Spinal Tap Re-Unites for U.S. Tour: Unwigged and Unplugged
Believe it or not, it was 25 years ago that This Is Spinal Tap was first released, a movie that was way ahead of its time both in popularizing the term “mockumentary”, and also parodying the excesses of heavy metal. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer were poking fun at ’80s hair bands right in the middle of their heyday, unlike certain other movies that are still rehashing these same jokes today (ie. The Rocker — not to pick on Rainn Wilson specifically). To celebrate the occasion, there is a Blu-ray release of This Is Spinal Tap coming out later this year, but more importantly: Spinal Tap are re-uniting! And they’re going on tour! Unwigged and unplugged! Uh, wait… what?
Yes, it’s true, Guest, McKean and Shearer have announced plans for a 30-city North American tour starting next month, but the catch is that it will be all acoustic, and this time they won’t be in character and they won’t be in costume. Apparently this all comes from a desire to simply chillax on stage, have a good time, and perform songs from both Spinal Tap and A Mighty Wind without having to worry about theatrics. I guess I can understand that, but at the same time, isn’t that a little… I don’t know, boring? Isn’t this like the years when KISS took off the make-up? This statement comes from the official press release:
“With this being the 25th Anniversary of the film This is Spinal Tap, we thought this would be a fun and at the same time, a little challenging, as we have never performed as ourselves. Think of the evening as three old friends jamming in your living room. As opposed to OUR living rooms; we won’t be home.”
Tickets for the first show in Vancouver will go on sale this Friday, March 6th. What do you think, is this something worth checking out?
» Related Link: Unwigged & Unplugged
Comments (4)
I feel obligated to see this, even though if its acoustic and not in character, its essentially the Folksmen and not Spinal Tap
Posted by Goon on March 3rd, 2009i wonder how “sex farm” will sound acoustically, but i bet it’ll be worth a few bucks. I guess i’ll see how much the tix are. by the way, as much as i love the dude, harry shearer’s radio show is pretty terrible.
Posted by Joel on March 3rd, 2009I’m going to see this show tonight in Portland. Looking forward to it! Where the idea of seeing them playing in-character feels a little pathetic, this concept is unique and personal. It reminds me of the scene in Mighty Wind when they decide not to wear “the old gear”.
“uh, let me go on record as being Mr. Anti-Dickie.” Good call!
Posted by Draw Markee on April 19th, 2009Update: Great show!
Posted by Draw Markee on April 21st, 2009Leave a Reply