Anvil's second shot at stardom

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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A gig poster at Emo's in downtown Austin advertises a show by Toronto heavy metal band Anvil on Monday Jan. 25, 2010. The band invented speed metal in the early 1980's, and influenced major bands such as Metallica who went on to sell millions of records. However, Anvil toiled away in obscurity for more than 30 years. However, they never gave up on their dream of stardom, and the documentary 'Anvil! The Story of Anvil' has given them a second chance.

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

A gig poster at Emo's in downtown Austin advertises a show by Toronto heavy metal band Anvil on Monday Jan. 25, 2010. The band invented speed metal in the early 1980's, and influenced major bands such as Metallica who went on to sell millions of records. However, Anvil toiled away in obscurity for more than 30 years. However, they never gave up on their dream of stardom, and the documentary 'Anvil! The Story of Anvil' has given them a second chance.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil drummer Robb Reiner sets up his double bass drum kit at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil guitarist and singer Steve 'Lips' Kudlow, left, and drummer Robb Reiner, set up their gear for soundcheck at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010. They are lifelong friends who made a pact at age 14 to rock together forever.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil's Robb Reiner, left, and Steve 'Lips' Kudlow play during the soundcheck before their show at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil guitarist Steve 'Lips' Kudlow has an anvil tattooed on his right bicep.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil drummer Robb Reiner practices twirling his drum sticks during soundcheck at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil guitarist Steve 'Lips' Kudlow plays during soundcheck at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil drummer Robb ReIner plays during soundcheck at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil guitarist Steve 'Lips' Kudlow plays during soundcheck at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil does a quick photo shoot with photographer Gary Miller before their show at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010. Left to right: Glenn Five, Robb Reiner and Steve 'Lips' Kudlow.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil guitarist Steve 'Lips' Kudlow rests in the green room before the show at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010. Anvil is on its first major North American tour in more than a decade.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Mike Soliz cheers for Anvil at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil takes the stage at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010. Left to right: Bassist Glenn Five, guitarist and singer Steve 'Lips' Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil's Robb Reiner performs at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Steve 'Lips' Kudlow jumps into the audience to get closer to his fans at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Steve 'Lips' Kudlow plays among his fans at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil's Steve 'Lips' Kudlow performs at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil's Robb Reiner, Glenn Five and Steve 'Lips' Kudlow thank their fans after their set at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil's Steve 'Lips' Kudlow relaxes backstage for a few minutes before going back out to meet his fans at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil's Steve 'Lips' Kudlow takes photos and signs autographs with his fans after his show at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil's Steve 'Lips' Kudlow gets a hug from a fan after his show at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010. Lips mingled with his fans for more than an hour.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Anvil's Steve 'Lips' Kudlow packs up the van after the show at Emo's on Monday Jan. 25, 2010.

Video: Anvil rocks Emo's

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