Rock & Metal

STEVE ‘LIPS’ KUDLOW Explains Why The Fun Is Gone From Making New ANVIL Albums

Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Canadian metal pioneers ANVIL probably don’t need to release new studio albums. With their latest release, “One And Only,” ANVIL now has 20 LPs. However, according to co-founding member, vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Steve “Lips” Kudlow, there is plenty more to come, albeit begrudgingly. While many legacy bands either resist recording new music or do so sparingly, ANVIL continues to produce albums regularly. This has caused friction between Kudlow and co-founding drummer Robb Reiner, who constantly pressures the frontman to write new music.

Since the surprising success of the 2008 documentary “Anvil! The Story Of Anvil,” ANVIL has been a full-time band with a dedicated touring and recording schedule. To keep the band going and avoid returning to civilian life, Kudlow pushes himself to write and record new music. Whether this has resulted in better output is up for debate, but in Kudlow’s conversation with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, it was evident that “Lips” is determined to continue, even if the process has become less enjoyable.

Blabbermouth: What’s the motivation for releasing a new ANVIL album?

Steve: “I don’t even know, other than my drummer kicking my ass constantly. He’s already on to the next album. He’s already going, ‘What have you written for the next one?’ I’m like, ‘Can we let this one come out and see what happens? We haven’t even gotten a deal for the next album. One thing at a time.’ But he’s going, ‘We’re running out of time!’ I said, ‘We’re not due to put out an album for another year and a half. What do you mean?’ [Laughs]”

Blabbermouth: It’s not like you’re out of ideas. The stuff still sounds like ANVIL.

Steve: “That’s not a problem. There’s always something to write about. There’s always a riff to play. I never run out of that. I see these guys going, ‘I’ve got writer’s block.’ No, you’re fucking lazy. That’s what that is. If you sit down and start working on stuff, you’ve got stuff. If you don’t, then you’re done. It’s real simple.”

Blabbermouth: Have you ever had writer’s block?

Steve: “No. I don’t even know what that means. [Laughs] I just don’t want to do it right now. It doesn’t mean I can’t; it means I don’t want to.”

I'm Emma. I Love rock music, doing guitar reviews, and making food. I love writing works because it is the best way to provide information to people.

Write A Comment