Rock stars react to Rob Reiner’s death

The American director Rob Reiner, known in the Rock and Roll world as the director of the mockumentary “This is Spinal Tap” (1984), was found dead in his home last Sunday in Los Angeles alongside his wife with multiple knife wounds.Their 32 year old son, Nick Reiner, is identified as the killer.

As soon as the news was confirmed, many rock stars shared their tributes on social media, including Paul McCartney and Elton John, who recently made cameos in the long awaited sequel “Spinal Tap II” (2025). Reiner was one of the greatest movie directors of his generation and was responsible for classics such as “The Sure Thing” (1985), “Stand by Me” (1986), “The Princess Bride” (1987), “When Harry Met Sally…” (1989), “Misery” (1990), and “A Few Good Men” (1992). In 2015, he directed “Being Charlie”, a film co-written by his son Nick, which deals with addiction, something he (Nick) struggled with throughout his life.

Rock stars react to Rob Reiner’s death

Paul McCartney

“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.”

“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,” he said.

Elton John

“I am in disbelief at today’s news of Rob and Michele. 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,” Elton John said.

Scorpions

“Very sad news… Michele and Rob Reiner we’re found Dead in their Home in L.A. yesterday… His hilarious Movie Spinal Tap (1984) was making fun of Rockbands (like us)… We had a laugh because it was sooo real… Now, 41 Years later the Sequel Spinal Tap 2 is out in Cinemas around the World … RIP Michele and Rob,” Scorpions said.

Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)

“What a tragedy…😢 Of course, he’ll always be the great Marty Di Bergi to so many of us…but he was so much more: When Harry Met Sally, Stand By Me, Misery, The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men (and of course Meathead as well!) What a tragic ending to such a great life and career…and I am grateful we got the last encore from Spinal Tap from him before he left us… 🙏” Mike Portnoy said.

Al Jardine (The Beach Boys)

“Deeply saddened to hear the horrific news about Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. Rob was a big supporter of The Beach Boys and moderated our SiriusXM Town Hall in 2018. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans 😢,” Al Jardine said.