bristle at the thought of heavy metal, set aside that resistance. Give this one a shot with an open mind and heart. And thank me later—because the story of Anvil—and the filmmaker who captured their tale—is nothing short of remarkable.

At 14, Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow and Robb Reiner made a pact to rock together forever. In 1982 they birthed a highly influential album that would inspire the likes of Anthrax and Metallica—and then proceeded to drop off the map, toiling in obscurity for decades while the bands they impacted rose to superstardom.

Then, in 2006, filmmaker (and former Anvil roadie) Sacha Gervasi set out to find out what happened, discovering to his astonishment that 25 years later the band was still making music and remained steadfastly committed to the most impossible of dreams: making it big.

Now this is a story, he thought.

So Sacha grabbed a small camera crew and proceeded to follow the band as they persevered through obstacles, navigated a botched European tour, and recorded a thirteenth album. Despite rejection that would devastate the strongest among us, Anvil refused to give up on their dream—and never lost hope.

Today we tell this surprisingly touching and remarkably inspirational story.

And now, 50 years since the band debuted and 13 years after the rockumentary first premiered in 2008, the film is being re-released in 200 theaters across the US this week and later in theatres across Europe and beyond—a response to a new generation of enthusiastic young people who discovered and fell in love with the movie during Covid.

Watch: YouTube.

Read: Show notes.

Lips and Robb hold an unwavering conviction and extraordinary amount of courage that is nothing short of superhuman. They are inspiring examples of perseverance in the face of adversity, and I’m delighted to share their story.

I hope you find it as touching and compelling as I did. Enjoy!

Peace + Plants,

Rich