Spinal Tap, Wembley Arena, London

The “mockumentary” This is Spinal Tap ended with Spinal Tap heading to Japan, last redoubt of their popularity. Now, 25 years later, the parody heavy metal band returned to conquer the globe with a “one night only world tour”. Greeted by a non-ironic roar of appreciation, the core Tap trio looked exactly as they used to, only much older. Bass player Derek Smalls’ handlebar moustache was as bushy as ever but greyer. David St Hubbins on vocals – the tabby cat to Robert Plant’s lion – had squeezed into a pair of tight jeans. Dimwitted axe hero Nigel Tufnel proved that age doesn’t always bring wisdom. The time is ripe for a satire about decrepit rockers reforming. The Tap, however, flunked the opportunity. A new song, “Back from the Dead”, ended with Smalls remarking: “It’s good to be back from the dead,” but otherwise the comedy... [read full story]                    

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