ANVIL Frontman Claims His Comments About American Work Ethic Were 'Misinterpreted', Apologizes To Anyone Who Was Insulted

ANVIL frontman Steve "Lips" Kudlow says that his comment about the American work ethic was "taken out of context" and was actually meant in reference to the band's "business dealings in the country."

In an interview with Belfast Metal conducted last month, Lips spoke about ANVIL's 2008 documentary, "Anvil! The Story Of Anvil", and expressed his satisfaction over the fact that the band's current European tour made a stop in Ireland. After the interviewer implored the listeners to "watch the documentary," Lips offered what sounded like a commentary on why the movie — which followed the aging Canadian metal band on an increasingly ill-fated tour — seemed to be received more favorably in some parts of the world than in others. He stated (around 5:55 mark in the interview below): "What's a really fascinating aspect [is that] in countries where the work ethic is really, really tough, where people really have a good, good, good work ethic, it doesn't matter how hard you have to work, you just go work. [And] those countries seemed to embrace the ANVIL story more than others… From my personal experience, in America, it's pretty much taken for granted and people kind of look at it like, 'So what?' Because people in that country, generally speaking, are lazy, and if they can go on welfare, they will. They don't have work ethics. So how could they relate to a story about somebody who keeps trying and being faced with adversities and failures? That's not the American way. The American way [is]: if I don't succeed right away, quit and go on to something else. And that's where the difference lies. I really noticed that in particular the movie really struck hard in the U.K. and in Ireland and in Sweden and in Germany. These are places that have very, very, very heavy-duty work ethics. People work because they want to, not because they have to."

Following the inevitable backlash to his comments, Lips took to his personal and the band's Facebook pages earlier today to clarify his words, insisting that his "statements [were] taken out of context to cause as much attention as possible."

Lips's full statement reads as follows: "To my U.S. friends, the post from Blabbermouth was a misinterpreted statement. It was meant to be in reference to ANVIL's business dealings in the country. When attempting to find people to help us out and do business with, we found that no one was willing unless immediate money was to be made. As a prime example, record labels wanted our first three albums for free which automatically meant they made money instantly off the hard work and investment of the Canadian label that paid and produced these recordings. As a result, those recordings are still not released domestically to this day. The labels were unwilling to work towards a goal... whether it's laziness or greediness makes little or no difference, the end result is the same. There are many such instances throughout our time in the music business. As with most of humanity, people want as much as possible for as little as possible. Money for nothing. It was meant as a generalized statement. Unfortunately, and as usual, statements [get] taken out of context to cause as much attention as possible. I apologize to any and all for this. Truly a sad representation of intentions. I'm hoping people can see past this and forgive me if you've been insulted."

For the full context of Lips's original comments, listen to the interview below beginning at around the four-minute mark. It should be noted that Lips at no time mentions any record labels or discusses ANVIL's business dealings in America while talking about the movie or the band's current European tour.