Original Anvil Guitarist Dave Allison Passes Away At 68

Heavy metal stalwarts Anvil became a much more widely known act following the tremendous success of the 2008 documentary, “Anvil! The Story of Anvil,” but the band first burst onto the thrash metal scene in the early ‘80s and has never left. Founded by guitarist Steve “Lips” Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner, the original lineup also included guitarist Dave “Squirrely” Allison.

Sadly it was reported earlier this week that Allison, who appeared on two of the band’s most well known albums, “Metal On Metal” and “Forged In Fire,” passed away at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer.

“We’d like to send our deepest condolences to the Allison family and friends,” the band said in a statement. “Dave passed away this morning. He was a close friend and we will miss him. He was proud of his early contributions to Anvil, and his name and legacy live on. Rest in peace, Dave Squirly Allison.”

Kudlow added: “Rest in peace Dave Allison January 5, 1956 to September 30, 2024…we will miss you brother!!” Reiner said: “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. 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”.

Allison rejoined his former bandmates for gig back in 2017 in Ontario, Canada. Video of his appearance can be seen below.