Guide Note: Spinal Tap is the fictional metal band featured in
Rob Reiner's infamous 1984 mockumentary
This Is Spinal Tap. Heralded as one of "England's loudest bands," the band is comprised of lead singer
David St. Hubbins (played by
Michael McKean), guitarist
Nigel Tufnel (played by
Christopher Guest), bassist
Derek Smalls (played by
Harry Shearer) and a rotating cast of drummers. The film follows the band on a frequently-desperate tour as they attempt to "tap into America."
Fast Facts:
- First appearance: 1978 ABC comedy special The TV Show
- Spinal Tap released on March 2, 1984
- Most of the film was ad libbed
- The same actors portray fictional folk band The Folksmen in A Mighty Wind
Fast "Facts":
- Years active: 1964-1982
- Originally named "The Thamesmen"
- Spinal Tap drummers have all died in unconventional ways
- Hit singles include 1970's "Big Bottom," 1974's "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight" and 1980's "Sex Farm"
- Planned rock musical Saucy Jack, based on Jack the Ripper
Appearances
While Guest and Shearer were both regular Saturday Night Live cast members, Spinal Tap appeared on the show as a musical guest.
In 1992, "Spinal Tap" released an album, Break Like the Wind.
Guest, McKean and Shearer have played a number of actual concerts as Spinal Tap, most recently on July 7, 2007 for the Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium in London.
On The Simpsons episode "The Otto Show," Spinal Tap brings its tour into Springfield, and are seen dying when their bus plunges off of a cliff.
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