The legendary parody British rock band Spinal Tap has never had much luck with drummers. Since their debut in the iconic 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, fans have witnessed a string of unfortunate events befalling the band's percussionists. Their original drummer, John Stumpy Pepys, met an untimely end in a bizarre gardening accident. His successor, Eric Stumpy Joe Childs, choked on someone else's vomit, and the next drummer, Peter James Bond, perished in a shocking on-stage explosion, turning the clichéd notion of rock 'n' roll deaths into a comedic spectacle.
Now, over 40 years since the release of the groundbreaking film, the band is reuniting for a sequel titled Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. This new installment follows the band as they embark on a quest for a new drummer to fulfill a recently activated contractual obligation: a final gig in New Orleans. According to frontman David St Hubbins, played by Michael McKean, their search for a drummer has been met with skepticism due to their notorious history. “We looked everywhere for a drummer but people knew our history somehow and they said, 'no thank you,'” he shares.
The film humorously explores the band’s attempts to recruit drumming legends like Questlove, Lars Ulrich, and Chad Smith, all of whom turn down the risky position. Instead, they find a brave newcomer, Didi Crockett, played by Valerie Franco, who boldly declares, “I’ll play in your bloody band. I will dare the Reaper.” Bassist Derek Smalls, portrayed by Harry Shearer, confirms that potential drummers often made up excuses to avoid joining the band, emphasizing the need for someone who is “fully breathing” and without any pets to worry about.
Spinal Tap exists in a unique space between fiction and reality. Originally created by a team of American improvisers, including director Rob Reiner, the band has since developed a cult following, performing live at iconic venues such as Wembley Arena, Glastonbury Festival, and Carnegie Hall. In 2020, they won a legal battle to reclaim the rights to their creation, paving the way for a revival of the franchise.
In Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, Reiner reprises his role as documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi, who investigates the band’s lives 15 years after their chaotic split. The reunion concert is inspired by the viral success of Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s country cover of the band's classic song Big Bottom, which has propelled them back into the charts.
The film gives audiences a glimpse into the members' lives: Tufnel is now a cheesemonger, Smalls runs a glue museum, and St Hubbins creates answering machine jingles in Los Angeles. The first film, which is considered a cult classic, depicted the band’s disastrous US tour, making it a favorite among fans and a source of inspiration for other comedic works, including The Office.
Spinal Tap is also known for their infamous amplifiers that go “up to eleven,” a phrase that entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2002 to describe anything exceeding its maximum. Tufnel humorously reveals that his new amplifier goes “to infinity on the dial,” emphasizing the band’s commitment to pushing boundaries in both sound and humor.
Early reviews for Spinal Tap II have been encouraging. The Guardian awarded it four stars, praising its humor and nostalgic value. However, the Telegraph cautioned fans to manage their expectations, suggesting that while the sequel has its moments, it doesn’t quite reach the comedic heights of the original. Actors Chris Addison and Kerry Godliman have described the original film as a “holy text” of comedy.
Notable rock icons Elton John and Paul McCartney make appearances in the new film, showcasing the enduring legacy of Spinal Tap. Tufnel expresses his admiration, saying, “You feel like bowing,” while St Hubbins adds a humorous touch, suggesting a “forelock tug” to the legends.
As Spinal Tap prepares for their final gig in New Orleans, fans are left wondering if they will finally succeed in cracking the American market. The sequel, along with its new soundtrack featuring tracks like Rockin' in the Urn and The Devil's Not Just Getting Old, hits cinemas on Friday, September 12.
