Spinal Tap has always had a unique relationship with drummers. The band’s original drummer, John “Stumpy” Pepys, famously died in a bizarre accident. Unfortunately, his successors didn’t fare much better. Eric “Stumpy Joe” Childs choked on someone else’s vomit, while Peter “James” Bond met a tragic end on stage, literally exploding in a rock ‘n’ roll disaster.
Fast forward over 40 years since the iconic mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap,” and the band is back. This time, they need a new drummer for one last concert in New Orleans to honor a forgotten contractual obligation. Frontman David St Hubbins, portrayed by Michael McKean, humorously shares, “We looked everywhere for a drummer, but people knew our history and said, ‘no thanks.'” Legendary drummers like Questlove and Lars Ulrich were approached but turned down the gig due to the band’s deadly drums. Eventually, they find a brave newbie, Didi Crockett, who says, “I’ll play in your band. I dare the Reaper!”
Spinal Tap exists in a strange spot between reality and fiction. The band, created by American comedians and directed by Rob Reiner, has performed live at major venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury Festival. They even won a legal battle in 2020, reclaiming rights to their work after claiming Hollywood accounting had shortchanged them.
In their new film, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” Reiner reprises his role as Marty DiBergi, capturing what the band has been up to since their last documentary. The story kicks off when Garth Brooks’s cover of Spinal Tap’s song “Big Bottom” goes viral, sparking renewed interest. As they prepare for their reunion, DiBergi discovers where each band member ended up in life: Nigel Tufnel sells cheese, Derek Smalls owns a glue museum, and St Hubbins makes answering machine jingles.
The first Spinal Tap film wasn’t an instant hit but grew into a cult classic over time. Its hilarious scenes of backstage chaos and absurd food requests have inspired many real-life rock tales. For example, Van Halen refused brown M&Ms, and Tom Petty’s band got lost backstage — moments that resonate with musicians who’ve had their own “Spinal Tap moments.” Comedian Ricky Gervais calls it essential viewing for anyone in the industry.
Musicians and fans alike still reference the band’s famous “amps go to eleven” line. This phrase even made it into the Oxford English Dictionary, symbolizing anything that exceeds its limits. Tufnel jokes, “My new amp goes to infinity. There should be no boundaries when it comes to sound!”
Early reviews of “Spinal Tap II” are looking promising. Critics have praised it for maintaining humor while adding a touch of nostalgia. Awarding four stars, The Guardian noted it still packs “pin-sharp laughs and melancholy.” Meanwhile, The Radio Times and The Telegraph set a more tempered expectation, suggesting the sequel, while enjoyable, doesn’t reach the heights of the original.
Notable rock legends like Sir Elton John and Paul McCartney appear in the film, adding an air of authenticity and excitement. Tufnel shares, “You feel like bowing” in their presence. The collaborative spirit shines when McCartney playfully calls a lyric from “Big Bottom” a work of art.
As the film gears up for its premiere, fans eagerly anticipate whether Spinal Tap can still captivate audiences. If their upcoming New Orleans gig goes well, this iconic band might finally reclaim their place in the rock landscape.
For more insights about Spinal Tap and their legacy, check out [this comprehensive overview](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/spinal-tap-creators-settle-rights-dispute-with-studiocanal-4063100/).
