Interviewing a fake band is a peculiar assignment. For one, there were a lot of rules to be observed and chores to perform before arriving at the Spinal Tap II: The End Continues press junket. Here is an example of some from an email I received from Spinal Tap’s label, Interscope Capitol:

(1) You must watch the film ahead of participating in interviews with talent.

(2) You must arrive 30 minutes before the interview.

(3) Interviews will be with the members of the band Spinal Tap. Please be sure to address the band as their in-character personas and not by their real-life names.

If they’re in character, do I have to be in character? What am I, a rock journalist? Should I pretend I’m Lester Bangs? What’s my motivation?