Rob Reiner happily reflects on 'This is Spinal Tap' in his last USA TODAY interview

Rob Reiner, the legendary Hollywood director and actor, has sadly passed away at the age of 78, along with his wife, Michele Singer, in their California home, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Police Department. Their son, Nick Reiner, is currently in custody facing a $4 million bail. Just months prior to his passing, Reiner had a conversation with USA TODAYs Marco della Cava about his latest project, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

Fans of the fictional rock band Spinal Tap will recall the famous track "Gimme Some Money," which perfectly encapsulates the band's humor. Despite the immense cultural impact of Reiner's 1984 mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap, the film didnt generate significant profits for its creators. Reiner, along with stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, never saw much financial return from the film, despite its widespread popularity.

We never got any money from the first movie, Reiner shared. We had 10% each, but we only received 82 cents each over the years, despite the DVD and foreign sales. It was a case of creative accounting on steroids. In 2020, a long-running dispute over the films rights was finally settled, with the creators regaining control of their music rights, paving the way for Spinal Tap II.

The idea of a sequel was discussed sporadically after the original film became part of the National Film Registry and popular phrases like "goes to 11" were added to the Oxford English Dictionary. However, Reiner and his colleagues initially felt they had finished their journey with Spinal Tap.

Then, reality stepped in. Reiner considered the possibility of exploring the reasons behind the fictional bands long absence from the stage. The hilarious premise of Spinal Tap II unfolds with each of the aging band members Tufnel, St. Hubbins, and Smalls leading eccentric lives: Tufnel runs a cheese shop, St. Hubbins is stuck in his home studio, and Smalls works at a glue museum.

A key plot point also emerged from real-life events. Following the death of Tony Hendra, who portrayed the bands beleaguered manager Ian Faith, Reiner conceived the idea that Faiths daughter, Hope Faith, would inherit the rights to organize one last concert for the band.

Inspired by the renewed popularity of Kate Bushs song "Running Up That Hill" after its feature in Stranger Things, Reiner wondered if a similar revival could happen for Spinal Tap through viral online moments. What if a major star was casually singing one of their old songs during a sound check, and that moment went viral? Reiner mused.

There are also two notable cameos in Spinal Tap II: Elton John and Paul McCartney. Reiner revealed that Elton John agreed to appear in the film, performing a raucous version of "Stonehenge" as a favor to him. McCartneys involvement also has roots in the past, as he had once visited the bands rehearsal space, offering his support and joining in the fun.

Reiner described McCartney as an exceptional improviser, remarking that nothing seemed to throw him off balance. Hes got to be one of the nicest people on the planet, Reiner added.

For Reiner, making Spinal Tap II was a joyful experience. Reflecting on the process, he said, The best part was reconnecting with old friends. We just picked up where we left off, improvising scenes as if no time had passed. It was pure fun.

Sources:

• Rob Reiner joyfully revisits 'Spinal Tap' in final USA TODAY interview