Spinal Tap’s director honored at the Golden Globes

During the recent awards ceremony, Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser paid a fitting homage to the late Rob Reiner, the renowned director of “This is Spinal Tap”, as per Loudwire. Reiner, aged 78, was discovered deceased alongside his wife, Michele Singer, at their residence in California on December 14. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been formally charged in relation to their deaths.

Following the presentation of all awards, Glaser made a final appearance on stage before the conclusion of the broadcast. She wore an elegant black gown featuring a jeweled V-shaped neckline, complemented by a Spinal Tap baseball cap.

Reiner’s character in the film, Marty DiBergi, is depicted wearing a similar hat with a fictional U.S. Navy command insignia throughout most of the 1984 movie. Glaser concluded her segment by reciting one of the most iconic lines in cinematic history: “This one went to 11.” This phrase references a notable scene from “This is Spinal Tap”, where the band’s guitar amplifiers are capable of reaching a volume level of 11 instead of the usual 10.

Her tribute served as the primary homage to Reiner during the event, as he was not included in the traditional “In memoriam” segment that typically honors deceased industry figures. The Golden Globes generally refrain from conducting annual memorial tributes during the ceremony, opting instead to feature an “in memoriam” section on their official website. A commemorative tribute to Reiner was installed at the site on December 15. He is honored on the website as an actor, director, and a dedicated political activist committed to promoting tolerance and justice.

Last month, Harry Shearer, who co-authored the “This Is Spinal Tap” films with Reiner and portrayed the British bassist Derek Smalls, utilized his Instagram platform to issue a public message of tribute. 

Rob was a friend and collaborator through much of my life. He was funny, he was smart, he was a mensch. When he came to see the comedy act I was in, and, later, the musical comedy I had co-written, his laugh was uproarious and audible around the block. He was a great collaborator, and when the four of us proposed ideas for the films, he was the one who wrote them on 3×5 cards, and organized them into a movie. And Michele was a very good friend to my wife Judith. This is unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy.

Additionally, Jamie Lee Curtis and her spouse, Christopher Guest—an actor and writer associated with the “This Is Spinal Tap” franchise—released a joint statement through Curtis, noting their connection to Reiner, who reportedly hosted their wedding at his residence in 1984.

Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michele Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them. There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.