THE BEAT GOES ON . . AND ON . . AND ON . . .

January 25 . . .


Yesterday, Sunday January 24, the German rock group The Scorpions announced that, after 40 years, they were calling it quits. They’re releasing one last album (LP? CD? Download?), called ‘Sting In The Tail’ in March, and will embark on their farewell tour in April. Hopefully, they’ll still be ambulatory enough to get on stage. It kind of brings a new meaning to the term ‘Oldies Act’.

Still, it’s an admirable trait, tenacity. And music is an admittedly hard Jones to kick. I know from experience. I was a working musician – and no, that’s not necessarily an oxymoron – for many years. My hat is off to any group that can weather the storm through more than 4 decades. Well done, lads.

The Stones are probably the most celebrated long-haul rock band, clocking in at nearly 50 years, now. But not every geriatric rocker gets to have Martin Scorsese film a documentary on them (‘Shine A Light’) So let’s have a round of applause for the subject of today’s ‘Movie A Day’, the one . . the only . . ANVIL!

The original members, drummer Robb Reiner and guitar whiz Steve Kudlow star in one of the wackiest, yet most oddly effecting rock documentaries ever, ‘Anvil! The Story of Anvil’ (2008). Heavy Metal band Anvil has been together for nearly as long as the Stones, and they’re still Rolling – though admittedly downhill. (When asked by the local paper what he carries in his ever-present fanny pak, Kudrow responds, “Wallet, money, keys, rolling papers, false teeth . .”)

If you live in Austin, Texas, tonight is your golden opportunity – the boys are playing a live gig at Emo’s at 7pm (guess those midnight shows are a thing of the past), after showing the film. Be there or be . . well, home watching TV. If you can’t make the gig, keep an eye out for this inspiring, funny, one-of-a-kind movie from director Sasha Gervasi. It’s kind of a strange hybrid of ‘The Last Waltz’, ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ and ‘The Filth & The Fury’. Even if you’re not into Heavy Metal, you’ll find ‘Anvil! The Story of Anvil’ to be an inspiring testament to the 3-chord lifestyle. Steve Kudrow: “ . . it wouldn’t matter whether it was heavy metal or country or western; the heart of the story is about determination, personal sacrifice, love, dedication to a cause . .”

And false teeth. Don’t forget the false teeth. Keep rockin’, lads.