The entertainment world is reeling following the apparent murder of filmmaker/actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. The couple were found dead of stab wounds in their home in Brentwood, California, on Sunday, December 14.
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Reiner directed a slew of acclaimed movies, including the classic 1984 rock mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap and its 2025 sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. The new film featured high-profile cameos by two of the world’s most famous rock artists, Paul McCartney and Elton John.
The two music legends took to their social media pages to share tributes to Reiner and his wife.
McCartney wrote, “What a tragedy the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, is. It is so shocking in many ways but for me especially so, because over the last year I had been working with him. He directed me in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. He was such an upbeat, lovable man.”
He added, “Life can be so unfair and this tragedy proves it. His father, Carl Reiner, was a great humourist before him and Rob followed in his dad’s footsteps doing a terrific job making many great films. I will always have fond memories of Rob and the idea that he and his wife will no longer be in the world with us is heartbreaking. Thanks for all the humour, Rob. Rest in Peace. Love Paul.”
Elton John’s Tribute
John, meanwhile, shared a brief message on his Instagram Stories page.
“I am in disbelief at today’s news of Rob and Michele,” Elton wrote. “They were two of the most beautiful people I’d ever met and they deserved better. My thoughts are with them and their loved ones.”
About McCartney’s and John’s Appearances in Spinal Tap II
Sir Paul and Elton both played themselves in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which premiered in September. The film focuses on the members of the fictional rock group Spinal Tap as they reunite to play one final concert.
In the movie, McCartney drops by the group’s rehearsal studio to share some advice, while John winds up being a guest performer with the band at its farewell show. You can check out a video from the movie of Elton singing the Spinal Tap “classic” “Stonehenge” with the mock rockers on YouTube.
McCartney and John also both contributed to the Spinal Tap II: The End Continues soundtrack album. The album features Elton singing “Stonehenge” and on a new version of Spinal Tap’s psychedelic parody “(Listen to the) Flower People.” Sir Paul is featured on a new rendition of “Cups and Cakes.”
Incidentally, Reiner, who was 78, reprised his This Is Spinal Tap role as director Marty DiBergi in the sequel.
(Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Victoria & Albert Museum; Photo by Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
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