Steve "Lips" Kudlow

Steve "Lips" Kudlow
Kudlow at Headbangers Open Air, Germany 2014
Background information
Birth name	Steven Barry Kudlow
Also known as	Lips
Born	(1956-03-02) March 2, 1956 (age 61) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres	Speed metal, heavy metal, thrash metal
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Vocals Guitar
Years active	1973–present
Labels	Attic, Maximum, Massacre, Hypnotic, Metal Blade, The End
Associated acts	Anvil
Website	anvilmetal.com/

Steven Barry "Lips" Kudlow (born March 2, 1956) is a Canadian musician, who is the lead vocalist and guitarist of the metal band Anvil, which he co-founded with drummer Robb Reiner in 1978, having played together since 1973.

Kudlow's father bought him a guitar at the age of nine, leading him to become involved in playing music, with the intention of starting a lifelong musical project. Speaking of his music during this time, Kudlow has stated that his focus was primarily on writing original material, elaborating with "I made sure it would consume all my time. I wanted it to be a lifelong project. I was set on having a long career in rock 'n' roll; I didn't want to be an overnight sensation. In fact, even some of my decisions, the way I wrote some songs, maybe could have even been to make sure of that… It wasn't about writing a hit single for me; it was about making music that people really dug."

Kudlow's mother was unsupportive of his ambitions and according to Kudlow himself, she was more concerned about her self-gratification and "how she'd look to her friends" than her children's happiness.

The roots of Anvil began in April 1973 in Toronto, when Kudlow began playing music with his high school friend Robb Reiner. They met through friend, guitarist and neighbour Marty Hoffman, but “musical differences” caused his departure after their first show. By 1978, the first full line-up of the band included Kudlow (lead vocals, lead guitar), Reiner (drums), Dave "Squirrely" Allison (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Ian "Dix" Dickson (bass). At this point, the band was called Lips, but renamed themselves Anvil in 1981.

The band, in particular Kudlow and Reiner, were the subject of the 2008 documentary film, Anvil! The Story of Anvil, directed by the screenwriter and former Anvil roadie, Sacha Gervasi. Upon its release, the film garnered critical acclaim from many major publications, and has since brought the band renewed recognition, including opening slots with AC/DC and Saxon. Appearances at both major heavy metal festivals, including Download, Bumbershoot and Loud Park, and independent music festivals like SXSW, also followed the release of the film. Regarding the film, Lips states: