(…)This Is Spinal Tap (1984), follows fictitious British heavy-metallers Spinal Tap as they embark on a disastrous American tour. The film takes the form of a pioneering mock-rock documentary offering a close-up portrayal of frontman David St Hubbins (Michael McKean), lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), alongside an array of ill-fated drummers, groupies and long-suffering manager Ian Faith (Tony Hendra). It’s all overseen by director Marty DiBergi (Reiner). As the hapless band lurch from cancelled gig to botched album launch to catering mishap, there’s a sense that no matter how ridiculous things get, worse is yet to come. 

(Source: BFI.org)

The Criterion Collection < see link for scene snippets

Watch here through UAL library access: This Is Spinal Tap (1989)