This Hanukkah, the indie-rock band Yo La Tengo surprised everyone with their tribute to iconic Jewish songwriter, Rob Reiner. The band covered the beloved song “Big Bottom”, originally performed by Reiner’s legendary mockumentary band Spinal Tap. This unexpected and heartfelt gesture has left fans and the music industry reminiscing about Reiner’s unforgettable contribution to the world of music.
Rob Reiner, best known for his successful career as an actor, director, and producer, sadly passed away on July 16, 2022. He was 75 years old. Despite his versatile talents and accomplishments in Hollywood, many may not know of Reiner’s hidden talent as a songwriter. He created and performed music as the fictional frontman of legendary heavy metal band, Spinal Tap, for the iconic mockumentary film This Is Spinal Tap released in 1984. Proving his talent and endless creativity, Reiner co-wrote all of the songs for the movie and even continued to tour with the band after the film’s release. “Big Bottom” is one of Spinal Tap’s most beloved songs, with its comedic lyrics and catchy guitar riffs.
Yo La Tengo, known for their alternative and experimental style of music, have been active since the mid-1980s and have released numerous critically acclaimed albums. They have always been known for their diverse and surprising cover songs, and their tribute to Reiner shows their admiration for his talent and legacy. The band’s frontman, Ira Kaplan, shared his thoughts on Reiner’s passing and their decision to pay tribute, stating, “Rob Reiner’s contribution to music cannot be ignored, and we felt it was only fitting to honor him this Hanukkah by covering one of his most iconic songs.”
The band’s rendition of “Big Bottom” was released on their social media platforms on the first day of Hanukkah, to the delight of their fans. The cover stayed true to the original version, while also incorporating Yo La Tengo’s unique sound and style. The video accompanying the song featured clips of Reiner performing with Spinal Tap, bringing back fond memories for fans of the movie and the band. The tribute has been met with an outpouring of love and appreciation from fans and fellow musicians, with many praising the band’s heartfelt gesture and paying respects to Reiner’s legacy.
This unexpected tribute from Yo La Tengo has not only brought Reiner’s music back into the spotlight but has also shed light on the importance of recognizing and celebrating the lesser-known talents of beloved celebrities. Reiner’s contribution to music may have been overshadowed by his success in the film industry, but this Hanukkah, Yo La Tengo has reminded us of his incredible talent and achievements in the music world.
As we continue to celebrate Hanukkah, let us also remember the remarkable contributions of Jewish artists like Rob Reiner. His work has brought joy and laughter to millions, and his music will continue to live on through this touching tribute by Yo La Tengo. As the band concluded in their post, “We’re forever grateful for Rob Reiner’s music and legacy, and our Hanukkah celebrations will always be a little brighter because of him.” May Rob Reiner’s legacy continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
