Spinal Tap

(L-R) Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest and Michael McKean
in 1984's film This Is Spinal Tap

The band Spinal Tap was created by American comedians and musicians Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer for the 1979 sketch comedy pilot "The T.V. Show". 

The name "Spinal Tap" was chosen as part of the band's fictional backstory, which was later expanded in the 1984 mockumentary film This Is Spinal Tap.

In the film, the band members humorously explain that they went through several name changes before settling on Spinal Tap, including "The Originals" and "The New Originals," before becoming the Thamesmen and finally Spinal Tap. 

But how does "Spinal Tap" reflect their new heavy metal musical direction? 

A lumbar puncture is commonly known as a spinal tap. This medical procedure requires a needle to be inserted into the spinal canal, most commonly to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic testing. The main reason for a lumbar puncture is to help diagnose diseases of the central nervous system, including the brain and spine.

Spinal Tap (stylized as Spın̈al Tap, with a dotless letter i and a metal umlaut over the n) could be described as a fictional English heavy metal band, but they are actually a band and have recorded albums and done concerts, so are they still fictional? 

The three comedians are also musicians and wrote and performed original songs as the band: Michael McKean, as the lead singer and guitarist David St. Hubbins; Christopher Guest, as the guitarist Nigel Tufnel; and Harry Shearer, as the bassist Derek Smalls. 

They are characterized as "one of England's loudest bands"

The three added to the group David Kaff (as keyboard player "Viv Savage") and R.J. Parnell (as drummer "Mick Shrimpton"). Parnell had previously been in the band Atomic Rooster, while Kaff had been a member of Rare Bird. The quintet played their own instruments throughout the film.

In 1984, they did an episode of Saturday Night Live to promote their film. The character of Mick Shrimpton having died in the film, Parnell played his "twin brother" drummer Ric Shrimpton for these and later appearances. Kaff dropped out shortly after the SNL appearance.

Their new movie, This Is Spinal Tap 2, is a too-long-awaited sequel to the 1984 mockumentary classic. Directed by Rob Reiner, it brings back the original cast members. The story follows the band as they reunite for a final concert to honor their late manager, with cameos from famous musicians like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Garth Brooks. What havethe band members have been up to over the past four decades?