Another Perfect Day

Motörhead / Anvil
Club Nokia, Los Angeles, California
May 14, 2013

One thing led to another and Umlaut found himself back in Los Angeles for work and coincidentally Motörhead were playing while I was there.  Imagine that?   After a typically busy, but ultimately rewarding work day, I pointed the rental car in the direction of Club Nokia.  I had mentally prepared myself for the expected L.A. traffic clusterfuck ... and I was expecting the worst because the S.J. Sharks and L.A. Kings playoff game was across the mall from the venue at the same time.  However, to my surprise, the cluster never happened and the drive was almost enjoyable.  After parking I met up with road tripping Photo Ray and we caught up over libations and appetizers at a nearby establishment.  Then we wandered over to Will Call to see what awaited us.  If only all shows were this easy:

I'll say right now that Club Nokia ranks as possibly my least favorite venue.  It's in a mall.  It's designed more like a dance club than a proper music venue.  The sight lines are terrible.  They have silly rules.  The VIP area is like an episode of Entourage populated by Revolver Magazine Affliction posers.  I lost count of how many times I muttered "Fucking L.A..." to myself as I wandered around.  All of this and Dave Grohl held court in a corner surrounded by people in skinny jeans.

Backstage spelling fail.  For "safety" stay in school, kids.

Anyway, this was a one-off show for Lemmy, Phil, and Mikkey as a warm up for some important shows in Mexico later in the week.  Also, as it stands now, it was also Motörhead's only headline show in North America this year.  The bill was given some extra vintage spice by having Anvil as direct support instead of some lame band.  Thank you, Goldenvoice.

It's been 3 years since the firestorm of adoration for Anvil spiked because of the documentary.  Fast forward to 2013 and the Canadians are back to what they've always been doing: Slogging it out in the trenches.

Photo courtesy of Photo Ray

Lips, Robb, and the new guy on bass steamrolled through a workmanlike 45 minutes that kicked off with 'March Of The Crabs' into '666'.  Nice.  Many people have turned on Anvil and shake their fists and figuratively yell at them to "give it up" in the wake of the movie.  Why would they do that??  The whole spirit of the movie was Lips and Robb doing what they love despite everything.  Anvil quitting would be a profound sell out.  They're the patron saints of all the anonymous bands who still ride in shitty bands to shitty shows for shitty money.  Dog bless Anvil.  That being said, I had a very slight beer buzz going as the set closed with 'Metal On Metal'.

Motörhead in L.A. is basically a hometown show so stage left and right were packed solid with guests.  It's always a blessing to stand next to Lemmy's backline... but after the opening couple of songs I got annoyed by all of the "guests" around me... so I spent the rest of the set making use of the plastic hanging around my neck and watched from different spots around the venue.

Here in the 21st Century, Motörhead could easily be taken for granted because they've always been around.  Given the recent passing of Jeff Hanneman we should NOT take our heroes for granted.  Appreciate them NOW.  Motörhead changed my life as a teenager and Lemmy, Fast Eddie, and Philthy Phil were my ultimate Metal heroes... and while I'm basically a jaded old fart now my Inner Teenage Metalhead still freaks out a little whenever I watch Lemmy go into his bass solo during 'Stay Clean'.

Tonight was a typically workmanlike 75 minute set. I can always nitpick about a Motörhead setlist but I was surprised by the vintage 'Rock It' making an appearance.  'Killed By Death', with Lemmy's son Paul on guest guitar, is always life affirming... and the show ending aural fistfight of 'Overkill' will always remind me how far I've come from my suburban teenage bedroom listening to No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith constantly.

Photo courtesy of Photo Ray

The after show backstage scene tonight was ridiculous with WAY too many people mixed in with Slash, Jimmy Bain, Don Dokken, Dave Grohl again, and members of awful bands like Huntress.  The air was thick with the musk of Affliction so we bailed for some late night food at a nearby 24 hour diner.  

At the diner, before we could even order, a guy wearing a Motörhead shirt approached Photo Ray and asked if he wanted to be in his film.  He was looking for a "Scott Ian-type"... That was either a classic L.A. Moment or a very, very awkward pick up line.  Born to lose.. Live to win!

If you bought one of every Motörhead merch item you would have paid around $250.  Yeah, their merch looked good.  On the way back to the hotel, some pimply-faced teenagers called me a fag. All in all it was a fun school night in the City of Angels with one of my sacred all-time favorite bands, like, ever... "and don't forget the Joker".

Anvil Redux

Anvil / Attitude Adjustment
The Fillmore, San Francisco
February 6, 2010

Yes, this was a show geared for Umlaut's generation of Metalheads. The kidz who wear Meshuggah shirts wouldn't appreciate it, but that's fine; it's a generational thing. The Anvil story has been well documented practically everywhere so I'm not going to repeat it... For Umlaut's history with Anvil click HERE (Slim's), HERE (Umlaut meets Sacha Gervasi), and HERE (The Bridge Theater).

On this cold night, of course there was drama at Will Call... "NOT ON THE LIST.." While this put me in a really bad mood initially, it turned out to be a classic example of the Umlaut Nation proving its worth. After trading a couple of phone calls and text messages trying to get in touch with the band's management, I veered off that standard Lock 'N Loll path. I called Umlaut Nation friend Paula in TORONTO who has worked with Anvil for 20 years (Hi Paula!)... Paula in turn sent some messages of her own and, long story short, she gave me Rob Reiner's cell number... so I called the drummer direct! I explained who I was and why I was there and we had a pretty funny conversation that ended with him saying he'd get his tour manager to sort me right away. Right after this, Photo Ray sent me the tour manager's cell so I called him as well... and he informed me he had already sent my tickets to Will Call (Thanks John!). Brilliant networking Umlaut Nation! I'm still shaking my head that someone in TORONTO sorted me in real time as I stood outside in the cold San Francisco night... That would NOT have gone as well back in the 20th Century using a payphone! Thank dog for iPhones.

We got inside in time to see Umlaut friend Nikki Blakk introduce local boyz Attitude Adjustment to the stage. Trivia: 3/4 of the "classic" 1986 lineup of Attitude Adjustment were with Umlaut at Metallica's first ever show in San Franfuckincisco. The band has been playing shows again recently, but without my 3 old friends, and I have to say it was odd to have a hardcore Punk band opening for Anvil. However, from a Bay Area perspective, it was a nice nod to the old local music scene.. but I have to admit the high point of their set was when they brought out 1986-era guitarist, and one of Umlaut's oldest friends, Scaparro for a nostalgic rendition of the song 'Johnny'. It was nice to see Scaparro under the stage lights again... now he needs to get a Two Bit Thief reunion happening!

After the opening set, I noticed that The Fillmore had filled up respectably and I was surprised there were so few Hipsters in attendance given the movie's popularity. This was the 3rd time I'd seen Anvil since their resurrection... However, aside from the pair of Anvil: The Movie performances last year at Slim's and The Bridge Theater, this was Anvil's first proper show in The City By The Bay in maybe 13 years. Their 13-song set kicked off strong with 'March Of The Crabs' > '666' > 'School Love''; it was like being in a time machine and my Inner 16-year old Metalhead was smiling.

A perfect example of how Metal can transcend generations was symbolized by Umlaut's old Metal brother Hans and his teenage son. The kid was wearing his dad's vintage teenage Metalhead denim vest; I documented HERE how that vest reunited Hans and Umlaut after over 20 years. It was funny having Hans' son tell me his grandmother sewed the patches on for his dad and saying "That wasn't very Metal.. having your mom do that.." HAHA! That kid is gonna be alright.

Denim & Leather... Son and Dad

Anyway, back to the show: Jimmy Page has his violin bow... Lips has his vibrator. He pulled the accessory out of his back pocket during an epic extended version of 'Mothra' and utilized the devices' variable speeds admirably. Note to guitarists: The old school plastic vibrators create a better tone than the modern rubber ones.

It was hard not to get caught up in Lips' excitement over playing The Fillmore (on the same stage where the likes of Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix performed)... and because of that positive energy the non-politically correct moments of the set, like Lips making Oriental eyes with his fingers during 'Mothra' and detailing a groupie offering him a sloppy seconds blowjob to intro 'Jackhammer', were endearing rather than causing the typical San Francisco Ultra-Liberal PC reaction ("Ohmygoddidyouhearwhathejustsaid!?").. It was straight up 80's... It was Metal.

Anvil were my Metal Heroes back in the 20th Century, but here in the 21st Century I've moved on; while alot of people my age tend to listen to the same old bands I'm still seeking out new bands that will engage me. During Anvil's set I struggled with how much I was really enjoying the show... My Inner 16-year old Metalhead was smiling, but my current 21st Century Metal self got lost a couple times during the band's mid-tempo songs. In the end, it's Anvil's story that makes them relevant to me and not really their music at this point in my life. Indeed, I bought their first albums when they first came out back in The Day and I still basically know all the lyrics to the Metal On Metal album (I wish they had played 'Tease Me, Please Me'..)... but, as I think I've said in this space before, it's just cool to see an example of how you CAN grow old on your own terms.. and the kidz who belittle Anvil and their story will know what I'm talking about in, like, 10-15 years... or at least I hope they have that realization. Hope I die before I get old.

If you bought one of every Anvil merch item you would have paid $130.. On the way back to the car, some pimply-faced teenagers called us fags. Yeah, Metal on Metal is still the only way... I just see it from a different point of view... Tangled up in "Blew".. and with that random Bob Dylan reference, I am out of here.

Back In Black Metal On Metal

The exciting sequel to Metal On Metal, Forged In Fire, and 666! Anvil will be supporting AC/DC at their 2 massive East Coast stadium shows next month!

For Immediate Release-

HARD ROCK LEGENDS AC/DC TAP CANADIAN METAL BAND ANVIL OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FILM “ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL” AS OPENERS FOR JULY 28 SHOW AT GILLETTE STADIUM AND JULY 31 SHOW AT GIANTS STADIUM

New York, NY (June 8, 2009)- Based on the overwhelming response to and incredible buzz created by the critically acclaimed documentary “Anvil! The Story of Anvil,” the band has been chosen to fill the spot as opening act for rock legends AC/DC at their Gillette Stadium show on July 28th and their Giants Stadium show on July 31st. Anvil band members, Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner will see their dreams come true as they are set to open for one of the greatest hard rock bands in the world, AC/DC, for the two biggest shows on their Black Ice World Tour. This opportunity marks a stellar comeback for the 30 year-old band that continues to reach new heights with the success and continued expansion of their documentary and recent features in Newsweek and Rolling Stone.

“Anvil! The Story of Anvil” is the directorial debut of screenwriter Sacha Gervasi (“The Terminal”) and was produced by Rebecca Yeldham (“The Kite Runner” and “The Motorcycle Diaries”). The film follows Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner and their band, Anvil, which released one of the heaviest albums in metal history, 1982’s Metal on Metal. The album influenced an entire musical generation of rock bands, including Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, who all went on to sell millions of records. Anvil, on the other hand, took a different path—straight to obscurity. The film is both entertaining and touching as it follows their last-ditch quest for the fame and fortune that has been so elusive to them. “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” is a timeless tale of survival and the unadulterated passion it takes to follow your dream, year after year.

Praised as “The best documentary I’ve seen in years,” by documentarian Michael Moore, “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” contains appearances by an array of heavy metal icons, including Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, former member of Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, Anthrax’s Scott Ian, and Slayer’s Tom Araya, among others.

Celebrities unconnected to the film have rallied around it, urging their fans to see “Anvil” in theaters. Among them are: Ryan Gosling, Dustin Hoffman, Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, Maroon 5, John Mayer, Mandy Moore, Keanu Reeves, Morgan Spurlock, Steve-O, Chris Martin, Rob Thomas and Rainn Wilson.

“Anvil! The Story of Anvil,” currently playing in theaters, is distributed by VH1 in association with Abramorama. This fall, VH1 will release the film on television and DVD under its Emmy Award-winning “VH1 Rock Docs” franchise. VH1 has been heavily supporting the theatrical distribution by Abramorama with a network-wide, multi-platform promotional campaign.

AC/DC kicked off their Black Ice World Tour in late October 2008, crisscrossing North America and Europe garnering raves from critics along the way. The Black Ice World Tour was given the ‘Major Tour of the Year’ award at the 20th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards.

Black Ice made history debuting at #1 on album charts in 29 countries and also has the distinction of being Columbia Records’ biggest debut album (since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales data in 1991). Black Ice has been certified Multi Platinum in eighteen countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, Italy, Argentina and the Czech Republic.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and the band's website, www.acdc.com.

666

The exciting sequel to Metal On Metal and Forged In Fire!

Anvil
The Bridge Theatre, San Francisco
May 3, 2009

I hadn't planned on writing about this since I've already ranted about Anvil twice in this space within the past month... but dammit.. this was one of those perfect Metal nights.

To start off the evening, members of the Umlaut Nation gathered at The Pig & Whistle for some pre-movie / concert libations and sustenance. So a shout out to Timo, Ray, Lori, Sarah, Dave, Rafa, Pam, Richard, Jim, and Pashke.. and a bonus shout out to Mr. Gould of Faith No More as well. Then we few, we happy few, walked down the block to The Bridge to get in line for the 7:10PM screening / performance. As we neared the door, there was a commotion behind us and I turned around just as THE BAND walked past us into the theater... and the people in line gave them a rousing ovation! So fucking cool, right?!

Lips has entered the building! (Pic by Umlaut)

I've ranted about the movie already in previous posts... but I must admit that in the past couple of weeks I've become slightly (okay.. fully..) obsessed with Anvil and all of the back story involved with the making of this movie. Long story short: Anvil are from *my* generation of Metal bands; I bought their first albums when I was a Teenage Metalhead in the early-80's. Their tale of growing old and wanting to stay Metal resonates with me in an extremely profound way... and I realized that I can't really put into words how much this movie (and this story) means to me; it strikes to the core of who I am in so many ways. Hope I die before I get old.

Anyway....

As at the Slim's screening last month, as soon as the final credits finished the band took to the stage to give the sold out theater a dose of Metal... but with an added twist to start as Lips ran off the stage and down the aisle next to me to get the crowd going with some guitar antics.

Lips fires it up! (Pic by Umlaut)

Then he returned to the stage and the band launched into the instrumental 'March Of The Crabs'.. So fucking awesome!

Sidebar: I would like to point out the lame hipster wearing the vintage Vandenberg shirt to the left of Lips.. I'm sure he paid $$ for it at a secondhand store somewhere and thinks it's "COOL" and oh so "METAL".. For the record, Umlaut saw Vandenberg in 1983 at The Keystone Palo Alto (supported by Quiet Riot no less) and their brand of Dutch Hair Metal SUCKED. For the newbies: Adrian Vandenberg went on to play with Whitesnake during their 15 minutes of fame when Tawny Kitaen did the splits on the hood of a Jaguar on their behalf. Hipster Posers Fuck Off!

ANYWAY... Sorry, back to ANVIL:

Their setlist went 'March Of The Crabs' > 'This Is Thirteen' > '666'.... but then Lips broke a string and the set ended abruptly! After a few moments the houselights came on and a roadie said "Anvil loves you!" WTF... No backup axe!? I thought for a second there might be a riot... but alas there wasn't. At that moment I remembered we were "at the movies"... so we obediently filed out of the theater. However, it didn't feel like I was exiting a movie because Anvil, despite their abbreviated set, had laid waste to the theater... and I ran into more Umlaut friends as if I was at a Metal gig... so a shout out to Hard Rock Chick, Old Metal Tim, Jedi Pablo, and Mr. Baker as well.

There was Anvil merch for sale, but I didn't take note of it. On the way back to the car some pimply-teenagers called us fags. As I type this, I feel like I'm 16-years old again... and to quote Anvil: "I'd rather be a king below than a servant above... I'd rather be free and hate than a prisoner of love... You heard my warning but you didn't, didn't, didn't learn... 666!"

Forged In Fire

For the record, Umlaut had an amazing Music Geek month of April! The exciting sequel to Metal On Metal!

As I posted a couple of weeks ago, the Anvil documentary is amazing; you do not have to be a Metalhead to appreciate its story of musicians driven by their passion to follow their hearts and play their music. That being said, I’m not going to explain the movie in detail here because I simply don't have the patience right now... but if you need convincing check out the review posted on the Movie Industry sounding board Ain’t It Cool News. 'Nuff said.

In a twist of good karma, Umlaut's old co-worker friend Jedi Pablo at Lucasfilm invited me to attend a lunchtime Q&A session with the film's director, Sacha Gervasi, at the company's Deathstar Compound in The Presidio, San Francisco. The session was a follow up to an employee screening of the film that happened the night before.

The session was held in the same theater where Umlaut saw Ken Burns give a preview of his World War II documentary The War a couple of years ago. Gervasi's session was hosted by a Lucasfilm handler who guided the conversation and also presented 6 clips from the Anvil movie.

As the session unfolded, my Inner Metalhead started to freak out because the more he talked the more I realized something: In addition to having a successful career as a Hollywood screenwriter (The Terminal) and as a filmmaker, Sacha Gervasi was ONE OF US: He was OLD METAL! Some random geek notes from the hour long session:

• Gervasi told some great stories about his own history with Anvil and Old Metal. He first became aware of the band via a cover story on the band in the old U.K. magazine Sounds (R.I.P.)… and when he described the cover I got chills because I remember that issue!
• After seeing Anvil on their debut U.K. Tour (including a Marquee Club show), he became a member of their road crew while still a teenager. The nickname the band gave him was "Tea Bag" since he was English and his story about bringing the band home to meet his Mum was hilarious (Mum: "They have to leave now!")..
  
• During his conversation, Gervasi referenced ALL the right Old Metal things… NWOBHM.. Diamond Head... Riot… how his Iron Maiden shirts made him an outcast at school, etc.
  
• He did a great job explaining how different things were in the early-80's with Metal vs. Punk.. In 1982 he attended a Clash show at The Lyceum in London and was punched by a Skinhead for wearing a Motörhead shirt. The Skinhead told him he couldn't "wear that hippie shit around here". Back then anyone with long hair was a "Hippie" to most people and the Metal vs. Punk thing was real, especially in England.
  

I’m still buzzing from what a huge Music Geek experience this hour was… The Anvil documentary is an inspiring story, but I find the director’s story just as compelling. Gervasi went from a Metalhead > Metal Roadie > successful Hollywood Screenwriter. When his agent told him not to pursue the Anvil project, he fired his agent and financed the movie himself! Gervasi wanted to pay tribute to his old friends, who are also his old heroes.. In the process, he also captured the essence of what it means to keep a fire going inside yourself that allows you to stay young at heart. In our case that fire is Old Metal.. Amazing and profound, man.

On top of the Old Metal war stories, Gervasi also gave some back stories to scenes in the movie... some of them were mindblowing.. but I don't want to spoil the movie for The Newbies.. but at least one of the stories gave me chills, man; so emotional. Hopefully alot of these details will be included in the DVD release of the movie later this year. He also noted that in the wake of the movie's success, the band are now represented by (1) Slayer's management, (2) Metallica's attorney, and (3) Coldplay's booking agent.. and they're being courted by no less than 3 record labels. A major tour is also being scheduled for later this year. METAL.

After the Q&A I was able to chat with Gervasi for a moment and I geeked out that I remembered the issue of Sounds he had mentioned… That I had bought Metal On Metal when it came out in 1982.. How his film really struck a chord with me, etc. etc. He seemed genuinely appreciative and I thought it was funny that his Lucasfilm handler said “OH WOW!” in reaction to my Old Metal outburst.

Old Metalheads: Gervasi > Umlaut

Afterwards, I had lunch in the Death Star Compound's food court / dining area.. Ironically, the Death Star Compound sits on pretty much the same location where Starfleet Academy will be built in the 22nd Century... Of course, this presents profound continuity issues for both Star Wars and Star Trek, right? Discuss amongst yourselves. A huge THANKS to Jedi Pablo and Jedi Frank for their hospitality.

“Metal on Metal.. It’s the only way..”

Metal On Metal

For the record, Umlaut is having an amazing Music Geek month of April so far...

Anvil
Slim's, San Francisco
Easter Sunday 2009

The story of Anvil dates back to the early-80's and all of us Metalheads who were into Metallica and Slayer back then were also into Anvil. Unfortunately, they were one of those bands who never made it out of the underground and, to be honest, I haven't thought about the band since around 1985... Nevertheless, the band's core members Lips (guitar / vocals ) and Robb Reiner (drums) have never stopped playing, even when some Metalheads grew up and forgot about them (guilty.. sorry guys..).

Fast forward to the 21st Century and Anvil is now the subject of a highly acclaimed documentary that has sparked new interest in the band. This resurrection has included the band being signed by Slayer's management and getting a proper merchandise company behind them. METAL!


This event was part of a 6-city tour featuring a screening of the film followed by a performance by Anvil themselves. Due to the obligatory Zombie Jesus Sunday family obligation, I missed half of the film that proceeded the band's performance. I ducked into a darkened and nicely packed Slim's and joined Tour Manager Doug as the film was projected on the screen lowered in front of the stage.

A couple of Old Metal friends had already seen the film and raved about it, and what I saw supported their enthusiastic reviews. It's everything that Some Kind Of Monster wasn't: The film portrays a band still hungry after years (decades!) of toiling in the shit of the music industry but, despite the fact they have little to nothing to show for their hardships, they can't let it go because playing Metal is their passion.

As soon as the credits were finished, the screen rose and Anvil roared onstage for a 40 minute set that included '666', the instrumental 'March Of The Crabs', and closed with 'Metal On Metal' and a curtain call of 'Mothra'. Dude, I have not thought about those songs in so long! Also, Lips talking to the audience through the pickup of his guitar was straight up old school showmanship... but, for better or worse, he didn't break out a vibrator for his guitar solo ala 1983.

Seeing Anvil rejuvenated after all these years was cool, but THE coolest thing about the night was all of the Old Metalheads who were in attendance... and there were alot of us there, including Tour Manager Doug making a rare hometown area appearance:

The Old Men Of Metal: Umlaut, Ron, Doug, John

After Anvil's set ended the band hung out at the front of the stage and at the merch table talking to fans. At the same time, the Old Metalheads hung around for a good 30 minutes chatting with each other, just like we used to do after shows back in The Day. A week ago a couple of us had been in Cleveland, so it was a nice continuation of that Old Metal vibe.

Poser Hipsters will see the Anvil movie and compare it to This Is Spinal Tap; I've already read about people who think the movie is a mockumentary and Anvil isn't a real band. Fuck the Poser Hipsters! For this Old Metalhead, it's cool to know that sometimes Old Metal doesn't rust and fade away; sometimes it might just be indestructible like Anvil.

It must be noted that Tour Manager Doug (TMD) bought the latest Anvil album off the band's website BEFORE there was a movie about them... which is why TMD is more Metal than Umlaut. I forgot to do a merch audit, but TMD reported if you bought one of every Anvil merch item you would have paid around $80. Also, it's funny how Anvil brand blank shirts were used for Anvil's shirts. Anvil's merch company is pretty badass, man! On the way back to the car, some pimply-faced teenagers called me a fag. This was as close to 1983 as you could possibly get without an old denim vest. Time travel does exist.

"Metal on Metal... It's the only way.."

Kerrang! #43 - June 1983
(From the Umlaut Archives)