No other band on this list can claim the type of legacy that Spinal Tap has. Created by Rob Reiner for The T.V. Show, a sketch comedy pilot that never got picked up, Spinal Tap would become the inspiration for every comedian who wanted to unleash their inner rock star. But none could ever dedicate themselves to the music quite like Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer. Their songs were obviously parodies, with "influences" ranging from glam metal to psychedelic rock. Though they were written as jokes, the instrumentation is absolutely impeccable, replicating each style with a natural ease that suggests this wasn't the members' first time picking up an instrument. Which is true. Guest had the most training, as he attended the High School of Music & Art in New York City and studied classical guitar alongside Arlo Guthrie, son of folk icon Woody Guthrie. So yes, they really do play their own instruments and write their own songs (with the help of Rob Reiner). And yes, by now they really are actual rock legends, with people like Ronnie James Dio coming out of the woodwork to request their presence at benefit concerts. In fact, David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls still tour these days, some thirty years after the release of This Is Spinal Tap. Over the years, they've been accompanied on stage by the likes of David Gilmour, Jamie Cullem, Mick Fleetwood, and Jarvis Cocker. They still play their ever-expanding catalogue of naughty rock anthems to thousands of Tap fans. Serious Talent Alert: "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock It (Live)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gESFElAOpQ
