When South Surrey singer/voice teacher Karen McKenzie sent an email to Canadian heavy-metal legends Anvil she wasn’t really expecting a response.
She’d just watched the documentary Anvil! The Story Of Anvil after finding it, by chance, on Netflix.
And she wanted to let the founding members of the ’80s band, lead vocalist and guitarist Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner, know she’d been both inspired and touched by their story.
As she relates on her blog, the Toronto band, founded in 1978, had headlined with the likes of Whitesnake, Bon Jovi and the Scorpions at the equally legendary 1984 Super Rock Festival in Japan.
But while the others had gone onto record sales in the millions, the founders of Anvil had languished in obscurity, working blue-collar jobs, but still rocking out for their most dedicated fans at small sports bars.
Most importantly, they had never split up – or given up – on their music.
McKenzie also asked if they would consider being interviewed for her blog, in which McKenzie – who teaches voice at Tapestry Music in White Rock – shares posts on bands, tips on singing and input from professionals to inspire other musicians.
To her surprise, several weeks later, Reiner emailed her back and consented to a full interview (see www.KarenMcKenzieVocals.com).
“I was so knocked out and so pleased they would grant me an interview,” she said. “They are exactly as they are portrayed in the documentary – down-to-earth, really nice guys and great musicians.”
The sad side of the Anvil story was how initial success had been squandered, McKenzie said.
“A lot of it was to do with improper management, poor advice and poor decisions,” she said. “A lot of it was inexperience – they were great musicians, but not great businessmen.”
The upside has been how the documentary, produced by some former roadies of the band, has coincided with a rediscovery and resurgence of interest in Anvil and their music.
The documentary concludes with a triumphant return to Japan in a stadium concert before 10,000 people, she said.
“They also had quite a big success at the North American Metal Music Festival last year,” said McKenzie, who also noted the band, which now includes bassist Sal Italiano, is now mastering communication through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
It’s something that McKenzie, a former student of noted Vancouver coach Jan Cooper, has also used to her advantage.
“I only started the blog in December and it has progressed rapidly,” she said, adding that it has grown from a series of personal hints and tips for singers to a venue for professional guest bloggers who’ve shared their insights.
But the biggest coup, so far, has been the interview with Anvil, she said.
“They really were just huge fans of the music, and they stayed together for years and years. They are a great testament to sticking to your dream.”