Robb Reiner is the drummer for Canadian heavy metal band Anvil. Founded in 1981 by Reiner and Steve "Lips" Kudlow (vocals, guitar), Anvil is considered one of the creators of the thrash/speed metal genre. However despite their influence, the band never experienced widespread success or popularity. Anvil recently experienced a...More
Robb Reiner is the drummer for Canadian heavy metal band Anvil. Founded in 1981 by Reiner and Steve "Lips" Kudlow (vocals, guitar), Anvil is considered one of the creators of the thrash/speed metal genre. However despite their influence, the band never experienced widespread success or popularity. Anvil recently experienced a resurgence in their career following the release of the documentary film, Anvil! The Story of Anvil.
Having undergone lineup changes over the years, Anvil now consists of Reiner, Lips, and Glenn Five (bass, backing vocals). Anvil released their debut album, Hard N' Heavy, on Attic Records in 1981. For their fifth album they signed to Metal Blade Records on which they released three albums, including their most commercially successful record to date, Strength of Steel (1987). Overall, Anvil has issued 18 releases, 13 of which are studio albums, including their most recent, This is Thirteen (self-released in 2007 and reissued by VH1 Classic in 2009).
The documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil was made by filmmaker and one-time roadie for the band Sacha Gervasi. The film includes interviews from rock musicians who cite Anvil as major influences and follows the struggles of the band as they tour Europe, try to raise money to record a new album, and deal with interpersonal differences. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2008, won Audience Awards at three film festivals, and won Best Documentary at the 2009 Evening Standard Film Awards and the 2010 Independent Spirit Awards.
Following the success of the documentary, a book about the band, also called Anvil: The Story of Anvil, was released in 2009. Anvil was also invited to tour with AC/DC and Saxon, was featured on VH1 Classic's That Metal Show, has performed at festivals, and appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien in 2009, their first network television appearance. Anvil is currently working on their 14th studio album, Juggernaut of Justice, and continues to tour.
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