From Mock to Rock: The real Milwaukee music venue born from 'This is Spinal Tap'

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- September 12 marks an event 41-years in the making. The release of the movie sequel to 'This is Spinal Tap' will hit theaters this weekend. Among those eager for the long-awaited reunion of mock rockers is Peter Jest, owner of Shank Hall, a longtime live music venue on Milwaukee's east side.   

Since 1989, Shank Hall has not only been a proving ground for future rock legends, but an intimate venue for Musicians from super-groups like Led Zeppelin and the Who touring as solo artists. 

Hundreds of autographed prints cover the walls of this venerable concert venue, a Milwaukee music institution that also includes the 8x10 glossy of the fictional rock band that helped launch Peter Jest's decades-long career as a music promoter. 

Rob Reiner's 1984 mockumentary film follows the misadventures of faux heavy metal band Spinal Tap on their American tour which included a stop in Milwaukee at the then fictional club Shank Hall. When Jest saw the movie, he knew if he ever opened a club of his own, he would have to call it Shank Hall. 

Three months later, the then 19-year-old UW-Milwaukee student convinced Spinal Tap to take the stage at the UWM Ballroom. Fast-forward five years, and Jest opened a music venue on the city's east side and made good on his 1984 promise.