Dave Allison, original Anvil guitarist, dead at 68
Dave Allison, the founding member of heavy metal group Anvil, has passed away aged 68.
News of Allison’s death has been confirmed by his former bandmates, who have taken to social media to share their tributes to the guitarist. The Canadian musician reportedly passed away following a private battle with cancer.
Anvil formed in 1973, and are still going strong today. Allison was one of the band’s original members alongside bassist Ian Dickson, singer Steve Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner, the latter two of which are still part of the group today.
Allison was part of Anvil during their commercial breakthrough in the 1980s following the release of their debut album, Hard ‘n’ Heavy in 1981. He played on a further four studio albums by the heavy metal group before departing in 1989.
Rather than stay within the music industry, Allison left it behind after his exit. However, in 2017, he admitted to being inspired to start again after seeing Anvil in concert. He told Alikivi, “I pretty much quit playing when I left Anvil. I went to see them for the first time last year and I got totally inspired to start playing again.”
The guitarist continued: “I’m currently working with a network of all pro musicians from back in the day. Guys who are still in the game. We are writing songs and recording mostly over the internet.”
Although he left the band many decades ago, Allison appeared to remain in touch with his former bandmates, judging by their tributes.
The group shared on social media: “Dave (‘Squirrley’) Allison was a member of Anvil for 10 years and recorded six albums with the band, including classics such as Metal On Metal and Forged In Fire. His final album with the band was the Past And Present live album.”
Furthermore, the band’s frontman Steve Kudlow added: “Rest in peace Dave Allison January 5, 1956 to September 30, 2024…we will miss you brother!!”
Anvil drummer Robb Reiner also penned a homage of his own, and recalled his final face-to-face interaction with Allison earlier this year. He shared: “The word just reached me… Original band mate R.I.P. Dave Allison has passed away…Had the opportunity this Spring to pay a unplanned surprise visit to Dave’s isolated cabin …Loneliness was no stranger to him: To say he was in shock was an understated fact..blown away was more like it…and so was I.”
Reiner continued: “The visit covered memories (many) and exposed his dire state: He was not well ..clearly: Together we planned a dinner that unfortunately never happened… R.I.P. my old friend”.
While Allison waved goodbye to heavy metal upon departing Anvil, he did make a welcomed one-off appearance with the band in 2017 when they performed a hometown show in Ontario.
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