Drumming News :
More than four decades after the cult classic This Is Spinal Tap redefined the mockumentary genre, the iconic fictional heavy metal band is back — and still struggling to hold onto a drummer. Spinal Tap II: The End Continues reunites original cast members Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer as they reprise their beloved roles as David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls, respectively.
Directed once again by Rob Reiner, who returns as documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi, the sequel follows the estranged bandmates as they attempt to reunite for a comeback concert in New Orleans. Along the way, they’re joined by music legends Paul McCartney and Elton John, who lend their support as Spinal Tap tries to navigate past grievances and future ambitions in a bid to secure their place in rock ‘n’ roll history.
Of course, no Spinal Tap reunion would be complete without addressing the band’s infamous “drummer curse” — a long-running gag involving the mysterious and often absurd deaths of their percussionists. The sequel leans into this lore with a series of high-profile drummer cameos, including Questlove, Lars Ulrich (Metallica), and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers).
In a teaser trailer for the film, the band attempts to recruit Questlove via video call. When asked if he thinks he fits the bill, the Grammy-winning musician replies bluntly, “I don’t wanna die.” McKean’s character David St. Hubbins doesn’t exactly help his case, casually brushing off the band’s fatal history with the line: “We’ve only lost 11 — or 12? — drummers.”
Spinal Tap’s fictional curse became such a defining element of their mythos that the band leaned into it with a real-life stunt. On Halloween 1991, the group held a public “drummer audition” event at the L.A. Coliseum, which was covered by MTV News. The event featured appearances from celebrity drummers like Mick Fleetwood, Chad Smith, and Jane’s Addiction’s Stephen Perkins. Perkins said they gave him a 10 on his audition but realized it was a mistake and turned the card over. Though no one was ultimately chosen, the band’s original drummer Ric Parnell returned for their next album and tour.
Drummer Gregg Bissonette has taken up the Spinal Tap mantle in recent decades, performing with the group during their 2001 tour, playing on the 2009 album Back From the Dead, and appearing at major events including the Glastonbury Festival, the Live Earth concert in 2007, and the One Night Only World Tour in 2009. However he doesn’t make a cameo in this new film.
Now, with Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, the band has once again leaned into fan engagement. On Instagram, they recently posted a tongue-in-cheek casting call:
“Spinal Tap needs a drummer. The last few have met… uncertain deaths, disappearances, spontaneous combustions, gardening accidents — you get the picture. So, if you’ve got a pulse and a backbeat, comment to audition for the band and meet your destiny.”
Survivors will be eligible to win exclusive Spinal Tap II prize packs.
Several big name drummers such as Thomas Lang, Mike Portnoy and Fred Coury, and others have all replied to this post in the hopes that they will be chosen.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or just in for the laughs, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues promises a hilarious and heartfelt return to one of the most beloved fake bands in cinematic history — and maybe, just maybe, they’ll finally keep a drummer alive long enough to finish the show.
