The band yesterday confirmed that they’ll be playing the London leg of Live Earth on July 7th, and are the subject of a short film that debuts at the Tribeca Film festival in New York this evening, before being screened at the Live Earth event.

It shows filmmaker Rob Reiner attempting to educate the band about climate change and persuading them to play the event.

Spinal Tap will release a new single called ‘Warmer Than Hell’, which features the rather excellent lyrics, ‘The devil went to Devon, it felt like the fourth degree/ He said, ‘Is it hot in here, or is it only me?’’

Speaking about the band’s return, Reiner said it had at times proved difficult to make them understand the issue: “They’re not that environmentally conscious, but they’ve heard of global warming,” he said. “Nigel thought it was just because he was wearing too much clothing - that if he just took his jacket off it would be cooler.'’

Reiner has long been an environmental activist, having spent the last 20 years campaigning on behalf of US pressure group the National Resources Defense Council. “What I think is going to be nice about this whole effort is there will be marching orders for people,” he said. “Not only from a personal standpoint of what individuals can do in their lives, but a macro perspective with respect to the public sector and government.”

Click here for Live Earth website