Spinal Tap is back and ready to talk. Just don’t bring up the last movie

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During my interview with Spinal Tap, just a minute in, I’ve managed to displease vocalist David St. Hubbins. Sitting down with this iconic rock band consisting of lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel, bassist Derek Smalls, and the legendary group, I express my gratitude for having the opportunity to converse with them.

The lead singer of Tap snaps, “Take it down a notch; you won’t fully appreciate the significance until you dive in.” Once you begin, you’ll discover if this is truly an honor.

Starting an hour-long chat with England’s most punctual and boisterous band wasn’t off to a smooth start, but a bit of tension is expected given the circumstances. It’s early July at Studio 1 Culver, and Spinal Tap is kickstarting their promotional efforts for the much-anticipated follow-up to their 1984 documentary “This Is Spinal Tap.” The documentary inadvertently rejuvenated the band’s career, so there’s a lot riding on this new project. You can sense the pressure as camera crews and production staff bustle nervously through the vast studio, aware that history might repeat itself.

This afternoon, I observed each band member individually getting ready for our interview, each maintaining their unique characters. Michael McKean, aged 77, sat in a makeup chair with his eyes closed, while someone attended to the wig that turns him into St. Hubbins. I unintentionally ran into Harry Shearer, 81, in a meeting room before he was fully costumed as Smalls. Later on, Christopher Guest, also 77, was noticed walking around, practicing Tufnel’s characteristic, blunt working-class English accent with an assistant.

Currently, we’re all gathered in a peaceful side room, and the individuals are completely immersed in their roles as band members from the fictional group, Spinal Tap. In 1984, director Marty DiBergi, more commonly recognized as Rob Reiner, documented the trio during their disastrous U.S. tour – a tour that appeared to mark the end of their journey together. However, against all odds, Spinal Tap has experienced multiple resurrections, occasionally reuniting only to split apart in disagreement yet again.

Due to this, there’s a lot of excitement among fans about “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” (opening on September 12), as it delves into the backstage planning for Spinal Tap’s potential final comeback concert – their first public performance since 2009. However, there’s a catch: DiBergi hasn’t shown them the movie yet.

Small’s expresses worry, stating ‘I think Marty is keeping something from us.’ His gaze shifts towards his fellow musicians, seeking comfort in their response. The concern can be seen in the depth of his expressive eyes, accentuated by his thick, lush brows.

St. Hubbins responded with an optimistic tone, saying, “I’m not entirely convinced about that portrayal in the first movie. Yet, I believe it came from a sincere place, and I doubt he intended any harm.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but chimed in, “He pulled it off, somehow,” expressing a hint of reluctance and grumpiness, as if I were forced to attend an unwanted screening.

During a different Zoom call, DiBergi expresses apprehension about the potential reaction of Tap, as that’s causing him hesitation.

He says they were quite displeased with how I represented them,” he explains. “I believed I depicted them positively, but it seems they felt I highlighted their flaws excessively without emphasizing enough on their strengths.

It’s clear that the members of the band are still feeling a bit miffed over their portrayal in “This Is Spinal Tap.” Particularly Small, who finds it frustrating that they continue to be teased about getting lost on their way to the stage during the iconic Cleveland performance.

“Many times during that tour, we got to the stage,” Smalls points out, proudly.

Moreover, St. Hubbins mentions, “If Marty had known – ‘Here’s where you should pass’ – he could have guided us.

If the powerful musical group responsible for hits like “Big Bottom” and “Sex Farm” weren’t pleased with their portrayal in the initial movie, they likely won’t be happy to discover that, 41 years later, they are still depicted acting foolishly. Notably, in the new film, Small has contributed a song named “Rockin’ in the Urn,” which humorously addresses headbanging after cremation.

However, one might not anticipate the subtlest traces of maturity in a group renowned for their outrageous antics and misunderstanding provocativeness as sexism. Could it be that the creators behind “Bitch School” have undergone a transformation towards enlightenment?

Indeed, over the years they’ve undergone physical transformations as they’re now in their 70s,” DiBergi remarks. “However, when it comes to their music and their perspective on life, there hasn’t seemed to be much development. I spoke with their promoter who was shocked by their lack of emotional and musical evolution. They may have developed wrinkles on their faces but not so much in their art or mindset.

In this setting, it’s apparent that none of the band members are seated close to each other in the room; instead, they’re spread out in a circle, each occupying their individual chair, intently gazing at one another. Time has passed, and what was once an explosion of youthful rock style with excessive mascara is now a more matured version of it, clinging onto their youth.

St. Hubbins sports bleached-blond hair, while Tufnel’s makeup struggles to conceal the effects of time. On the other hand, Smalls’ mustache remains an impressive sight. The ambiance in the room is amicable, although not particularly warm.

In ‘Spinal Tap II’, it’s shown that each member now resides in different locations – Derek St. Hubbins is in Morro Bay, California; Nigel Tufnel hails from Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northern England; and Mick Smalls dwells in London. They haven’t communicated since the previous reunion tour, but they are trying to maintain a philosophical outlook on the underlying tension among them.

St. Hubbins says, “Our last performance together was back in 2009. A lot has transpired since then. That tour didn’t conclude on a positive note. It’s a matter of personal concern – we’ve resolved the issues, and managed to put most of it behind us. So we’ve had our fair share of time apart, reflecting questions like, ‘How did we arrive here? Do we enjoy being here? Is there some mode of transportation that can take us somewhere else if we prefer?’

Despite their history of drummer mortality, it’s clear these guys recognize their good fortune. Even with high-profile musicians like Questlove and Lars Ulrich turning down their offers in “Spinal Tap II,” fear seemed to be a common denominator. Many of their contemporaries have since passed away. Just a week before our conversation, Ozzy Osbourne tragically died from a heart attack. Fortunately for them, Spinal Tap never went so far as to bite the head off a bat.

“We had doves,” St. Hubbins points out. “We didn’t bite them. Some of them bit us.”

“We killed them,” notes Smalls.

St. Hubbins explains, “I’m afraid it was an unfortunate mishap. They passed away due to lack of air, which stemmed from improper packing – we should have added more peanuts.

It’s quite something to live for so long that you witness a once-mockingly regarded band being celebrated. This is evident from the movie “Spinal Tap II”, as metal bands tend to gain respectability over time, which could be why celebrities like Elton John and Paul McCartney appear in the new release to pay homage.

Although Saint Hubbins seldom compliments the media, it seems even the critics have softened their tone towards him. However, he still recalls with disdain the most irritating question posed by a reporter – “What’s the purpose or significance of existence?

He growled irritably, on the verge of responding with a slap, but managed to refrain. The question was too subtle and invasive, yet he does ponder over life’s purpose. However, he isn’t inclined to share his insights, encouraging her instead to find her own answers.

They seem more content talking about the band’s beginnings, specifically when friends St. Hubbins and Tufnel initially came together as The Thamesmen, with Smalls joining later.

According to Tufnel’s recollections, David was often restless and eagerly sought topics for his writings. On the other hand, Derek tended to be more reserved, leading others to assume he had the answers. However, it was later discovered that Derek had a medical issue with his neck, but he demonstrated an intuitive sense of when to speak and when to stay silent.

Rock ‘n’ roll is more than just Tap’s enduring love; it’s a significant topic in their lyrics. Tracks like “Tonight I’m Going to Rock You Tonight”, “Heavy Duty”, and “The Majesty of Rock” pay homage to the grandeur of power chords and arrogant swagger. The band has also created several songs about fame and Stonehenge, but politics have generally been off-limits for them. In these troubled, polarized times, have they ever felt drawn to write about global affairs?

I’d contemplate composing a tune expressing that I won’t pen songs on political matters, which could indeed prove beneficial – it might quell the queries about politics.

Is this something that comes up a lot with journalists?

“Never,” he replies. “You’re the first. But we’re drawing the line there.”

“Can I ask a question?” Tufnel interjects, confused. “This has begun? The interview?”

Among the three musicians, Tufnel appears to be the most changed from the initial film. Now running a quaint cheese shop and living peacefully with his girlfriend, he typically shies away from the limelight. However, when prompted about what he’d tell his younger self, he expresses concern. “If the older version of us were to go back [in time], the younger one might suffer a shock – it’s a truly terrifying concept,” he admits.

Critics might claim that Spinal Tap is merely seizing an opportunity for financial gain with their upcoming movie, accompanying album, and book titled “A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap.” However, the group firmly refutes such allegations.

“That doesn’t apply to us,” Tufnel says.

“Because there’s no cash,” Smalls admits.

Tufnel nods. “There’s no cash involved in our careers, basically.”

As for the durability of this most recent gathering, past ones have not lasted. Yet, it seems even a fictional rock group can’t stay apart forever.

As a passionate movie aficionado, I’d liken Tap’s connection to that of a dysfunctional yet tight-knit family. It transcends the ordinary, reaching heights where it’s not merely comparable – but superior in terms of emotional depth. Yet, it falls short in the idealistic sense of a family, for it harbors the very elements that make families complex: closeness, tension, resentment, and yes, even hatred.

St. Hubbins points out, “What sets our family apart is the lack of a wealthier relative planning to leave us an inheritance, which many families can anticipate.

Tufnel boldly states that everyone worldwide has more wealth than us, causing McKean to burst into laughter. It’s not St. Hubbins, but McKean who seems thrilled by his long-term collaborator. Even though Spinal Tap’s musical prime might be behind them, they still manage to amuse each other. One can only wonder if these gentlemen have a future in comedy.

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2025-08-20 13:33