Just caught this movie on Netflix. I really liked it but felt that some of the references went over my head. Like the black album cover and Nigel not being able to get up during the concert.
Were they trying to make fun of any rock band(s)? Or was it just a general spoof of all rock bands?
The first overt "slam" on Led Zeppelin occurs when they are explaining the band history. "The New Originals" was a dig at the early name of Led Zeppelin, "The New Yardbirds". Followed quickly by becoming "The Thamesmen". The Beatles were originally "The Quarrymen", playing in a bar called The Quarry or The Cavern or some such place (a tribute to David St. Hubbins).
The black album cover is Ian's response to Bobbi Fleckman's comment on The Beatles' "White" album.
They dig on the state of Iowa when David tells Janine (on the phone) that Des Moines (he pronounces the "s" in "Moines", which is silent, as in the French pronunciation) is in Indiana.
The radio play of "Cups and Cakes" slams numerous bands/rock personalities with the fact it was a "Thamesmen" tune, and they currently resided in the "Where Are They Now" file.
Generally all early 70's to mid 80's Hair/ Glam metal bands. Van Halen, Motley Crue, Quiet Riot, etc.
shareIt's not a parody. At least, not in comparison to the so-called "metal" bands of today.
shareAnyone who grew up in the 70's will see all kinds of references to dozens of bands. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Cheap Trick. The ending is a clear reference to them and their monster success in Japan after some domestic flops.
shareI think they probably took ideas from various bands. I do recal reading somewhere that the actor who plays Derek Smalls joined Saxon on tour briefly though, telling them he was doing research for a 'documentary'. Not sure if its true though.
shareThey culled bits and pieces from many bands including The Sweet, Status Quo, Queen, Deep Purple, Rush, UFO, Saxon, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, REO, Led Zepplin, Whitesnake, Rainbow, Golden Earring, Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Nazareth, and the list just goes on and on and on. If you don't recall it, then you won't get it. The age of rock and roll excess was something you had to see and experience. I will always be nostalgic for it. It was over by the time this movie came out for all intents and purposes. It had a few years of the hair metal craze, but it was well on the wane in the age of Reagan and Thatcher.
shareI always saw the stone henge prop as an Aerosmith reference. In 1983, Aerosmith, at their lowest point, well past selling out arenas, released, "Rock in a Hard place", which had Stone Henge on the cover. Spinal tap was released in 84, and probably written in 82-83.
shareAnother movie to watch would be "Gimme Shelter". While in the editing studio, there is a bottle of J & B on the desk. I credit this for Derek drinking the bottle of Courvoisier while David and Nigel are fighting over their attempt to record "America".
shareWell, there are lots of different references to various rock bands. This list is not exhaustive, but here's a few that I can think of:
Jeff Beck - Nigel Tufnel (appearance-wise)
Jimmy Page - (Nigel during his solos with the violin)
Iron Maiden - the giant skull (called "Jim") (Iron Maiden's mascot = Eddie)
The Beatles - the girlfriend (Jenaine) breaking up the band
KISS - Jeanine's sketches of the band as Zodiac animals
Black Sabbath - the Stonehenge monument
The Who and Led Zepplin - all the dead drummers
Manowar - the Stonehenge and sword & sorcery angle
Yngwie Malmsteen - Ricky the overly-impressive guitarist
Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead) - Derek's moustache
The original "Smell the Glove" sexist album cover - various controversial album covers featuring nude women (or in some cases underage girls) by the likes of Scorpions, Led Zepplin, Whitesnake, etc. Google them...
I've been listening to a lot of Status Quo recently, and couldn't help but be reminded of 'Tap when checking out some of their corny album covers.
Google them and you'll see what I mean, especially 'If you can't stand the heat', and 'Heavy Traffic'. They also have their very own 'black album' as well ('Hello')
Some of the lyrics/song titles wouldn't be out of place on a 'Tap album either!' :)
Rick Parfitt from Status Quo reminds me of Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins.