Were Spinal Tap a real band before the film?
In 1984, with controversial rock ‘n’ roll antics in full swing, the musical landscape probably wasn’t ready for a release as confrontational as This Is Spinal Tap. Billed as a mockumentary, the events that transpire throughout the film weren’t all that scandalous by nature, considering they weren’t too distant from what actually happened in the world of rock.
The movie follows the metal band Spinal Tap as they endure mishap after mishap, spotlighting the pretences of the rock world and heavy metal bands with bizarre occurrences, lineup changes, and other inexplicable events. The documentary style presented the film with a sort of endearing yet sobering edge, presenting the events as fact, paralleling the real-world antics of rock ‘n’ roll as closely as possible.
The band—which comprised David St Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, Derek Smalls, Viv Savage, and various drummers—were intensely believable in their absurdity. Audiences were mainly drawn into the blurred lines between reality and fiction, even amid the more chaotic moments that appeared far too outlandish to have ever happened in real life.
The movie has accrued such popularity that it has since become a cult classic, with demand for a sequel so high that a follow-up was finally confirmed in May 2022. The sequel will also boast many members of the original cast and team members, with Rob Reiner returning as director and others reprising their roles within the band. This will also be a particularly special instalment, with names like Paul McCartney and Elton John also expected to make cameos.
Were Spinal Tap a real band?
Before the making of This Is Spinal Tap, the band Spinal Tap didn’t exist. It was entirely fictionalised for the movie, with members played by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and others. However, the success of the movie and the lasting endearment of the band members have resulted in the actors portraying their characters during several concerts.
In 2009, Guest, McKean and Shearer embarked on a One Night Only World Tour, playing a series of concerts across America and the UK. Although they weren’t a real band before or during the making of This Is Spinal Tap, the movie wasn’t the first time they had appeared in the public eye together. They also appeared as part of a comedy sketch special in 1979, a project organised by Reiner and McKean.
However, at this point, the band members had no names and no other characteristics signifying their appeal other than their participation in a song called ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Nightmare’, a spoof of the music variety series The Midnight Special. They also appeared together to promote the release of the film, performing on Saturday Night Live, before issuing a Christmas single, with some members participating in a 1986 charity single.
Although fans have had to wait just a little longer for the much-awaited sequel, it seems it will be more than worth the wait. Reiner and the rest of the cast are working hard to ensure there is no room for disappointment. Some will unfortunately be absent, though, after manager Tony Hendra and drummer Ric Parnell tragically passed away in 2001 and 2022, respectively.
