October 1st 2024.
Dave Allison, a legendary figure in the world of heavy metal, passed away at the age of 68 after a private battle with cancer. He was the founding member and original guitarist of the iconic Canadian band, Anvil. The news of his passing was confirmed by his former bandmates, who took to social media to express their heartfelt tributes to the musician.
Allison played a crucial role in the formation of Anvil in 1973, alongside his bandmates Ian Dickson, Steve Kudlow, and Robb Reiner. Together, they shaped the heavy metal sound that would eventually earn Anvil international recognition and help pave the way for the genre as a whole. Although Allison left the band in 1989, Kudlow and Reiner continued to carry the torch, keeping the band active and releasing new music.
During his time with Anvil, Allison was instrumental in the band's rise to fame. He contributed to their breakthrough album, Hard 'n' Heavy, and his guitar work was featured on five more albums, including fan favorites like Metal On Metal and Forged In Fire. His final project with the group was the Past And Present live album before his departure.
Despite parting ways with the band and taking a break from the music industry for many years, Allison always looked back fondly on his time with Anvil. In a 2017 interview, he revealed that attending one of Anvil's concerts reignited his love for playing music. "I pretty much quit playing when I left Anvil," he explained. "But I went to see them for the first time last year, and I got totally inspired to start playing again."
Even after his professional path diverged from heavy metal, Allison maintained a close relationship with his former bandmates. In a collective tribute on social media, Anvil wrote, "Dave Allison was a member of Anvil for 10 years and recorded six albums with the band, including classics like Metal On Metal and Forged In Fire. His final album with the band was the Past And Present live album." The post also expressed condolences to Allison's family and friends and acknowledged his lasting impact. "He was proud of his early contributions to Anvil, and his name and legacy will live on. Rest in peace, DAVE SQUIRLY ALLISON."
Anvil's frontman, Steve Kudlow, also paid a personal tribute to Allison, saying, "Rest in peace Dave Allison, January 5, 1956 to September 30, 2024...we will miss you brother!" Drummer Robb Reiner shared his own memories of Allison, including a visit to his cabin earlier in the year, where they reminisced about old times. "Together we planned a dinner that unfortunately never happened. R.I.P. my old friend," Reiner wrote.
Although Allison bid farewell to the heavy metal scene many years ago, he made a surprise appearance with Anvil during a hometown concert in Ontario in 2017. It was a rare and memorable moment, as he returned to the stage with the band he helped launch into the spotlight.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the Allison family and friends during this difficult time. Dave Allison will always be remembered as a pioneer in the heavy metal world, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians. If you have a story or memories you'd like to share about Dave, please reach out to our entertainment team. We'd love to hear from you.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
