‘Spinal Tap’ Writer Suing After Getting Just $98 In Royalties

Over the last 30 years, the writer and co-star of cult favorite film, “This Is Spinal Tap,” Harry Shearer, has earned just $98 in royalties. He is suing Vivendi and subsidiary StudioCanal, which hold the $125 million rights to the 1984 mockumentary. Shearer says the studio, through a trick of accounting, has lumped the film in with flops and been able to claim that it makes little in profits. In reality, the suit says, “Spinal Tap” is an enduring road act and licensing success. Despite the enduring appeal of “Spinal Tap,” Shearer has been paid $81 for merchandise and $98 for music in the 32 years since the film’s release. He is seeking back-royalties, and the rights to the film itself.