When the first official word broke of a proper, big screen sequel to 1984 comedy classic This Is Spinal Tap, the plan according to director (and onscreen documentarian Marti DiBergi) Rob Reiner was to have the new film out in time for this year's 40th anniversary of the original's release. Alas, in true Tap fashion, it has not come to pass, the actors' strike partly responsible for the film lingering in limbo like the band wandering the labyrinthine corridors of a Cleveland concert venue. But crank your excitement levels to 11, as Castle Rock and Reiner have announced that the sequel is now shooting.
Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are all back, having worked out a concept for the follow-up with Reiner that will see heavy metal legends Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins and Derek Smalls reunite for one last, contractually-obligated tour.
"I recently spoke to Marty DiBergi who said that he was more than happy to take a sabbatical from his position as a visiting Professor’s Assistant at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts to once again document Spinal Tap to ensure their place in the pantheon of Rock and Roll," Reiner says in a typically wry statement.
With cameras rolling in New Orleans, we also know more about the slightly less famous music types who will be attempting to cash in on Tap's worldwide fame – Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are all expected to show up.
All eyes will be on this one to live up to the original – no small(s) feat – and we've yet to learn when it'll be in cinemas or if it will have to take second billing to a puppet show.