Dave “Squirrely” Allison, Founding Anvil Guitarist, Dies at 68

Dave Allison, the original guitarist for the Canadian heavy metal band Anvil, has died at the age of 68, reportedly after a battle with cancer. The band put out a statement following Allison’s death, sharing their condolences for his family.

“We’d like to send our deepest condolences to the Allison family and friends,” the band wrot in their statement, per a report from Blabbermouth. “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 Squirrely Allison.”

In a separate statement on social media, Anvil highlighted some of Dave Allison’s accomplishments with the band. “Dave (‘Squirrely’) 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.”

Individual members of the band also shared their condolences and paid respects to the founding member. “Rest in peace Dave Allison January 5, 1956 to September 30, 2024…we will miss you brother!!” wrote frontman Steve “Lips” Kudlow.

Anvil Band Members Pay Respects to Founding Guitarist Dave Allison

Drummer Robb “Robbo” Reiner posted a tribute on social media as well. “The word just reached me… Original band mate R.I.P. Dave Allison has passed away…” he wrote. He then shared a recent moment when he visited Allison. “Had the opportunity this Spring to pay an 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 wrote.

He 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.”

Dave Allison was a member of Anvil from 1973 to 1989 and rejoined the band in 2017 at a show in Ontario to perform three songs. He played “Metal On Metal,” “Forged In Fire,” and a cover of “Born To Be Wild.”

At a 2016 show, original bassist Ian “Dix” Dickson and Allison joined the band for the first time since 1989. Reiner said at the time, “Yeah, it was the first time in 20-odd years that the four original boys were hanging out at the same time. It was great.”

Featured Image by Pete Cronin/Redferns