First things first, Spinal Tap is easily one of the greatest comedy films of all time, and the principal players are all incredibly talented comedy actors. However, their appearance at Live Earth was lamentable and not particularly funny, ramming home the message that comedy and stadiums just don't mix. Their cameo on The Simpsons wasn't too bad, although it wasn't brilliant either. I hope they don't pop up again anywhere because I don't think it works that well.
I didn't think the film was that funny, it had its moments and I can understand the hype at the time, but I don't think it's the best, just because it was the first.
I watched 'For You Consideration' last night, I didn't like that either. The only bits I laughed at were Ricky Gervais scenes, he was better then I thought, then again, he was just being himself.
As for you question, I think the whole cast are a talented bunch of actors/comedians, but collectively as Spinal Tap, no I'm not too impressed.
If Ozzy Osbourne is really like the way he is, he's much funnier, because he's real. Same goes for all the other real-crazy rock stars.
I'm one of the few that thought Spinal Tap okay but not great. It's probably remembered so fondly because the rest of the bunch that followed it: The Rutles; Bad News should have been just as good but were shockingly bad despite the quality of the writers and performers.
Perhaps this is why music spoofs are like the lepers of TV and film.
I was thinking about "Tap" and searched for a thread to see if there was one. I could only find this so I have dug it out of the BSG vaults.
I think that this was one of the funniest films ever. As a muso at the time it made me feel slightly uncomfortable - it was rather close to home - the characters were so well observed too.
It has probably gone into the over-hyped category now and young bucks who never lived through Prog rock and the big stadium extravaganzas of the time probably won't get it, but I still remember the first time I watched it. I was crying with laughter.
Just the best. Stone 'enge, the pods that wouldn't open - pant wettingly funny to the muso fraternity. Nigel Tufnell, David St Hubbins and the man in the middle – Derek Smalls? Wonderful!
On the question that Chipolata raises: I think that it is a testament to the job that the humble scribe performs. It's down to his or her efforts; hunched over a pad or screen, with no food and only the light of a candle to work by, that such comedy gold is mined.
Hmmm. I've probably oversold the role of the writer but you know what I mean.
I liked it can't really remember vasts amounts about what happened watched it years ago but classic line about the amp.
"Normal amps go up to 10 this one is one louder then that."
"Couldn't they just make ten louder?"
"Yeh. But this one goes to eleven"
lol
A Mighty Wind, Christopher Guest's later pseudo-documentary about the folk music scene of the early 60s is wonderful.
I remember them at the Freddie Mercuary Tribute Concert they gave the classic line
"Today we have cut our set short by 31 songs - Freddie would have wanted it that way."
Quote: SlagA @ August 13 2007, 5:17 PM GMTI'm one of the few that thought Spinal Tap okay but not great. It's probably remembered so fondly because the rest of the bunch that followed it: The Rutles; Bad News should have been just as good but were shockingly bad despite the quality of the writers and performers.
The Rutles (1978) came long before This is Spinal Tap (1984). Furthermore, The Rutles is fab and has truly brilliant songs. Bad News and More Bad News are also good fun, though hardly brilliant.
As for Spinal Tap, the guys are weary of performing in costume and character, hence their current tour is called Unwigged and Unplugged.
If you listen to the commentary for The Simpsons episode The Otto Show (which featured Spinal Tap), the crew insinuate that Christopher Guest is a right prick and difficult to work with.
The question is not "Are Spinal Tap funny outside of the film?", but "Are Spinal Tap funny?" - and the answer is clearly "No."
But then perhaps Blenkinsop is right: "It has probably gone into the over-hyped category now and young bucks who never lived through Prog rock and the big stadium extravaganzas of the time probably won't get it."
I think that certainly a background in band culture or being a hardcore fan of a band is required to get the full effect of "Tap"
Probably the average non-band-clued-up-punter might struggle with a lot of the subject-matter. But as a not too precious fan of 70/80s Yes, Led Zeppelin or similar - then ding-dong!
*Goes off to find and play copy of Break Like the Wind*
Quote: Aaron @ March 22 2009, 12:24 PM GMTThe question is not "Are Spinal Tap funny outside of the film?", but "Are Spinal Tap funny?" - and the answer is clearly "No."
I strongly dispute this claim young man. 
Hilarious then and hilarious now. Apart from the rock parody the characterisations, ad libs, inter-relationships, etc are superb. Even the minor characters are briliantly drawn and portrayed and there are so many small details that you may only pick up on subsequent viewings.
Without Tap, I doubt we would have had The Office as we know it.
Yus! Would have to agree with Ms Dagger's views.
In fact I might just bung on my copy now.
Quote: Blenkinsop @ March 22 2009, 1:03 PM GMTYus! Would have to agree with Ms Dagger's views.
In fact I might just bung on my copy now.
Have you got Dubly sound?
No but I'll probably turn the volume up top 11. ("It's one more see"?)
I think I prefer a mighty wind and best in show, but spinal tap has more memorable moments and the soundtrack is perfect for it