Spinal Tap Reunites for New Film and Reflects on Iconic Legacy
After a hiatus of over 15 years, the British rock band Spinal Tap has reunited for a special performance, coinciding with the release of their new film, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Directed by Rob Reiner, who first showcased the band in the iconic 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, the sequel opens in theaters across the United States on September 12, 2023.
In a recent interview with Billboard in Los Angeles, band members Nigel Tufnel and David St. Hubbins discussed the reunion and shared their thoughts on various topics, including their experience working with music legend Paul McCartney. While St. Hubbins did not express admiration for McCartney, he acknowledged the former Beatle as a “decent songwriter.”
Reflecting on their reunion, Tufnel remarked, “It felt like it was just yesterday, because you look and everyone’s in the same place.” St. Hubbins added a humorous note, stating, “Looking the same. More tattoos. Except old. You think, ‘That’s weird. There’s an old man singing and you go, ‘Oh, that’s me!’”
The duo, joined by bass player Derek Smalls, who was unavailable for the interview, also reminisced about their experiences during the original film. They expressed some dissatisfaction with how they were portrayed, particularly regarding the infamous scene of getting lost on their way to the stage. “We felt ridiculed, and it wasn’t a good feeling,” St. Hubbins shared. Tufnel quipped, “Everyone gets lost every once in a while,” to which St. Hubbins humorously added, “It’s only happened to us 10 or 12 times.”
Moreover, the band reflected on their exclusion from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and their feelings about the viral cover of “Big Bottom” by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, which contributed to their reunion.
As the excitement builds for the film’s release, fans can anticipate not only a nostalgic return to the band’s comedic roots but also insight into their enduring legacy in the rock music landscape. With a blend of humor and introspection, Tufnel and St. Hubbins encapsulate the spirit of Spinal Tap, ensuring that their impact on the music world continues to resonate.
