Ric Parnell — who played fictional band Spinal Tap's fictional drummer Mick Shrimpton in the 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap — has died at 70. The news was announced by Spinal Tap's Harry Shearer, with no cause of death being initially reported.
Parnell played a pretty major comedic role in This is Spinal Tap, playing another in the band's long line of cursed drummers. At the end of the film, Shrimpton follows in the footsteps of his doomed brothers in arms and explodes on stage during a concert in Japan.
Parnell continued to appear with Spinal Tap — as Mick's brother Ric Shrimpton — after the mockumentary's release in 1984. Parnell performed on the film's soundtrack as well as the follow-up album, 1992's Break Like the Wind.
Before appearing in Spinal Tap, Parnell played in British band Atomic Rooster. He also played drums on Tony Basil's "Mickey."
See some tributes to Parnell, including Shearer's announcement, below.
Parnell played a pretty major comedic role in This is Spinal Tap, playing another in the band's long line of cursed drummers. At the end of the film, Shrimpton follows in the footsteps of his doomed brothers in arms and explodes on stage during a concert in Japan.
Parnell continued to appear with Spinal Tap — as Mick's brother Ric Shrimpton — after the mockumentary's release in 1984. Parnell performed on the film's soundtrack as well as the follow-up album, 1992's Break Like the Wind.
Before appearing in Spinal Tap, Parnell played in British band Atomic Rooster. He also played drums on Tony Basil's "Mickey."
See some tributes to Parnell, including Shearer's announcement, below.
Ric Parnell was a great drummer. More to say tomorrow. Right now rest in peace will have to do.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) May 2, 2022
