“The Story of Spinal Tap” Book Coming Ahead of Sequel Film!

We are SO EXCITED to continue the good news train when it comes to Britain’s loudest band- Spinal Tap. Not only are we getting a special 41st anniversary theatrical re-release of Rob Reiner‘s seminal mockumentary classic this summer, we’re also getting a sequel! And, on top of that, a new official book.

Written by Reiner (Marti DiBergi) along with Christopher Guest (Nigel Tufnel), Michael McKean (David St. Hubbins), and Harry Shearer (Derek Smalls), “A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap” offers the actual, true story of the film’s inception, as told by the creators themselves.

Expect contributions from such musical luminaries as Slash of Guns N’ Roses, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads and TomTom Club, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, and Don Henley of the Eagles, reflecting on the resonance of “This is Spinal Tap‘s” depiction of rock-n-roll life and sharing their own “Spinal Tap moments.”

There’s even a B-side to “A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever.” When you finish reading it, flip the book over. You’ll find “Smell The Book: The Oral History of Spinal Tap” in which the band recounts their triumphs and record label-requested trials to director Marty DiBergi.

The book will release September 9th from Simon & Schuster. 

 “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” hits theaters September 12th, 2025.