Ric Parnell, best known as drummer Mick Shrimpton in the classic 1984 movie This Is Spinal Tap, has died at 70 years old. Parnell was the drummer who performed on the debut Spinal Tap album, as well as the band's 1992 sophomore effort Break Like the Wind under the name Ric Shrimpton after Mick "died" from spontaneous combustion.
Parnell also played in the band Atomic Rooster between 1970 and 1974, as well as on various albums overt the years. Parnell's death was reported by Radio Birdman's Deniz Tek, who broke the news on his social media.
"Ric Parnell died early this morning.
"From day one, meeting him, I found him to be engaging, warm, and delightfully funny. We hit it off as pals immediately. He had a cheerful spirit that made you feel good, just being around him.
"Ric's amazing history in the music world is well known. I had the great good fortune to work with Ric on three albums. Studio time was casual, fun, and scattered with stories and humor. Ric never actually prepared for a session, but would come up with the beat and the arrangement on the spot. He would say 'How does this next song go?' I'd play it to him on a guitar, and he'd think about it for a minute. Then he would say 'Right! Got something.' Then he would nail it in one or two takes, and it was as perfect as it gets.
"Ric was one of a kind. He lives on in his music, and in our hearts."
We wish Parnell's friends and family all the best at this time. We also want to thank Parnell for all the laughs in such a classic movie – dude was great, and obviously had a talent behind the kit as well. So thanks for everything.
