How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from This is Spinal Tap.
Quote #1
MARTY: How old were you guys when you met?
DAVID: Eight years old. Eight or nine.
NIGEL: You were eight and I was seven.
DAVID: That's right, yeah.
Just a few minutes into the movie, we get this exchange, which tells us two things. One—it tells us exactly how old these two were when they first met. Well, roughly how old they were. There appears to be a discrepancy. But close enough. And two—it gives us some insight into their dynamic. When one of them corrects the other, there's no arguing, no harsh glances. They just go with the flow. They're friends to the end. Or until someone's girlfriend joins the tour.
Quote #2
MARTY: Do you feel that in collaboration with David, that you are afforded the opportunity to express yourself musically the way you would like to?
NIGEL: Well, I think I do, you know, in my solos. My solos are my trademark.
Here's an indication of how close Nigel and David are. David doesn't feel a need to hog the spotlight one hundred percent of the time. He's happy to share it with his best bud, and give him some shirtless, tongue-sticking-out time of his own.
Quote #3
DAVID: But you're not as confused as him are you? I mean it's not your job to be as confused as Nigel is.
Because Nigel and David are best friends, Nigel just lets this needling comment roll right off his back. Or maybe he's so confused he doesn't realize David is taking a jab. Either way, it's all good.