Nigel Tufnel: 5 Best Moments From 'This Is Spinal Tap'

LONDON – JULY 07: Christopher Guest of spoof American heavy metal band Spinal Tap performs on stage during the Live Earth concert held at Wembley Stadium on July 7, 2007 in London. Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7/7/07, bringing together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Comedic genius Christopher Guest celebrates his birthday today (February 5.)

He’s written some of the most celebrated comedies of the past few decades (Waiting For Guffman, Best In Show, A Mighty Wind) but his most iconic creation/role is Nigel Tufnel, lead guitarist of Spinal Tap from the 1984 classic This Is Spinal Tap.

In honor of Guest’s birthday, here are the five best Nigel Tufnel moments from the film.

5. “He exploded on stage.”

Poor Peter James Bond! Just a flash of green light, a “globule” on his drum seat, and that was it.

4. “None more black”

True, the answer really is “none.”

3. “This miniature bread…”

Nigel just wants bigger bread. Is that so much to ask?!

2. “My solos are my trademark.”

No…explanation…necessary.

1. “These go to eleven!”

Could there be any other number one than this “one louder” moment?! Considering how much a part this moment is in the rock lexicon, it’s hard to disagree with its placement.

Honorable Mention – “Lick My Love Pump”

This clip was SO close to making the cut at number five. Honestly, the use of the word “globule” was really the deciding factor that put "He exploded on stage" over the edge