&domainThings are looking up for Toronto metal band Anvil, and after 30 years toiling away in poverty-level obscurity, it's about time. With the successful doc flick Anvil! The Story of Anvil catapulting the band through degrees of notability that crossed the lines of longhairs, ironic hipsters and indie movie buffs, the band have landed the ultimate rocker gig: being personally selected by AC/DC to open up two arena shows, the first being in Gillette Stadium in Boston on July 28 and then at Giants Stadium in New Jersey on the July 31.
Needless to say, it's pretty impressive for a band that last found mainstream success, well, never; whose singer, the unfortunately nicknamed "Lips," is in his 50s; and who, despite having a kick-ass drummer and a knack for writing some fine material, could rarely get past second-tier record labels and touring opportunities.
Cut to 2009, though, and Anvil! The Story of Anvil has grossed more than $550,000 at the box office in just the U.S., the band have signed new management and booking agent deals with industry bigwigs, and everyone from guitar hero Slash to Coldplay's Chris Martin is singing the band's praises.
Now, the lil' band that couldn't is going to conquer AC/DC's crowd, then move on to who knows what next in what is truly the surprise comeback story of the year.
While Anvil! The Story of Anvil still doesn't have any firm DVD release date, Billboard reports that we can also look out for a soundtrack, book, Anvil tracks for the Rock Band videogame and even a new album. To all of which we can only say: fucking awesome.
For little more Anvil reading, click here to check out Exclaim!'s recent interview with Lips.
Needless to say, it's pretty impressive for a band that last found mainstream success, well, never; whose singer, the unfortunately nicknamed "Lips," is in his 50s; and who, despite having a kick-ass drummer and a knack for writing some fine material, could rarely get past second-tier record labels and touring opportunities.
Cut to 2009, though, and Anvil! The Story of Anvil has grossed more than $550,000 at the box office in just the U.S., the band have signed new management and booking agent deals with industry bigwigs, and everyone from guitar hero Slash to Coldplay's Chris Martin is singing the band's praises.
Now, the lil' band that couldn't is going to conquer AC/DC's crowd, then move on to who knows what next in what is truly the surprise comeback story of the year.
While Anvil! The Story of Anvil still doesn't have any firm DVD release date, Billboard reports that we can also look out for a soundtrack, book, Anvil tracks for the Rock Band videogame and even a new album. To all of which we can only say: fucking awesome.
For little more Anvil reading, click here to check out Exclaim!'s recent interview with Lips.