Say More

Spinal Tap is not responsible for your spontaneous combustion

A Spinal Tap Mockumentary
 By   on 
Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer being interviewed by Mark Stetson
Watch Next

On Mashable's Say More, hosts Kristy Puchko (Mashable's Entertainment Editor) and Mark Stetson (Senior Creative Producer) bring humor and their trusted insights to the biggest shows, films, digital trends, and cultural moments. From viral-worthy rants and passionate raves to smart recaps and first-look teasers, they cover what everyone is talking about. Celebrity guests join the conversation for real talk about their careers, upcoming projects, and what’s trending online.

New episodes every Friday.


In 1984, a film premiered that would bring the mockumentary format into the mainstream. Parodying music documentaries such as The Song Remains the Same (1976) and The Last Waltz (1978), it would go on to be a massive cult classic, inspiring such shows as The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Modern Family. This film was called This is Spinal Tap, a fake documentary following a band struggling to stay together amidst the trials and tribulations of musical success in the early 1980s. One challenge they continue to face: All of their drummers end up dead under hilariously mysterious circumstances. For decades, fans have yearned for a follow-up film. And finally, 41 years later, we have the long-awaiting sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

To promote the film, the stars and creators of the film — Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), and Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) — conducted interviews entirely in character. And Mashable Executive Producer Mark Stetson took this as an opportunity to parody their parody, making a mockumentary of his own.

This short film follows "documentarian" Mark St. Etson, whose father died like so many Spinal Tap-inspired drummers before him — by spontaneously combusting. So Mark confronts the band about taking responsibility for their now-12 dead drummers. Does Mark find the peace he is looking for from the band?

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is now in theaters.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Topics Film Streaming


More from Say More

'Dirty Laundry's Lily Du and Grant O'Brien on the Dropout show's secrets
Co-hosts of Dropout's 'Dirty Laundry,' Lily Du and Grant O'Brien talk with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko at SXSW



'The AI Doc' producer Daniel Kwan on the future and threat of artificial intelligence
Daniel Kwan, Charlie Tyrell, and Ted Tremper talking to Mashable about 'The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist'

Latest Videos

Stephen Colbert reacts to the Artemis II moon mission
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, gesturing.


'The Daily Show' reacts to judge halting Trump's White House ballroom
Desi Lydic presents "The Daily Show" beside an image of Donald Trump.


A24's 'Mother Mary' trailer is worth it for the FKA twigs track
Anne Hathway is dressed in a red pop star outfit with religious overtones in a film still from "Mother Mary."

Jon Stewart has a brutal reaction to Trump waffling about pens
A man in a suit sitting behind a talk show desk looks angry. In the top left is an image of the president holding up a pen.

Stephen Colbert gleefully recaps the best signs at the 'No Kings' protest
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, smiling. The caption at the bottom reads, "I like that one."

Riz Ahmed is troublingly intense in new 'SNL UK' promo
A close-up of a man grinning in a slightly creepy way.


The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!