This Is Spinal Tap, the funniest mockumentary of all time, will be playing at the Dryden Theatre tonight.
I will be in attendance with my dear friend, Bridget.
Several years ago, Bridget and I had decided to throw a Spinal Tap appreciation party, only to realize that most of our friends had never even heard of the film!
These days, movies about music take themselves all too seriously.
The last two that come to mind are 8 Mile and Hustle and Flow. Both great movies, with commendable soundtracks that captured the endurance it takes to be a successful musician these days.
But Spinal Tap takes us back to the days when rock-n-roll meant money, leather and elaborate (but not always successful) tours.
My advice to today’s artists? Take a hint from the boys in Spinal Tap and don’t take your gig too seriously. Rock and roll is meant to be fun.
What’s most amazing about this mock rock/metal band is that it culminated a huge following. So much so, that the “band” still reunites for gigs like Live Earth, and real rockers like Soundgarden cover their “hits.” Just proof that good music, “real” or not, can have an impact.
And if you haven’t heard the soundtrack to this film, you have not heard rock and roll. See you at the theatre!
Benovic Bradley
