Spinal Tap Goes Unwigged & Unplugged

Hell Hole! (Elise Thompson)

Yesterday The House of Blues on Sunset was host to a press conference with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. The trio, known as both Spinal Tap and The Folksmen, announced their upcoming Unwigged & Unplugged tour and offered a little taste of what to expect. For the upcoming shows, the musicians come "out from behind the hair, the facial hair, and the absence of hair" to perform songs including hits from Spinal Tap and A Mighty Wind. The tour kicks off April 17th in Vancouver and arrives at The Wiltern on April 26th.

But wait! Don't call yet - there's more! The group also announced an upcoming Spinal Tap studio album, since all of the Spinal Tap music thus far has been recorded live. How much would you pay? There is also the promise of bonus tracks. But wait! It's not out yet, so you kind of have to wait. Maybe March. Maybe April. We'll let you know. You can put the phone down now.

The performance yesterday included a medley of Tap songs and a Folksmen tune as well as a few other nuggets. Not only is it hilarious to hear songs like "Hell Hole" sung with feeling, but the beatbox on "Sex Farm" is inspired. The band's harmonies are just so spot-on, they can get away with anything -- not only the Folksmen's American folk songs -- but even Irish songs of freedom.

Speaking of freedom, Kurt Loder was unchained from the Rolling Stone dungeon long enough to conduct a thoughtful and informative interview. In addition, questions were fielded from the audience. It was really more of an informal conversation. LAist brought up special effects, exploding drummers, Harry Shearer's dayglo shirt and Obama's take on Afghanistan.

After the press conference, We asked our trademark question:
What is your favorite place to eat in Los Angeles?

Christopher Guest: Millie's
Michael McKean: Main Street Diner
Harry Shearer: Josie's in Santa Monica