This Is Spinal Tap : Ricky, the hottest lead guitarist in San Francisco

This is a guy in one of the bonus scenes who is more talented than any of the Tap members. Jeanine recruited him as a replacement for Nigel. There are clues that he knows Jeanine far better than David St. Hubbins is comfortable with. They don't keep him as a band member. It's implied that his presence makes them insecure. I have searched the web a few times and cannot find out who this actor/musician is. Any help here?

It's a mystery. I just looked at my copy of This Is Spinal Tap The Official Companion (book) and he is only listed in the R section but not the actor's name.

Thank you so much for the reply. With your response, maybe we can generate some interest and solve this mystery. Ricky was rrr-rockin' Hell-Hole.

Maybe Rick is his real name and it's someone well known.

Just found a Facebook page with 57 members, Who is Ricky the hottest lead guitarist in SF?

https://www.facebook.com/SpinalTapRicky

I could have sworn someone said Les Claypool tried out for Metallica and one of the reasons he didn't get the gig was that he was too good of a player.

It's Peter Frampton

In the deleted scene featuring "Ricky," he is portrayed by Louis "Louie" Merlino. Merlino is noteworthy for doing backing vocals on many recordings produced/written by Desmond Child. He is perhaps best known for being the frontman for the band Beggars and Thieves. As of 2016, he is residing in Las Vegas, Nevada and still performs occasionally.

If you look me up under Facebook, my name is Taylor Carlson (the one that lives in Las Vegas). In my "rock star photos" gallery, there is a pic of me with Louie, who portrayed Ricky.

The character is NOT portrayed by Peter Frampton.

YAY! One of my life's biggest mysteries solved. Hope this brings Louie's career a bump. Imagine he could use some extra income. Because, hey, who couldn't? I would like to see him play in Vegas someday. What a great start to my day!

I'm not totally sure when all he's still performing, but a Google search for his name and "Spinal Tap" should bring up some interesting results!

He should bill himself as, The Fifth Tapper. I left him a shoutout on his facebook page.