Five Fun Facts You Didn't Know About "This is Spinal Tap"
With a "This is Spinal Tap" sequel in the works, it's only fitting that we discuss some fun facts about the beloved "rockumentary".
1. No Script
Most of the film consists entirely of improvisation. No script. There was only a four page treatment. The creators ended up with over a hundred hours of footage! However, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer did write and perform all of the songs for the film. They later recorded albums as Spinal Tap and even went on tour!
2. Jeff Beck
It has been rumored that Guest's character Nigel Tufnel was based on guitarist Jeff Beck, as the two strike a resemblance. However, Beck denies this belief, but is a fan of the film:
"I was watching at a cinema in Westwood and I was laughing so loud people were telling me to shut-up. It was the funniest thing."
3. Norman's Rare Guitars
Remember that scene where Nigel is showing Marty Dibergi his "Guitar Room"? You know the famous "these go to eleven" scene? Well, the guitars were courtesy of Norman's Rare Guitars (see the end credits!). Guest also wears a Norman's shirt in a few of the interview scenes in the film possibly as a little nod to the store for their part in the production.
4. Harry Potter Inspiration
Harry Potter writer J.K. Rowling has confirmed that the inspiration behind the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher gag is from "This is Spinal Tap". The running joke from the film where all the Tap drummers have died in mysterious accidents, inspired the Harry Potter gag with teachers at Hogwarts becoming unable to teach the class again each year, from either dying, freaking out etc.
5. And finally, Ozzy Osbourne thought it was a real documentary
When he went to see the film, Osbourne was the only one in the theater not laughing because he thought it was real! To make things funnier, Black Sabbath accused the filmmakers of ripping off their Stonehenge stage prop, but "This is Spinal Tap" had already been filmed a year prior to Sabbath's tour.
So, what was your favorite fun fact? I think mine has to be "This is Spinal Tap" inspiring the Harry Potter series.
After, almost forty years since the original film, a long awaited sequel should be an exciting treat to rock and comedy fans alike!
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