Spinal Tap Unwigged and Unplugged
The intimate Dodge Theater in Phoenix, AZ was even more intimate at maybe 1/4 capacity. This was no indication of the quality of the show as any fan of This is Spinal Tap, or any of this trio's faux-documentaries would have a great time. More than just a celebration of Spinal Tap's longevity, the show touches on other Guest-led films like Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind. Not only does Tap perform songs from the films, they unveil a few songs that did not make the cut as well as rare or never before seen film clips.
All of the film clips were very funny, including the first appearance of Spinal Tap on a Rob Reiner television special in the late 1970s. It is the kind of spaced-out, cheap special effects "music video" every rock band made back in 1978. A Spinal Tap video is of course only complete with poker playing pigs and synchronized swimming inspired choreography. The clips include some familiar faces, when they all had a bit more hair and a few less wrinkles.
McKean, Guest and Shearer are each accomplished musicians - they would have to be to bridge the gap between the metal gods Spinal Tap and the folksy trio in A Mighty Wind. The folk band movie lent itself well to the unplugged setting and led the set list. However, the Mighty Wind songs are not that funny, they are actually very catchy and clever bits of music. The laughs came courtesy of the easy demeanor between McKean, Guest and Shearer. Whether it was simple between song banter or the bits worked in, the show is absurd and funny. A natural extension of the films and careers these three have developed.
The highlight was the Spinal Tap songs including an epic version of "Stonehenge" and even a Nigel Tufnel song that did not make the movie. The latter reeks of Nigel's touch with added mystical instrumentation.
There are several events scheduled for the celebration of 25 years since This is Spinal Tap, but none will have the intimacy of an evening with the three men that brought those characters to life. Long time fans will love a chance to sit down with these three men. However, anyone looking for a monstrous Spinal Tap experience might want to hold off for the new Tap album scheduled for this year, or something else.
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Spinal Tap Unwigged and Unplugged
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