'Spinal Tap II' Teases Huge Rock Star Cameos
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"Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" hits theaters in September, and writer-director Rob Reiner recently talked about the relevance of two of the biggest rock stars in the world making cameos in the sequel: Paul McCartney and Elton John.
Speaking to AARP Movies for Grownups, Reiner was asked if the inclusion of McCartney and John was meant to be a statement about reinvention.
"It basically says: No matter how old you are, if you can still do it and still enjoy doing it, then do it," Reiner answered.
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Reiner continued, "I asked Paul McCartney about this. I said, 'There's you, Mick Jagger, Elton John, and you still like to perform. What is it about you guys? Is it that you just love the music? And you love performing?' And he says, 'Yeah. And the drugs.'" That last part was a joke from the new movie.
"The point is, these guys just love doing it," Reiner said. "If they're given an opportunity, they'll get in front of an audience and play."
Embassy Pictures
The cameos from McCartney and John were confirmed as far back as 2023, and they're not the only big names in music appearing in "Spinal Tap II."
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith will make appearances in the mockumentary. Also set to appear are Questlove, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood.
Of course the most important musicians are the members of Spinal Tap itself. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer will all return to reprise their roles as members of the heavy metal band reuniting for one final show.
"This Is Spinal Tap" released in 1984 at a time before your average moviegoer knew what a mockumentary was. In fact, speaking with AARP, Reiner recalled having to explain to people seeing the movie that Spinal Tap wasn't a real band and that the film itself was satire.
The film has remained a cult classic for decades, in both film and music circles.
While the dialogue in "This Is Spinal Tap" and the upcoming sequel was improvised, the music isn't. Guest, McKean, and Shearer write and perform all the music of the band themselves.
"Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" releases in theaters on September 12.
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