Spinal Tap, Thundercat & Tal Wilkenfeld Unleash the Heaviest ‘Big Bottom’ Ever

Spinal Tap made the low end the main event on Jimmy Kimmel Live with a roaring performance of their classic Big Bottom. The band was joined by two modern bass heroes, Tal Wilkenfeld and Thundercat, turning the song into a five-bass showcase that was nothing short of glorious.

Seeing Wilkenfeld’s fluid touch and Thundercat’s wild energy collide with Derek Smalls, Nigel Tufnel, and David St. Hubbins holding down their own basses was a sight every bassist dreams about. The stage shook. The audience laughed and cheered. And for once on late night TV, the bass guitar was not the background. It was the story.

Spinal Tap’s appearance was their first on late night television in more than fifteen years. With C.J. Vanston on keys and D.D. Crockett behind the kit, the group leaned all the way into what makes Big Bottom a classic. The performance was as heavy as it was hilarious, but at its core it was a love letter to the instrument we all know carries the weight.

Bass is the foundation. Last night Spinal Tap, Tal Wilkenfeld, and Thundercat made sure everyone watching knew it.