Forty years after Spinal Tap, history’s most hapless band turns it up to 11 one last time.

By James Parker

From the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠October 2025 issue⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices