This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
12-month trend
12-month trend
Monthly article views
2025-09 to 2026-08
A mockumentary follows the absurdities of a heavy metal band on their latest tour.
The story
Filmmaker Martin "Marty" Di Bergi is filming a documentary about English rock band Spinal Tap's 1982 United States concert tour to promote their new album, Smell the Glove. The band comprises childhood friends David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnel on vocals and guitar, along with bassist Derek Smalls, keyboardist Viv Savage, and drummer Mick Shrimpton. The film follows the band as they navigate the complexities of touring, their internal dynamics, and the eccentricities of their management and production, all while attempting to promote their latest musical offering.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Filmmaker Martin "Marty" Di Bergi documents the 1982 U.S. tour of the English rock band Spinal Tap. The band, consisting of David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, Derek Smalls, Viv Savage, and Mick Shrimpton, has a history of name changes and various musical styles. Tensions arise with manager Ian Faith over low sales and the 'sexist' cover art of their new album, Smell the Glove. The band's internal dynamics are complicated by the presence of David's girlfriend, Jeanine. A botched attempt to stage a Druid-themed show involving a mismeasured Stonehenge prop leads to Ian's resignation. Following a series of mishaps, including a failed 'Jazz Odyssey' and a member's departure, the band faces a crossroads. However, news of a hit in Japan leads to a final reunion of the core members and a successful tour abroad, where Mick Shrimpton is replaced by Joe "Mama" Besser.
- First release year
- 1984
- Runtime (minutes)
- 82
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Rob Reiner
- Writers
- Christopher Guest · writer; Michael McKean · writer; Harry Shearer · writer; Rob Reiner · writer
- Cast and characters
- Christopher Guest · Nigel Tufnel; Michael McKean · David St. Hubbins; Harry Shearer · Derek Smalls; Rob Reiner · Martin "Marty" Di Bergi; Tony Hendra · Ian Faith; R. J. Parnell · Mick Shrimpton; David Kaff · Viv Savage; June Chadwick · Jeanine Pettibone
- Genres
- mockumentary; comedy; parody; satire
- Themes
- rock music culture; fame; identity
- Tone and mood
- satirical; humorous
- Setting
- 1982 United States tour
- Premise and plot tags
- mockumentary; parody; music
- Reception
- The film received critical acclaim and is considered a classic of the mockumentary genre, though it saw modest initial commercial success.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 98% · scale: percentage · review count: 177
- Production trivia
- Origin of the phrase 'up to eleven'; Preserved in the National Film Registry
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
Your lists
Loading your lists…