Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is a follow-up to the classic Spinal Tap that only reveals the reason behind a long-standing feud in the band towards the end of the story. Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer all return for the sequel, which revisits the тιтular band a few decades after their last “documentary” film debuted.

Spinal Tap 2 leans more heavily into the gag-a-minute approach than the first film, with less focus on the band dynamics and more on their sillier impulses and observations. However, the movie does have a surprisingly emotional throughline, rooted in a conflict between David and Nigel that only becomes clear late in the film.

Why David Is Angry With Nigel In Spinal Tap II

For much of Spinal Tap 2, the tension between David and Nigel serves as the primary complication for the reunited band. Having grown up together as best friends, the pair bristled frequently in the first film as well before reuniting on stage for the movie’s triumphant final performance. A similar dynamic is established quickly in Spinal Tap 2.

Since the band broke up, the pair have lived their own lives. Nigel has opened a cheese shop in northern England, while David has made a home for himself in California. When they’re reunited, Nigel is quick to notice the tension that has developed between them and spends much of the film unsure how to confront David about it.

This all builds to a confrontation in the rehearsal before their final show, when David calls out Nigel and reveals that Nigel slept with David’s wife. Nigel denies this, which David refuses to believe. This builds on the earlier revelations in the film that David’s relationships (especially with former flame Jeanine) eventually fell apart.

What makes this feud all the more surprising (and comical) is that David is actually wrong about the affair. Nigel really didn’t sleep with his wife, which is why he’s so confused by the accusation. The credits reveal that it was actually their bandmate Derek who slept with David’s wife, but he’s been keeping it a secret.

Spinal Tap 2 uses the drama between Nigel and David as a subtle throughline, leaving plenty of room in the forefront for jokes about the trio, musical interludes with major stars, and silly sight gags. That tension ends up being the emotional core of Spinal Tap 2, even gaining a bit of closure when David forgives (a still confused) Nigel.

By playing together again and reflecting on their happier days together as bandmates, David is able to reaffirm the lifelong friendship that his anger had pushed away. The result is a band that never sounds better, nailing their concert arena return — at least until a stage mishap lands the band (and Elton John) in the hospital.

What Happens After Spinal Tap’s Final Concert?

Spinal Tap’s reunion concert is billed as a final performance by the group, and that seems to be the case after the show takes a dramatic turn when the mᴀssive model Stonehenge trilithon is knocked over and crushes the band, as well as their guest performer, Elton John.

The movie ends with the four performers all in the hospital, on the mend from their injuries. While Elton John is portrayed as being frustrated by the situation, the trio seems to be more at peace together than they had earlier in the movie.

It’s a sweet development for the film to take, especially after all the toxic touches of their working relationship earlier in the film. This is also where the movie reveals that Derek was the one to sleep with David’s wife, further underscoring how pointless his feud with Nigel really was.

The ending suggests that the band has received a lot of press for the event, although the negative qualities might keep them from getting back on stage. The movie’s final gag also reveals the fate of their most recent drummer, Didi. A gifted young woman, Didi spends the film well-aware of how many drummers have died with Spinal Tap.

Didi actually survives the entire course of the film, only to start choking on a nut at the end of the film while having a final conversation with Marti. This leaves her fate somewhat ambiguous, but it does suggest that the comically dark curse about Spinal Tap drummers remains strong in the present day.

The Real Meaning Of Spinal Tap II

Spinal Tap 2 is largely a funny nostalgia return for the тιтular band. While the tension between David and Nigel does provide some emotional elements for the narrative, it’s much more of a side issue for much of the film. Nevertheless, it plays into the movie’s overall themes about the power and importance of music.

The band is often shown at their best when they’re playing together or admiring other musicians (such as when they meet Didi). When the tension between Nigel and David becomes more pronounced, their playing suffers. David pitches bad ideas, while Nigel refuses to take rehearsals seriously.

However, when they actually do come together and start playing properly, the characters light up and deliver genuinely impressive performances. This is clearest in the film’s ending, when David reflects on happier days with Nigel — specifically, playing music together. This prompts him to get over their feud, leading to their impressive final performance.

At the heart of Spinal Tap 2 is a deep love for music and the impact it has. Even the huge music cameos highlight this, with the likes of Garth Brooks, Questlove, and Elton John expressing respect and admiration for the band’s legacy. Spinal Tap II is ultimately about the power of music, even in a goofy (and often lethal) world.