Tenacious D

Jack Black and Kyle Gass met in Los Angeles in 1986 as members of the Actors' Gang theater troupe.{{cite web|url=http://www.ifc.com/shows/comedy-bang-bang/blog/2015/04/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-tenacious-d|title=Read This, Gently: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Tenacious D|website=Ifc.com}} They were initially not friendly, as Gass was the main musician for the Actor's Gang and "felt threatened" by Black.{{cite news |first=Hugh |last=Hart |title='D' is for dynamic duo |date=November 6, 2006 |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/11/26/PKGDRMFCSD1.DTL&type=movies |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=March 18, 2008 }}{{cite news| first=Sandy | last=Cohen | title=The fake but true story of Tenacious D | date= November 23, 2006 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2003443880_tenaciousqa23.html?syndication=rss |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=March 14, 2008 }}{{cite news |first=Jasper |last=Rees |title=Dude, where's my guitar? |work=The Sunday Times |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article612938.ece |date=August 29, 2006 |access-date=December 28, 2006 |location=London}} The Actor's Gang travelled to Scotland for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1989 to perform Tim Robbins' and Adam Simon's{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Teicholz |title=Gang of Actors reaches a new stage |date=March 14, 2008 |url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/arts_in_la/article/gang_of_actors_reaches_a_new_stage_20080314/ |work=The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles |access-date=April 4, 2008 |archive-date=June 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616155542/http://www.jewishjournal.com/arts_in_la/article/gang_of_actors_reaches_a_new_stage_20080314/ |url-status=dead }} play Carnage.{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Morris |title=Jack Black Close Up |work=The Guardian |url=http://film.guardian.co.uk/Column/0,,327906,00.html |date=June 4, 2000 |access-date=January 6, 2008 |location=London}}{{cite news |last=Woodman |first=Chay |date=February 7, 2006 |title=Tenacious D Interview |url=http://www.virtualfestivals.com/artists/article.cfm?artistid=3153&articleid=411&startrow=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030512170050/http://www.virtualfestivals.com/artists/article.cfm?artistid=3153&articleid=411&startrow=2 |archive-date=May 12, 2003 |access-date=December 19, 2006 |work=Virtual Festivals}} The two became friends during the trip and climbed Arthur's Seat on a day off.{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/jack-black-tribute-was-our-mona-lisa-an-oral-history-of-tenacious-ds-self-titled-debut-album/|title="Tribute Was Our Mona Lisa" – An Oral History Of Tenacious D's Self-Titled Debut Album|website=Kerrang.com|access-date=November 27, 2019}} Following the trip, Black and Gass bonded over music. Black did not learn guitar until he was around 23. He would regularly visit Gass's apartment on Cochran Avenue; Gass would teach Black to play guitar in return for food.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/musictv/guitars/video/jackblack/|title=BBC - Imagine: The Story of the Guitar - Video - Jack Black Interview|access-date=November 2, 2018}}{{Citation|last=GQ|title=Tenacious D Goes Undercover on Reddit, YouTube and Twitter {{!}} GQ|date=November 1, 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZEQkfEFYhA&t=398s| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/7ZEQkfEFYhA| archive-date=November 2, 2021 | url-status=live|access-date=November 2, 2018}}{{cbignore}} They worked together professionally at the Actor's Gang and collaborated in productions.{{Citation|last=Guitarings|title=Guitarings - Viewer Mailbag - 10/4/11|date=October 4, 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIcSKrfNaEg| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/aIcSKrfNaEg| archive-date=November 2, 2021 | url-status=live|access-date=November 2, 2018}}{{cbignore}}

Black and Gass eventually wrote their first song after Black was dumped by a girlfriend, a non-comedic song. They later said they felt embarrassed about the song, though they occasionally sing it during interviews when telling their story.{{Citation |last=bigfootisreal100 |title=Tenacious D - The D's First Song (Melissa) |date=October 16, 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aVcOQopFus |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/_aVcOQopFus |archive-date=November 2, 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=November 2, 2018}}{{cbignore}} Their second song came about when Black was listening to the Metallica song "One" and told Gass that it was "the best song in the world". Gass told Black that they could not write the best song in the world, but Black put a twist on it and said they could "write a tribute". Gass played an A-minor chord on his guitar at the apartment and the two spent three days crafting the song. When it was done, Gass said they "knew they had something". The song made the duo realize their comedic potential.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/Guitarings/videos/vb.115431963700/10100946341944973/?type=3&theater|title=Guitarings|website=Facebook.com|language=en|access-date=November 2, 2018}} The duo briefly called themselves Responsive Chord while rehearsing the comedy act.{{cite web |last1=Deville |first1=Chris |title=Tenacious D Turns 20 |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2161666/tenacious-d-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=June 14, 2024 |language=en |date=September 24, 2021}}

The band's first on-stage appearance was at Highland Grounds in Los Angeles, a coffee shop, where they performed as The Axe Lords Featuring Gorgazon's Mischief, though the production was technically part of a variety event for the Actor's Gang. In the audience was the actor and comedian Harry Shearer.{{cite web|url=https://relix.com/articles/detail/let-it-d-tenacious-d-the-greatest-band-in-the-world-or-maybe-the-second-gre/|title=Let It D: Tenacious D, The Greatest Band in the World (or Maybe the Second Greatest, They're Still W|date=February 3, 2012|website=Relix.com|language=en-US|access-date=November 27, 2019}}

The band's first performance at an actual music event was a short appearance at Al's Bar in 1994, opening for The Abe Lincoln Story.{{Cite web |title=Fresh Produce |url=https://www.freshproducemedia.co/show/tenacious-d-the-road-to-redunktion |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=www.freshproducemedia.co}}{{cite web|url=https://www.songfacts.com/facts/tenacious-d/tribute|title=Tribute by Tenacious D - Songfacts|website=Songfacts.com}} They performed "Tribute", still their only song at the time, and asked the audience to vote for their name. Black and Gass gave them the choice between Pets or Meat, Balboa's Biblical Theater and the Axe Lords Featuring Gorgazon's Mischief (Gass' favorite). "Tenacious D"—a basketball term used by commentators to describe robust defensive positioning in basketball — did not get the majority of votes, but according to Black "we forced it through". The venue had become a hotbed for upcoming bands, so much so that in attendance was David Cross, who invited Black and Gass to open for the live version of Mr. Show. Black was cast on Mr. Show in 1995.{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Palopoli |title=Cult Leader |work=Metro Silicon Valley |url=http://www.metroactive.com/metro/11.08.06/cult-0645.html |date=November 8, 2006 |access-date=January 12, 2007}}

Tenacious D continued to generate momentum on the Los Angeles music scene, notably performing headline shows at Al's Bar, Pedro's, Largo and The Actors' Gang studio. Maynard James Keenan, lead vocalist of the band Tool, had also met Cross on the Los Angeles scene, and therefore had also become involved in Mr. Show. Keenan invited Black and Gass to support three Californian Tool concerts in December 1995.{{cite web |url=http://sidehatch.com:80/tool_tour.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000621182055/http://sidehatch.com/tool_tour.txt |title=Tenacious D/Tool |archive-date=June 21, 2000 |date=December 23, 1997 |first=Alex |last=Thayer |access-date=November 2, 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.metalinsider.net/columns/remember-when-maynard-james-keenan-appeared-in-mr-show|title=Remember When: Maynard James Keenan appeared in 'Mr. Show'?Metal Insider|date=January 9, 2017|work=Metal Insider|access-date=November 18, 2018|language=en-US}} Tool was the first large act that Tenacious D were a support act for. Black had previously attended UCLA with director Jason Bloom; therefore, when Bloom was made the director of 1996's Bio-Dome, Black and Gass were invited to perform a short song in the film. The two wrote the song "5 Needs", and this was their first on-screen appearance as Tenacious D.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/bio-dome-v135585/cast-crew|title=Bio-Dome (1996) - Jason Bloom {{!}} Cast and Crew {{!}} AllMovie|website=AllMovie|access-date=November 2, 2018}}

In 1997, Tenacious D had become a popular act on the Los Angeles music scene and would perform residencies at The Viper Room.{{cite web|url=http://wazee.org/artists/tenacious_d.shtml|title=[radio.wazee] Modern Alternative Rock - TENACIOUS D|website=Wazee.org|access-date=January 10, 2019}} Pete Stahl, the vocalist of the band Scream, worked at The Viper Room at the time and became a fan of Black and Gass. Stahl invited friend Dave Grohl to come and visit The Viper Room to see Tenacious D, though Grohl initially did not want to go. Grohl changed his stance and went to see the band perform a couple of weeks later and thoroughly enjoyed it. This would start a relationship between Grohl, Black and Gass.{{cite web|url=http://www.fooarchive.com/gpb/davetendkerrang06.htm|title=Dave Grohl interviews Tenacious D: Kerrang! November '06|website=Fooarchive.com|access-date=November 18, 2018|archive-date=January 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117131726/http://www.fooarchive.com/gpb/davetendkerrang06.htm|url-status=dead}}

Tenacious D recorded their songs "Tribute", "Kyle Quit the Band", "Krishna" and "History" and released them in a demo tape called Tenacious Demo in the late 1990s with Andrew Gross. They distributed it to various record companies until HBO offered them a TV show based on the tape and Black's work on Mr. Show.{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Tenacious-D-Demo-/release/2862109 |title=Discogs, Tenacious Demo, 1997 |year=1994 |publisher=Discogs.com |access-date=April 12, 2012}}

{{Main|Tenacious D (TV series)}}

Cross and his Mr. Show co-writer Bob Odenkirk continued his involvement with Tenacious D by producing three half-hour shows based on the band.{{cite news| first=Zorianna | last=Kit | title=Big-screen Gig For Tenacious D | date=June 8, 2000 | url =http://www.allbusiness.com/services/motion-pictures/4931095-1.html | work=The Hollywood Reporter | page =2 | access-date = March 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108212759/http://www.allbusiness.com/services/motion-pictures/4931095-1.html|archive-date=January 8, 2009}} The series, entitled Tenacious D, premiered on HBO in 1997, immediately following an episode of Mr. Show. While a total of three episodes consisting of two shorts each, ten to twelve minutes in length,{{cite news| first=Phil | last=Gallo| title=Tenacious D | date=March 24, 1999 | url =https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117491951.html?categoryid=32&cs=1 | work=Variety | access-date = March 25, 2008 }} were produced, only the first was aired that year; the final two episodes did not air until 2000.{{cite news| first=Brian | last=Zoromski | title=Tenacious D: The Series | work=IGN | url=http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/746/746937p1.html | date=November 20, 2006 | access-date=January 12, 2007}} According to Gass, the series was cancelled after HBO requested ten episodes with the stipulation that he and Black would have to relinquish their role as executive producers,{{cite news |last=Fischer |first=Paul |date=November 15, 2006 |title=Exclusive Interview : Jack Black & Kyle Gass |url=http://www.moviehole.net/interviews/20061115_exclusive_interview_jack_black.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070223201835/https://moviehole.net/interviews/20061115_exclusive_interview_jack_black.html |archive-date=February 23, 2007 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |work=Moviehole}} and only write songs.{{cite news| first=Nathan | last=Rabin |title=The Complete Masterworks |type=DVD |publisher=Epic Records }}

After the series aired, the band continued to perform live. At a show at the Viper Room in Los Angeles, they met Dave Grohl, who remarked that he was impressed with their performance;{{cite news |first=Jon |last=Zahlaway |title=liveDaily Interview: Dave Grohl Of Foo Fighters |work=liveDaily |url=http://www.livedaily.com/interviews/liveDaily_Interview_Dave_Grohl_Of_Foo_Fighters-734.html?t=6 |date=April 13, 2000 |access-date=January 12, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427075340/http://www.livedaily.com/interviews/liveDaily_Interview_Dave_Grohl_Of_Foo_Fighters-734.html?t=6 |archive-date=April 27, 2006}}{{cite news |author=Kerrang! |title=Dave Grohl interviews Tenacious D: Kerrang! November '06 |work=fooarchive.com |url=http://www.fooarchive.com/gpb/davetendkerrang06.htm |access-date=January 12, 2007 |archive-date=January 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117131726/http://www.fooarchive.com/gpb/davetendkerrang06.htm |url-status=dead }} this led to their cameo in the Foo Fighters' "Learn to Fly" music video. They began to open for high-profile acts including Beck, Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters.

In May 2000, Tenacious D signed to Epic Records. As Black's profile increased due to his roles in films such as High Fidelity, the band recorded their first album, Tenacious D, with the producers the Dust Brothers. It was backed by a full band, consisting of Grohl on drums and guitar, keyboardist Page McConnell of Phish, guitarist Warren Fitzgerald of The Vandals, and bassist Steven Shane McDonald of Redd Kross. According to Black, they chose to use a band because "no one's ever heard us with a band".{{cite news| first=David | last=A Keeps | title=Prepare for D-Day| date=November 3, 2002 | url =http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1714413.html | archive-url =https://archive.today/20130126093453/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1714413.html | url-status =dead | archive-date =January 26, 2013 | work=Independent on Sunday|url-access=registration| access-date = March 25, 2008}} The majority of songs on the album were performed previously on their short-lived television series.{{cite news| first=Stephen | last=Thomas Erlewine | title=Review | url ={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r552157|pure_url=yes}} | work=Allmusic | access-date = April 19, 2008 }}

{{listen

| filename = Tribute (Tenacious D song sample).ogg

| title = "Tribute"

| description = Clip of "Tribute" from Tenacious D.

}}

Tencious D reached No. 33 on the Billboard 200 on October 13, 2001.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Chris |date=November 22, 2005 |title=Game Clobbers Akon, Takes Albums Chart |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1546450/20061122/tenacious_d.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001010454/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1546450/20061122/tenacious_d.jhtml |archive-date=October 1, 2007 |access-date=February 3, 2007 |work=VH1}}{{cite magazine |date= |title=Tenacious D |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/tenacious-d/chart-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405040812/https://www.billboard.com/artist/tenacious-d/chart-history |archive-date=April 5, 2022 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}} Although it received mixed reviews, it went on to garner acclaim and by November 2005 had been certified platinum in the US.{{cite web| url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |title=RIAA Searchable database – Gold and Platinum |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=January 3, 2008}} Entertainment Weekly described it "hilarious", and "no mere comedy record".{{cite magazine| first=Ken | last=Tucker | title=Music Review: Tenacious D | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,175539~4~~tenaciousd,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121223433/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,175539~4~~tenaciousd,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 21, 2007 | date=September 24, 2001 | access-date=December 21, 2006}} AllMusic wrote that it "rocks so damn hard", but lamented the absence of some of the songs from the television show.{{cite news| author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine | title=Music Review: Tenacious D | work=Allmusic | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/tenacious-d-mw0000591118 | access-date=October 16, 2013}} Flak Magazine criticised the skits between songs, describing them as "distracting" and a "nuisance".{{cite news|first=Christopher |last=Hickman |title=Tenacious D |url=http://www.flakmag.com/music/tenaciousd.html |work=Flak Magazine |access-date=July 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204050216/http://www.flakmag.com/music/tenaciousd.html |archive-date=December 4, 2008 }}The Independent found the album was full of "swearing and scatology" and was "bereft of even the slightest skidmark of humor".{{cite news|first=Andy |last=Gill |title=Album: Tenacious D |date=May 31, 2002 |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-tenacious-d-190753.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220526/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-tenacious-d-190753.html |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |access-date=November 1, 2018 |location=London }}

The first single, "Tribute", is a tribute to the "greatest song in the world", which Tenacious D claim they performed to save their souls from a demon.{{cite news|first=Peta |last=Hellard |title=Duo's devilish fun |date=January 6, 2007 |url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21014786-5003421,00.html |work=The Courier-Mail |access-date=April 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210172652/http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0%2C23739%2C21014786-5003421%2C00.html |archive-date=February 10, 2007 |url-status=dead }} The music video, directed by Liam Lynch, achieved success and was voted the fifth best music video ever by Kerrang! readers.{{cite news| title=Tarantino plans Kill Bill: Vol 3 | date=October 4, 2004 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3613965.stm | work=bbc.co.uk | access-date = June 27, 2008 }} This was followed by the second single, "Wonderboy", with a video directed by Spike Jonze.{{cite news|first=John |last=DeFore |title=Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny |date=October 30, 2006 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?&rid=6732 |access-date=April 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527192053/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?&rid=6732 |archive-date=May 27, 2008 |url-status=dead}} A third video, an animation depicting Black and Gass as cherubs, was made for "Fuck Her Gently", directed by the Ren and Stimpy creator John Kricfalusi.

The album also included "Dio", a song written as a tribute to rock singer Ronnie James Dio, which mocked him somewhat for being too old.{{cite magazine| first=Mark | last=Binelli | title=73% of the Way to Being the World's Greatest Rock Band | date=November 29, 2006 | url =https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/12683958/73_of_the_way_to_being_the_worlds_greatest_rock_band | magazine=Rolling Stone| access-date = April 12, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111200200/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/12683958/73_of_the_way_to_being_the_worlds_greatest_rock_band|archive-date=November 11, 2007}} Dio liked the song enough to ask the band to appear in the music video for his song, "Push".{{cite news | first=David | last=Brinn | title=Ronnie James Dio: I'm Proud Of Starting 'Devil Horns' Trend | date=September 29, 2005 | url=http://www.metalexpressradio.com/menu.php?main=news&id=1693 | work=The Jerusalem Post | access-date=March 25, 2008 | archive-date=November 4, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104122934/http://www.metalexpressradio.com/menu.php?main=news&id=1693 | url-status=dead }} An EP entitled D Fun Pak was released in 2002. It featured a skit and acoustic versions of "Jesus Ranch" and "Kyle Quit The Band", as well as a megamix by Mocean Worker. The Complete Masterworks, a music DVD featuring the entire run of their TV series, music videos, and a live performance from London's Brixton Academy recorded in 2002, was released on November 9, 2003.{{cite news| author= | title=For The Record: Quick News On Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Tenacious D, The Roots, Pearl Jam, Elvis Presley & More | date=July 8, 2003 | website=Mtv.com | url =http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1473673/20030708/elliott_missy.jhtml | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20031010023945/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1473673/20030708/elliott_missy.jhtml | url-status =dead | archive-date =October 10, 2003 | access-date = July 14, 2008 }}

{{Main|Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny}}

Black and Gass had dreamt of producing a Tenacious D motion-picture since forming the band; archived footage of banter at an early Tenacious D show records Black as saying "a movie - that would be the pinnacle".{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/05/gods-of-rock-in-their-own-minds-the-early-days-of-tenacious-d.html|title=Gods of Rock (In Their Own Minds): The Early Days of Tenacious D|first=Cameron|last=Tung|date=May 16, 2012|website=Vulture.com}}

The duo conceptualized numerous ideas for a film, though the first actual known draft of a script was published on November 7, 2000. The script was based on many songs that would later be released on the duo's eponymous debut album that would be released the following year. There is little known about the script, other than it being based around the band playing coffee shops and Black becoming fascinated by Atlantis. Black and Gass both fall in love with a girl called Simmeon who has written books about the fictional island. They later meet Ronnie James Dio, and are sent on a road trip to Miami. This concept was later scrapped.{{cite web|url=http://www.tenaciousjoes.com/tenaciousdmovie.html|title=Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny|date=June 3, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603003749/http://www.tenaciousjoes.com/tenaciousdmovie.html|access-date=November 16, 2019|archive-date=June 3, 2004}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tenaciousjoes.com/tenaciousdmoviescript.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20051230145940/http://www.tenaciousjoes.com/tenaciousdmoviescript.html|url-status=dead|title=Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny|archive-date=December 30, 2005|access-date=March 16, 2014}}

At some point prior to 2003, the band were in negotiations with the British studio Working Title Films to write and distribute a Tenacious D film, but Black and Gass were not satisfied with the writers' ideas.{{Citation |last=Larkin |first=Colin |title=Tenacious D |date=January 1, 2009 |url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780195313734.001.0001/acref-9780195313734-e-73157 |encyclopedia=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music |access-date=October 23, 2023 |publisher=Oxford University Press |language=en |doi=10.1093/acref/9780195313734.001.0001 |isbn=978-0-19-531373-4|url-access=subscription }} In February 2003, it was announced that the band had signed with New Line Cinema to create a film, with Liam Lynch as the director, and Black, Gass and Lynch writing the script and being producers on the production. There was also speculation that Red Hour Productions would produce the film, which was later confirmed.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/72338/tenacious-d-heading-to-silver-screen|title=Tenacious D Heading To Silver Screen|website=Billboard.com|access-date=November 16, 2019}} Later in 2003, Black announced the title as Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny and that the script was about the band's search for a sacred guitar pick.{{cite news|title=Jack Black gets back to his musical roots |date=October 1, 2003 |publisher=CTV Television Network |url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1065051871877_4/?hub=Entertainment |archive-url=https://archive.today/20031003035819/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1065051871877_4/?hub=Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 3, 2003 |access-date=March 29, 2008 }} Filming had been expected to take place by the end of 2003;{{cite magazine| title=In Brief: Ozzy, the Roots | date=May 16, 2003 | url =https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/ozzyosbourne/articles/story/5936389/in_brief_ozzy_the_roots | magazine=Rolling Stone | access-date = March 29, 2008 }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} however, it was delayed by almost a year due to Black being cast in Peter Jackson's big budget remake of King Kong.{{cite news| first=Craig | last=Mathieson | title=Back in Black | date=December 24, 2004| newspaper=The Age | url =http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/12/23/1103391880557.html | access-date = March 29, 2008 | location=Melbourne}} In December 2004, Black and Gass performed some songs from the upcoming soundtrack of the film whilst touring Australia, and announced that the film would include cameos from Meat Loaf and Ronnie James Dio.{{Citation|title=Tenacious D Live in New Zealand 12/27/04 Full Set| date=January 16, 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEuwQ-oQJoM| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/rEuwQ-oQJoM| archive-date=November 2, 2021 | url-status=live|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}

Principal photography for Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny commenced in 2005, with the production finishing later that year.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116191373176905571|title=Can Jack Go Back?|last=Smith|first=Ethan|date=October 27, 2006|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=November 16, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660}} The film held its first test screening to the press in October 2005.{{cite web|url=http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/21597|title=We got the first review of TENACIOUS D IN THE PICK OF DESTINY!!! Will it Rock Your Socks Off?!?|author=|website=Legacy.aintitcool.com|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2019}} The film held two re-shoots in 2006 and according to Lynch, every crew member from the principal photography came back because they "had such a fun time working on set".{{cite web|url=https://podtail.com/fi/podcast/lynchland-the-liam-lynch-podcast/cb4a7281eb0e997df5764dceb7ceace3/|title=Lynchland Episode 8 – Lynchland: The Liam Lynch Podcast – Podcast|last=Podcast|first=Lynchland: The Liam Lynch|website=Podtail.com|language=fi|access-date=November 16, 2019|archive-date=November 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116131736/https://podtail.com/fi/podcast/lynchland-the-liam-lynch-podcast/cb4a7281eb0e997df5764dceb7ceace3/|url-status=dead}} Black also stated that the filming on this production was "the most fun I've ever had filming a movie".{{Citation|title=Tenacious D - Home Movies (Documentary)| date=August 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU8SpMKm07w| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/sU8SpMKm07w| archive-date=November 2, 2021 | url-status=live|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}

{{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote="A lot of enthusiastic stoners were like, 'Yeah, du-u-u-de! Just saw it!' I was like, 'Where were you when the movie came out?' 'Sorry, dude, I was hi-i-i-gh!'"|source=— Jack Black on The Pick of Destiny's disappointing box-office performance.{{cite news| title= The best version of Jack Black | url =http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/06/05/film.jackblack.ap/ | work=CNN | access-date = June 21, 2008 }}{{dead link|date=June 2014}}}}

The film held its British premiere on November 1, 2006, at the Vue West End cinema in London, England.{{cite web|url=https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/actor-jack-black-attends-the-world-premiere-of-tenacious-d-news-photo/72343952|title=Actor Jack Black attends the world premiere of 'Tenacious|website=Gettyimages.co.uk|date=November 2006 |language=en-gb|access-date=November 16, 2019}} The film's domestic premiere was held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on November 9, 2006. Many of the actors who had cameos in the film were in attendance; including Ronnie James Dio, Dave Grohl, and Ben Stiller. The soundtrack for the production was called The Pick of Destiny and featured a returning John King (of The Dust Brothers) producing it.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} It was released on November 14, 2006, through Epic Records.{{cite web |last1=Catucci |first1=Nick |title=Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny |url=http://blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=4308 |website=Blender |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013090038/http://blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=4308 |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |url-status=dead}}

The film was released worldwide on November 22. Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny grossed US$8,334,575 in the US and Canada and a total of US$13,426,450 worldwide, falling well short of its US$20 million production budget and US$40 million in estimated marketing costs.{{cite news| first=Ross | last=Johnson | title=Jack Black Revisits the Glory Days Known as Tenacious D | date=October 8, 2006 | url =https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/movies/08john.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/M/Motion%20Pictures | work=The New York Times | access-date = July 8, 2008 }}{{mojo title|id=tenaciousd|title=Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny}}. Retrieved January 13, 2008. Financially, it is regarded as a box-office bomb.{{cite news| first=Andrew | last=Gumbel | title=Dial 'D' for disaster: The fall of New Line Cinema | date=April 16, 2008 | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/film-and-tv/features/dial-d-for-disaster-the-fall-of-new-line-cinema-809545.html | work=The Independent | access-date = July 8, 2008 | location=London}} The soundtrack reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 in the US as well as topping the iTunes chart,{{cite news| first=Anthony | last=Breznican | title=Plucky Tenacious D duo get into their 'Destiny' | work=USA Today | url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2006-11-23-tenacious-D-side_x.htm?csp=34 | date=November 24, 2006 | access-date=December 18, 2006}} and #10 in the UK.{{cite web| url=http://www.everyhit.com/ |title=UK Albums chart |publisher=EveryHit.com |access-date=February 14, 2008}} The film was released globally on DVD on February 27, 2007. In an interview on the Daily Show on November 30, 2006, Black admitted the film had "bombed",{{cite episode |title= The Daily Show |series= The Daily Show |series-link= The Daily Show |credits= Jon Stewart |network=Comedy Central |airdate= November 30, 2006 |number=40 |minutes=10}} but {{when|date=April 2011}} said that DVD sales had shown that the film picked up a cult audience.

{{listen

| filename = POD (Tenacious D song sample).ogg

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| description = Clip of "POD" from The Pick of Destiny.

}}

Kevin Crust of the Los Angeles Times said that the film "might best be enjoyed in an enhanced state of consciousness, a herbal supplement, and we aren't talking ginkgo biloba."{{cite news| first=Kevin | last=Crust | title=Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny | date=November 22, 2006 | url =http://www.calendarlive.com/printedition/calendar/cl-et-tenacious22nov22,0,5923936.story | work=Los Angeles Times | access-date = January 27, 2007 }} Stephen Rae of The Philadelphia Inquirer said that the frequent drug-use in the film gives "the term potty humor a new meaning."{{cite news| first=Steven | last=Rea| title= 'Tenacious D': Lots of hits (wink, wink), and misses, too|date=November 22, 2006| url =http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=117B3AC73363D2A0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|format=Fee required | work=The Philadelphia Inquirer | access-date = January 27, 2007 }} Michael Phillips criticized the frequency of the drug-use by saying: "This may be the problem. Pot rarely helped anybody's comic timing."{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Michael |date=November 24, 2006 |title=So-so story of a superband: 'Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/236324548/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 1, 2024 |work=Chicago Tribune |page=7A-3 |via=Newspapers.com |volume=160 |issue=328}} Stephen Holden of The New York Times suggested that the film could be viewed as a "jolly rock 'n' roll comedy", but he also described the progression of the film as being a "garish mess."{{cite news| first=Stephen | last=Holden | title=Movie Guide and Film Series | date=December 8, 2006| url =https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/08/movies/08movie.html?ei=5088&en=b33ee352343d3441&ex=1323234000&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&pagewanted=print | work=The New York Times| access-date = January 27, 2007 }}

The soundtrack received less favourable reviews than for the band's first album. Rolling Stone comments that the soundtrack "never quite takes off".{{cite magazine| first=Andy | last=Greene | title=Tenacious D | date=November 1, 2006| url =https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/12273733/review/12285351/the_pick_of_destiny | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070828040445/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/12273733/review/12285351/the_pick_of_destiny | url-status =dead | archive-date =August 28, 2007 | magazine=Rolling Stone | access-date = July 11, 2008 }} It criticises the reliance the album makes on a knowledge of the film, and some songs' existence only to "advance the plot". It summarizes by saying the album is inferior to the band's previous effort. Allmusic also describes the follow-up as less "satisfying" than Tenacious D, noting that the songs feel like "narrative filler".{{cite news| first=Stephen | last=Thomas Erlewine | title=The Pick of Destiny | url ={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r928202|pure_url=yes}} | work=Allmusic | access-date = July 11, 2008 }} Blender continues the criticism of the songs being plot devices calling them "plot-nudging song-sketches".{{cite news|first=Nick |last=Catucci |title=Tenacious D |url=http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=4308 |work=Blender |access-date=July 11, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013090038/http://blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=4308 |archive-date=October 13, 2007 }} The Guardian views the album more positively, describing the album as a meeting of "old school riffology" and "schoolboy humour".{{cite news| first=Craig | last=McLean | title= Tenacious D, The Pick of Destiny | date=November 12, 2006| url =http://music.guardian.co.uk/rock/story/0,,1944189,00.html | work=The Guardian | access-date = July 11, 2008 | location=London}}

File:408844873 a624860075 o.jpg

To coincide with the release of their new film and album, Tenacious D embarked on The Pick of Destiny Tour, of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. This tour included the band's first appearance at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Unlike other tours, this one featured a full backing band. Konesky and Spiker resumed their roles from the album, and Brooks Wackerman was added as drummer.{{cite magazine| first=Jonathan | last=Cohen | title=Tenacious D Ready To Rock U.S., Down Under | date=October 11, 2006| magazine=Billboard | url =https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56995/tenacious-d-ready-to-rock-us-down-under| access-date = July 16, 2009}} Each member used a pseudonym; Konesky as the Antichrist, Spiker as Charlie Chaplin, and Wackerman as Colonel Sanders. JR Reed also toured as Satan, as well as reprising his role as "Lee".{{cite news|first=Erik |last=Pedersen |title=Bottom Line: Hard rock, hard laughs, hard to resist. |date=November 21, 2006 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/music/reviews/article_display.jsp?JSESSIONID=FjFYCHpzQjv7HyFnGBrqrl5NTvhpVrP5rKTgD11Qf2vVytCLF3sL!60872574&&rid=8432 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114070818/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/music/reviews/article_display.jsp?JSESSIONID=FjFYCHpzQjv7HyFnGBrqrl5NTvhpVrP5rKTgD11Qf2vVytCLF3sL%2160872574&&rid=8432 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 14, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2008 }} Black has said that the band lost money on the tour due to the cost of touring with a full band for the first time.{{cite news | title=Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny | work=The List | url=http://www.list.co.uk/article/639-tenacious-d-in-the-pick-of-destiny/ | date=November 15, 2006| access-date=December 18, 2006}}{{cite news|last=Cobley|first=Mike| title=Tenacious D: When The Devil Came Down To Brighton! | work=Virtual Brighton Magazine | url=http://magazine.brighton.co.uk/index.asp?SEC_ID=1&CAT_ID=21&SUB_ID=45&ART_ID=2188 | date=December 18, 2006| access-date=July 16, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011140746/http://magazine.brighton.co.uk/index.asp?SEC_ID=1&CAT_ID=21&SUB_ID=45&ART_ID=2188 |archive-date = October 11, 2007}}{{cite web|title=Best Metal Performance|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees?genre=31&=Go|website=Grammy.com|access-date=November 10, 2015}}

{{main|Rize of the Fenix}}

File:Tenacious D Leeds.jpg

In November 2006, Black expressed wishes to take a year-long break from acting, though Gass hinted a desire for Tenacious D to end at their current highpoint.{{cite news | agency=Associated Press | title=Tenacious D: Portly powerhouse of rock | work=KLTV | url=http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=5722208 | date=November 23, 2006 | access-date=December 10, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222011250/http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=5722208 | archive-date=February 22, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} However, Black confirmed that a third album would be recorded by announcing that a new song has been written for it entitled "Deth Star". He said that the album would likely be released in 2010,{{cite news| first=Joey | last=Berlin | title=Rewind only for Jack Black | date=March 30, 2008| work=New Straits Times}} but on other occasions had mentioned the year 2012.{{cite news| title=Jack Black discusses new film Be Kind Rewind | date=February 15, 2008| url =https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/hollywood-funnyman-jack-black-discusses-293690 | work=Daily Mirror | access-date = October 16, 2013}}{{cite news|first=Scott |last=Huver |title=Jack Black's Naked Truth: Laid Bare in 'Margot,' RoboCopping a Feel in 'Be Kind' |url=http://www.hollywood.com/feature/Jack_Blacks_Naked_Truth_Laid_Bare_in_Margot_RoboCopping_a_Feel_in_Be_Kind/5003303 |work=Hollywood.com |access-date=February 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116140909/http://www.hollywood.com/feature/Jack_Blacks_Naked_Truth_Laid_Bare_in_Margot_RoboCopping_a_Feel_in_Be_Kind/5003303 |archive-date=January 16, 2008 }} In early 2008, Black announced that the band was working on a new album, and a DVD titled The Complete Masterworks Part 2. The DVD was released later that year,{{cite interview |last= Black |first= Jack |subject-link= Jack Black |interviewer= Fearne Cotton |title= Film reviews |work=BBC |publisher=BBC Radio 1 | location=London, England |date= July 1, 2008 |access-date= July 7, 2008 |url= http://www.radio1movies.com/2008/07/jack-black-talk.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730091932/http://www.radio1movies.com/2008/07/jack-black-talk.html|archive-date=July 30, 2008}} and included a documentary of their world tour entitled D Tour: A Tenacious Documentary. The film focuses on the tour Tenacious D made in support of the film and soundtrack and the consequences of their film's poor showing at the box office.{{cite news| first=Robert | last=Koehler | title=D Tour: A Tenacious Documentary Review | date=February 12, 2008| url =https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117936195.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&nid=2562 | work=Variety| access-date = February 13, 2008 }} Kyle has commented that the new album only has "one to one and a half" songs written for it, and would like to write between twelve and fifteen.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044859/tenacious-d-one-and-a-half-songs-into-next-album|title=Tenacious D 'One-And-A-Half Songs' Into Next Album|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 16, 2009}}

Music magazine Billboard quoted Black as revealing that "We just laid down a hot [...] we're calling it the bomb track. It's a very powerful recording called "Deth Starr" [...] so it has nothing to do with the Star Wars [Death Star]," adding that "It's kind of sci-fi, doomsday rock."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267817/tenacious-d-to-fill-beasties-slot-at-outside-lands |title=Tenacious D To Fill Beasties' Slot At Outside Lands |magazine=Billboard |date=August 6, 2009 |access-date=August 25, 2009 }} Jack Black also stated on the Late Show with David Letterman that he had an idea for a song called "Rize of the Fenix", which he described as a "rise from the ashes" workout song similar to "Eye of the Tiger". He performed a vocal sample of the song along with keyboards.{{cite web |last1=Hart |first1=Josh |title=Video: Tenacious D Perform "Roadie" on 'Late Show with David Letterman' |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/video-tenacious-d-perform-roadie-late-show-david-letterman |website=Guitar World |access-date=June 14, 2024 |language=en |date=May 15, 2012}}

Gass hinted that the band's third album might be called Tenacious D 3-D, reasoning that "It's the third record, so it should probably be 'Tenacious 3-D.' There's going to be a '3' and a 'D,' so you have to connect them."{{cite news |url=http://www.metalunderground.com/interviews/details.cfm?newsid=57480 |title=Kyle Gass Of Tenacious D Discusses Losing Dio And More |first=Ty |last=Arthur |publisher=MetalUnderground.com |date=July 2, 2010 |access-date=July 3, 2010 }} Dave Grohl has confirmed that he will appear as the drummer on the album, after performing on both Tenacious D and The Pick of Destiny.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/foofighters/status/22594863915 |title=p.s..........just finished ... |first=Dave |last=Grohl |author-link=Dave Grohl |publisher=Twitter |date=August 31, 2010 |access-date=January 3, 2011 }} In an interview with Spinner.com in December 2010, Black revealed that the band was "about halfway through the writing process" for its new album, telling fans to expect the release of new material "at the end of 2011".{{cite web|url=http://www.spinnermusic.co.uk/2010/12/30/tenacious-d-jack-black-new-album/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728101424/http://www.spinnermusic.co.uk/2010/12/30/tenacious-d-jack-black-new-album/|archive-date=July 28, 2011|title=Tenacious D Writing About Love, Sex and Food for Upcoming Album|date=December 30, 2010|first=Steve|last=Baltin}} In terms of lyrical themes for the new songs, Black noted that "We're gonna be talking about love, there are gonna be some songs about sex and there's gonna be songs about food".

In a May 2011 interview at Attack of the Show, Black announced that three songs on their upcoming album would be named "Rize of the Fenix", distinguishable by either letter or number.{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/videos/52976/jack-black-talks-kung-fu-panda-2-new-tenacious-d-album/ |title=Jack Black Talks Kung Fu Panda 2 & New Tenacious D Album in High Definition – |publisher=G4tv.com |date=May 18, 2011 |access-date=July 18, 2011 |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017171733/http://www.g4tv.com/videos/52976/jack-black-talks-kung-fu-panda-2-new-tenacious-d-album/ |url-status=dead }} Also in the same interview, he named another song called "Señorita".{{cite news |url=http://www.rock-am-ring.com/en/news/festive-confirmations-for-rock-am-ring-and-rock-im-park |title=Festive Confirmations for Rock am Ring and Rock im Park |publisher=Rock am Ring |date=December 19, 2011 |access-date=January 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208135134/http://www.rock-am-ring.com/en/news/festive-confirmations-for-rock-am-ring-and-rock-im-park |archive-date=February 8, 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/news/general/fourteen_more_bands_added_to_the_download_line_up |title=Fourteen more bands added to the Download line up |publisher=Download Festival |date=January 16, 2012 |access-date=January 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120033853/http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/news/general/fourteen_more_bands_added_to_the_download_line_up |archive-date=January 20, 2012 |url-status=dead }} In February 2012 it was revealed that the title of the album would in fact be spelled Rize of the Fenix and would be released on May 15, 2012.{{cite web |title=Tenacious D announce full details of new album 'Rize Of The Fenix' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/tenacious-d/62347 |website=NME |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303214758/https://www.nme.com/news/tenacious-d/62347 |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |date=March 1, 2012}}

On March 26, 2012, a 6-minute film was uploaded to the Tenacious D channel on YouTube. The mockumentary, titled 'Tenacious D - To Be the Best', documents the uncertain future Tenacious D faced after the box-office failure of The Pick of Destiny, KG's subsequent breakdown and incarceration in "an institution", and Jack's embracing of an indulgent Hollywood lifestyle. The film shows a deranged Kyle escaping the facility and attempting to kill Jack and then himself, before they each realize their importance to each other and revive the band. They produce a new album in 75 minutes in the studio, described as "awful", but try again and emerge with another new album, described at the end of the film as "the greatest album recorded by anyone, ever". The film features numerous cameo appearances, including Maria Menounos, Val Kilmer, Dave Grohl, Yoshiki Hayashi, Josh Groban, Richard Ghagan, Mike White, Tim Robbins and Jimmy Kimmel.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nai7w1frB1E | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/nai7w1frB1E| archive-date=November 2, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Tenacious D - To Be The Best | date=March 26, 2012|via=YouTube |access-date=April 26, 2012}}{{cbignore}}

The band released the album on April 28, 2012, in its entirety on their SoundCloud account. Rize of the Fenix was officially released on May 15, 2012, with mostly positive reviews from music critics.{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/rize-of-the-fenix/tenacious-d |title=Rize of the Fenix on Metacritic |website=Metacritic.com |access-date=September 25, 2015}}

{{Main|Tenacious D in Post-Apocalypto}}

File:Tenacious D - Rock am Ring 2016 -2016155215305 2016-06-03 Rock am Ring - Sven - 1D X MK II - 0802 - AK8I0813 mod.jpg 2016]]

In June 2012, when asked about a sequel to Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, Black stated that the band had "found a loophole with the internet and animated shorts. That’s the world we’re looking to dive into, and not just for money, mainly for art."{{cite web|url=https://www.theaquarian.com/2012/06/27/interview-with-jack-black-and-kyle-gass-from-tenacious-d-rising-like-the-ashes/|title=Interview with Jack Black and Kyle Gass from Tenacious D: Rising Like The Ashes {{!}} The Aquarian|website=Theaquarian.com|language=en-US|access-date=November 8, 2018}} The band would mention later on in that year that they may make an Internet series "exclusive to YouTube."{{Citation|last=EMP Rockinvasion|title=TENACIOUS D - Die Pioniere von Jazzetal|date=January 11, 2013|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlsGmsHDX3U| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/dlsGmsHDX3U| archive-date=November 2, 2021 | url-status=live|access-date=November 8, 2018}}{{cbignore}} The project was a fantasy for Black and Gass for a few years, until the Donald Trump presidential campaign inspired them to write a post-apocalyptic comedy in 2016.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/tenacious-d-jack-black-kyle-gass-talk-post-apocalypto-729664/|title=Tenacious D on Their Wild New Animated Series 'Post-Apocalypto'|last=Weingarten|first=Christopher R.|date=September 28, 2018|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 28, 2018|language=en-US}}

In 2018, before performing at Hell & Heaven Metal Fest in Mexico City, the band entered the stage to a short studio snippet of their new song "Post-Apocalypto Theme". The night after this, Black asked the audience at Shaky Knees Music Festival in Atlanta, Georgia whether they had seen The Pick of Destiny and that "part 2 is coming out in October". He went to state that "I don't know where you will be able to see it, but we have decided it's happening and it's coming out. Rocktober".{{cite news|url=https://consequence.net/2018/05/tenacious-d-pick-of-destiny-sequel/|title=Tenacious D announce sequel to The Pick of Destiny|date=May 7, 2018|work=Consequence of Sound|access-date=May 7, 2018|language=en-US}} Tenacious D in Post-Apocalypto was released as six individual episodes on YouTube uploaded from September 28 to November 2, with Columbia Records releasing Post-Apocalypto on the last day.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH-Uobgd_TrFNnxuphSnbeQ|title=Tenacious D|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=November 3, 2018}}

At a live screening of the series at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in New York, Black stated that the two would attempt to speed up their album cycle, jokingly commenting about the duo's age if the current speed continues and their record obligation with Sony. Black stated that the fifth album will take time, and "most likely be released [sometime] after 2020".{{Citation|last=Grant|title=Tenacious D in POST-APOCALYPTO - Full Post-Film Q&A w/ Jack Black and Kyle Gass - Alamo Drafthouse|date=November 2, 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnJVl0ThXys&t=306s| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/nnJVl0ThXys| archive-date=November 2, 2021 | url-status=live|access-date=November 3, 2018}}{{cbignore}}

On November 29, 2019, for Record Store Day's Black Friday, Tenacious D released a 'Blue Series' 7" Single, featuring the track "Don't Blow It, Kage". The record was produced by Jack White.{{cite web|url=https://thirdmanrecords.com/news/record-store-day-black-friday-2019-offerings|title=RECORD STORE DAY BLACK FRIDAY 2019 OFFERINGS|website=Thirdmanrecords.com|language=en|access-date=January 12, 2020}} On October 27, 2020, Tenacious D released a cover of 'Time Warp', available to stream online and also released on 7" vinyl. The song included a music video featuring a string of celebrity guests. The single was used to promote Rock the Vote, which encourages Americans to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election. All proceeds from the vinyl sales of the song were donated to Rock the Vote.{{cite magazine|last1=Shaffer|first1=Claire|date=October 27, 2020|title=Tenacious D Cover 'Time Warp' With Elizabeth Warren, Susan Sarandon|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tenacious-d-time-warp-cover-1081758/|access-date=November 2, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}

On July 1, 2021, Tenacious D released a tribute to the Beatles in which they cover and mashup two songs from Abbey Road: "You Never Give Me Your Money" and "The End." Similar to "Time Warp", the limited-edition 7" supported charity{{emdash}}this time with all the proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders.{{Cite magazine|last=Shaffer|first=Claire|date=July 1, 2021|title=Tenacious D Cover the Beatles' 'You Never Give Me Your Money' and 'The End'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tenacious-d-the-beatles-you-never-give-me-your-money-the-end-1192056/|access-date=July 1, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}} In an interview with Variety published in September 2021, Black stated that the band was working on their next album, claiming it is "a very big idea that we've been working on for years". Black predicted the album will be released in 2024.{{Cite web|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=September 27, 2021|title=As 'Tenacious D' Turns 20, Jack Black and Kyle Gass Look Back on Their Debut Album's 'Stoney Fun and Friendship' |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/tenacious-d-jack-black-kyle-gass-debut-album-anniversary-interview-1235074958/ |access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US}} On December 7, 2021, Tenacious D announced a 2022 tour of the United States. This tour was a belated 20th anniversary celebration of their debut album.{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Spencer |date=December 7, 2021 |title=Tenacious D announce new US tour dates |url=https://consequence.net/2021/12/tenacious-d-summer-2022-tour/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=Consequence |language=en-US}} In March 2022, the tour was extended.{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Sam |date=March 9, 2022 |title=Tenacious D Announces Additional 2022 Tour Dates |url=https://americansongwriter.com/tenacious-d-announces-additional-2022-tour-dates/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}}

On May 6, 2023, the duo began the Spicy Meatball Tour by debuting a new song, "Video Games", at Shaky Knees Music Festival.{{Cite web |title=Tenacious D Unveils Banjo-Laced 'Video Games' Single |url=https://www.jambase.com/article/tenacious-d-video-games-single-video |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=JamBase |language=en}} "Video Games" premiered online on May 11, via a 3D animated music video directed by Adam Paloian and his production company Pinreel Inc., which was the band's first new music video since 2012.{{Cite web |date=May 11, 2023 |title=See TENACIOUS D's hysterical video for new song "Video Games" |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/see-tenacious-ds-hysterical-video-new-song-video-games |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=Revolver |language=en}} In early June, it was announced that the tour would continue, starting with a show in Charlotte, North Carolina.{{cite web|url=https://tenaciousd.com/the-spicy-meatball-tour-continues/|title=THE SPICY MEATBALL TOUR CONTINUES…|website=tenaciousd.com|date=June 7, 2023}} In February 2024, the band announced their first tour of Australia and New Zealand in eleven years, to be held in July 2024.{{Cite web |last=Varvaris |first=Mary |title=Tenacious D Announce First Australian Tour In Over 10 Years |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/tenacious-d-announce-first-australian-tour-in-over-10-years/0e9vxcTHxsk/07-02-24 |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=themusic.com.au |language=en}} Later in June, the band announced a tour called 'Rock D Vote' performing in five swing states ahead of the 2024 United States elections.{{Cite magazine |last=Legaspi |first=Althea |date=2024-06-26 |title=Tenacious D Want You to 'Rock the Vote' With Them Live |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tenacious-d-rock-the-vote-live-shows-1235046981/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

On July 14, 2024, Tenacious D celebrated Gass' 64th birthday during their performance at the ICC Sydney Theater. A birthday cake was brought out and Black encouraged Gass to make a wish. Gass responded, "Don't miss Trump next time," referring to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania the day before.{{Cite web |last1=Tolj |first1=Brianne |title=Crowd divided over 'bad joke' at Sydney gig hours after Trump shooting |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/crowd-divided-over-bad-joke-at-sydney-gig-hours-after-trump-shooting-041627065.html |date=July 15, 2024 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=Yahoo! News |language=en-AU }} Two days later, Black wrote on social media that he was "blindsided" by Gass' comment and that he did not condone hate speech or political violence "in any form". Tenacious D canceled the rest of their world tour, and Black said their "creative plans are on hold".{{Cite web |date=2024-07-16 |title=Jack Black cancels Tenacious D tour after Kyle Gass's comments about Donald Trump |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0dmx4p4m0lo |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}} Gass apologized on social media, calling his comment "highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake", and that he did not condone violence "of any kind, in any form, against anyone", and described the shooting as a "tragedy". He was subsequently dropped by his longtime talent agent, Michael Greene.{{cite web|last1=McLaren|first1=Bonnie |title=Jack Black axes tour over bandmate's Trump comment |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0dmx4p4m0lo |date=July 16, 2024 |access-date=July 16, 2024 |publisher=BBC News}} Gass deleted his apology later that week.{{cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Jessica |title=Tenacious D's Kyle Gass Deletes Trump Apology Instagram Post |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tenacious-d-kyle-gass-deletes-trump-apology-1235734910/ |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |access-date=July 19, 2024 |date=July 19, 2024 }} At the premiere for the film Borderlands on August 6, Black said he and Gass remained friends and would return "when it feels right".{{cite web |last=Zee |first=Michaela |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Jack Black says Tenacious D will 'be back' following tour cancellation due to Kyle Gass' Trump shooting remark: 'these things take time' |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/jack-black-tenacious-d-be-back-tour-cancellation-kyle-gass-trump-1236098171/ |website=Variety}} In February 2025, Tenacious D contributed a cover of REO Speedwagon’s "Keep On Loving You" for the compilation album Good Music To Lift Los Angeles.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/tenacious-d-back-together/|title=Did Tenacious D Get Back Together?|website=Vice|date=February 6, 2025|last=Galiher|first=Stephen}}

Tenacious D is a comedy rock band, with the majority of their songs played on acoustic guitars, and a heavy reliance on power chords. Satire and comedy are a major aspect of Tenacious D's lyrical content. Gass said of their approach: "I'd love to do the straight music thing, but that's kind of against our mission, which is to rebel against the serious singer-songwriter mentality."{{cite news| first=Neil | last=Strauss | title= The Pop Life; Enya, Healer Of the Soul | date=December 11, 1997 | newspaper=The New York Times| url =https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9801E5DA123CF932A25751C1A961958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1 | page =2 | access-date = March 29, 2008 }} Their songs evoke heavy metal clichés of bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.{{cite magazine| first=Phil | last=Gallo | title=Tenacious D; Naked Trucker & T-Bone | date=October 24, 2001| magazine=Variety | url =https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117916188.html?categoryid=34&cs=1 | access-date = March 29, 2008 }}{{cite news|first=Mike |last=Devlin |title=Mighty rockers: Hallowed be their name |date=April 20, 2009 |url=http://www.timescolonist.com/Entertainment/Mighty+rockers+Hallowed+their+name/1514254/story.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204105901/http://www.timescolonist.com/Entertainment/Mighty+rockers+Hallowed+their+name/1514254/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |work=Times-Colonist (Victoria) |access-date=April 20, 2009 }} In particular, the song "Dio" pokes fun at the idea of a torch being passed.{{cite news| first=Chris | last=Lee | title=Metal man shows a light side | date=October 15, 2006| newspaper=Los Angeles Times | url =http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=22349 | access-date = March 29, 2008 }} Songs like "Friendship" parody the lack of real friendship, as well as point out the [bromance] traits in rock groups with the lyric "As long as there's a record deal, we'll always be friends".{{cite news|first=Lee |last=Grant |title=Longtime pals Jack Black and Kyle Gass make their 'Tenacious D' movie |date=November 20, 2006 |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20061120-9999-mz1c20pick.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104225307/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20061120-9999-mz1c20pick.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 4, 2013 |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |access-date=March 18, 2008 }}{{cite news| first=Isaac | last=Guzman | title=Laff-Rockers' Revenge of the Words | date=January 24, 2002 | url =http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/nydn-features/laff-rockers-revenge-words-article-1.477426 | work=Daily News | access-date = October 16, 2013 }} Their short song structures have been described as punk rock-inspired. Tenacious D also employs the technique of deliberate backmasking on "Karate",{{cite journal|title=150 Greatest Rock Lists Ever|journal=Q|issue=July 2004|url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/q150lists.htm|format=Magazine|access-date=May 5, 2019|archive-date=July 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718180112/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/q150lists.htm|url-status=usurped}} a technique employed by other metal bands like Slayer, who recorded a message in Hell Awaits.{{cite web|last=Davis |first=Jonathan |author-link=Jonathan Davis |title=The Greatest Metal Bands Of All Time:Slayer |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index7.jhtml |publisher=MTV News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718224746/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index7.jhtml |archive-date=July 18, 2006}}

Black has said that the first song he enjoyed was ABBA's "Take a Chance on Me".{{cite news| first=Edna | last=Gundersen | title=Music according to Jack Black | date=September 28, 2003 | url =https://www.usatoday.com/life/2003-09-28-black-side_x.htm | work=USA Today | access-date = June 27, 2008 }} His style was distinctly shaped by "big dinosaurs of rock" such as The Who and Led Zeppelin. In addition, Gass lists his influences as being Tom Waits and Tony Robbins. The band claimed that the inspiration for the song "Tribute" came after Black played Metallica's "One" for Gass, describing it as "the best song in the world",{{cite news|first1=Emily|last1=Watson|first2=Lauren|last2=Thompson|title=The D contemplates rock-off for soul and the perfect groupie |work=The Daily Texan |url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/11/22/LifeArts/The-D.Contemplates.RockOff.For.Soul.And.The.Perfect.Groupie-2506639.shtml?norewrite200701010817&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com |date=November 22, 2006 |access-date=January 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930211701/http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/11/22/LifeArts/The-D.Contemplates.RockOff.For.Soul.And.The.Perfect.Groupie-2506639.shtml?norewrite200701010817&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}{{cite news|author=JimmyO |title=INT: Tenacious D! |work=JoBlo |url=https://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=13638 |date=November 22, 2006 |access-date=January 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206020439/http://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=13638 |archive-date=December 6, 2006 }} leading to an attempt to write an even better song, themselves.

{{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote="We try to write the best songs ever, and they come out kind of funny..."|source=— Kyle Gass on the band's humorous lyrics.}}

Gass has described Tenacious D's comic assertion that they are the best band as being "ridiculous because it's a matter of opinion".{{cite news|first=Cole |last=Haddon |title=Centaurs of Rock, Film |date=November 15, 2006 |url=http://www.eastbayexpress.com/music/centaurs_of_rock__film/Content?oid=300712 |work=East Bay Express |access-date=February 23, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211083335/http://www.eastbayexpress.com/music/centaurs_of_rock__film/Content?oid=300712 |archive-date=December 11, 2007 }} Black characterizes Tenacious D's comic nature as an antidote to "the masculinity of rock", adding "There's also something funny about the macho-ness of rock. Like the bands that are the fucking hardest rocking are like, 'We'll fucking kick your ass, dude... with our rock.'" Russell Brand,{{cite news| first = David | last = Marchese | title = Q&A: Russell Brand Speaks 'Greek,' Dirty Lyrics & More | date = May 24, 2010 | url = http://spin.com/articles/qa-russell-brand-speaks-greek-dirty-lyrics-more | work=Spin | access-date = May 27, 2010}} All Shall Perish,{{cite news|first=Anthony |last={{nbsp}} | title = 1/17/2007 A Totally Smoked Out Interview with All Shall Perish | date = December 22, 2006 | url = http://www.loudside.com/music/interviews/id/21/A_Totally_Smoked_Out_Interview_With_All_Shall_Perish/ | work=Loud Side | access-date = June 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102171018/http://www.loudside.com/music/interviews/id/21/A_Totally_Smoked_Out_Interview_With_All_Shall_Perish/|archive-date=November 2, 2007}} The Lonely Island,{{cite web|url=http://www.incredibad.com/info.html |title=Incredibad Info |access-date=May 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216145808/http://incredibad.com/info.html |archive-date=February 16, 2009 }} and Kanye West{{cite web | url = http://www.411mania.com/music/news/98209/Kanye-West-Talks-Tenacious-D,-OJ-Simpson-and-Chris-Brown-For-//Storytellers//.htm | title = Kanye West Talks Tenacious D, OJ Simpson and Chris Brown For "Storytellers" | access-date = May 27, 2010 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100919180152/http://www.411mania.com/music/news/98209/Kanye-West-Talks-Tenacious-D%2C-OJ-Simpson-and-Chris-Brown-For-/Storytellers/.htm | archive-date = September 19, 2010 | df = mdy-all }} have in turn been influenced by the work of Tenacious D.

Black and Gass first performed together in Bio-Dome (1996), followed by The Cable Guy (1996), Bongwater (1997),{{cite news|title=Bongwater |date=April 12, 2002 |publisher=The Onion |url=https://www.avclub.com/content/node/4874 |work=The A.V. Club |access-date=April 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051109193942/http://avclub.com/content/node/4874 |archive-date=November 9, 2005 }} Cradle Will Rock (1999),{{cite news| first=Lynn | last=Smith | title=An actor with his heart in rock and The D | date=September 7, 2003 | newspaper=Los Angeles Times | url =https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-sep-07-ca-smithx7-story.html | access-date = April 8, 2008 }} Saving Silverman (2001),{{cite news| first=Anthony | last=Breznican | title=Tenacious D's other guy gets chance to shine | date=November 23, 2006 | url =https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2006-11-23-tenacious-D-main_x.htm | work=USA Today | access-date = April 8, 2008 }} Shallow Hal (2001), and Year One (2009). Black has starred in a number of films himself, and he has provided voices for animated films. In 2006, Tenacious D starred in their own film, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, in which they set out to become the greatest rock band in the world, by means of a guitar pick imbued with mystic powers and crafted from the tooth of Beelzebub.{{cite web |last1=Crook |first1=Simon |title=Tenacious D: In The Pick Of Destiny Review |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/tenacious-d-pick-destiny-review/ |website=Empire |access-date=June 14, 2024 |language=en |date=November 17, 2006}}

The duo contributed to the Annie Award-winning martial arts cartoon film Kung Fu Panda with Black as Po and Gass as KG Shaw.{{cite web |last1=Hough |first1=Quinn |last2=Russell |first2=Tom |title=Kung Fu Panda: Who Voices Which Character |url=https://screenrant.com/kung-fu-panda-character-voices-actors-who/ |website=ScreenRant |access-date=June 14, 2024 |language=en |date=March 19, 2024}} Their cover of Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time" is featured in the end credits of the fourth film of the series.{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Jaden |title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Star Jack Black on His Viral Britney Spears Cover and Singing With Danielle Brooks in 'Minecraft' |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/kung-fu-panda-4-jack-black-britney-spears-1235928926/ |website=Variety |date=March 4, 2024}}

Black and Gass have made several television appearances performing songs from their first album. On June 16, 2001, Tenacious D were featured as puppets performing "Friendship" on an episode of Crank Yankers.{{cite news| first=Tim | last=Goodman | title=Puppets reach out and touch someone | date=May 29, 2002| newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle | url =http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/05/29/DD37857.DTL | access-date = April 8, 2008 }} They were guest starred when they were taught by Zorak how to perform in an episode of the Cartoon Network/Adult Swim series Space Ghost Coast to Coast. In 2002 they guest starred on MADtv playing the songs "Tribute", & "Lee" with the Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl on drums.{{cite web|url=http://tenaciousd.com/newsarchive.html |title=News |access-date=April 8, 2008 |publisher=Tenacious D's official website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315023630/http://www.tenaciousd.com/newsarchive.html |archive-date=March 15, 2008 |url-status=dead}} Later, Tenacious D made an appearance in the first episode of Tom Goes to the Mayor televised on Adult Swim.{{cite news|first=Lou |last=Perseghin |title=Democracy In Action |publisher=Philadelphia City Paper |url=http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2004-11-11/mixpicks.shtml |access-date=April 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041214031622/http://citypaper.net/articles/2004-11-11/mixpicks.shtml |archive-date=December 14, 2004}}

In the run up to the release of the film The Pick of Destiny, Tenacious D performed the "Pick of Destiny" at the 2006 American Music Awards and on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Tenacious D was a musical guest on Saturday Night Live for the first time, although they had previously appeared as an uncredited musical guest on May 2, 1998.{{cite web|title=SNL Transcripts: Matthew Broderick |date=May 2, 1998 |work=Saturday Night Live Transcripts |url=http://snltranscripts.jt.org/97/97s.phtml |pages=Season 23: Episode 19 |access-date=August 12, 2008}} They also opened the 2006 Spike TV Video Game Awards with a performance of "The Metal",{{cite news|first=Tim |last=Surette |title=Oblivion nabs Spike TV top honors |work=GameSpot |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6162929.html?sid=6162929 |date=December 9, 2007 |access-date=January 17, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930065452/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6162929.html?sid=6162929 |archive-date=September 30, 2007}} and played "Friendship" at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.{{cite news| first=Evan | last=Sawdey | title=The MTV Video Music Awards 2006 | url =https://www.popmatters.com/pm/tv/reviews/5125/the-mtv-video-music-awards-2006/ | work=PopMatters| access-date = March 23, 2008 }} The band's first television appearance of 2008 was in support of the Who at the VH1 Rock Honors.{{cite news| first=Allen | last=Salkin | title=Two Rock Legends, Basking in the VH1 Spotlight | date=July 17, 2008| url =https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/17/arts/music/17daltrey.html?ref=music | work=The New York Times | access-date = July 17, 2008 }}

Black and Gass were interviewed on August 29, 2012, by Tony Hawk as part of the "Dissent" series on the web channel, Ride. The interview was conducted in the Sirius/XM studios as part of the Hawk's "Demolition Radio" program. The interview's topics include comedy rock and Upland Skatepark.{{cite web|title=Tony Hawk Interviews Jack Black and Kyle Gass of Tenacious D|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Ixk2d8OGc| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/i8Ixk2d8OGc| archive-date=November 2, 2021 | url-status=live|via=YouTube|publisher=Google, Inc|access-date=September 1, 2012|author=RIDEChannel|date=August 31, 2012}}{{cbignore}}

The song "The Metal" is playable in the sixth tier setlist of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, as well as being playable in demo versions of the game included in demo kits, Official Xbox Magazine Demo Disc #77, some copies of Tony Hawk's Proving Ground, and formerly as a digital download on the Xbox Games Store.{{Cite web |title=Official Xbox Magazine Demo Disc 77 |url=https://thegamesdb.net/game.php?id=96600 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=thegamesdb.net |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=Arendt |first=Susan |title=Tony Hawk's Proving Ground Includes Guitar Hero III Demo |language=en-US |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/2007/08/tony-hawks-prov/ |access-date=September 15, 2023 |issn=1059-1028}}

"The Metal" and "Master Exploder" appear on the soundtrack of Brütal Legend.{{Cite web | url = http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/brutal-legends-full-soundtrack-listing-makes-heads-explode/ | title = GameDaily is the first to bring you the game's full setlist. These 100+ songs will make your head explode! | first = Libe | last = Goad | date = August 9, 2009 | access-date = August 9, 2009 | publisher = Game Daily | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090812054731/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/brutal-legends-full-soundtrack-listing-makes-heads-explode/ | archive-date = August 12, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} Both Black and Gass voice characters in the game partly modeled after their likenesses; Black voices main character Eddie Riggs, while Gass voices Kage the Kannonier.{{cite magazine| url = http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/211867/exclusive-gass-posehn-agee-in-brutal-legend/ | title = Exclusive: Gass, Posehn, Agee in Brutal Legend! | magazine = GamePro | date = September 1, 2009 | access-date = September 1, 2009 | first = Dave | last= Rudden |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102045842/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/211867/exclusive-gass-posehn-agee-in-brutal-legend/|archive-date=November 2, 2009}} An in-game Tenacious D guitar was available as a pre-order incentive.{{Cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/5242412/gamestops-exclusive-brutal-legend-tenacious-d-axe | title = GameStop's Exclusive Brütal Legend Tenacious D Axe | publisher = Kotaku | first = Mike | last = Fahey | date = May 6, 2009 | access-date = May 6, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090509143853/http://kotaku.com/5242412/gamestops-exclusive-brutal-legend-tenacious-d-axe | archive-date = May 9, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} "The Metal" was added as downloadable content to Rock Band to coincide with Brütal Legend{{'}}s release.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3133284#post3133284|title=DLC Week of 10/13|publisher=Harmonix|date=October 9, 2009|access-date=October 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012074214/http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3133284#post3133284|archive-date=October 12, 2009|url-status=dead}}

{{main|The Pick of Destiny Tour|Rize of the Fenix Tour|Post-Apocalypto Tour|The Spicy Meatball Tour}}

{{Listen|filename=Tenacious D - Wonderboy (live).ogg|title="Wonderboy" (live)|description=Sample of "Wonderboy" performed live by Tenacious D in San Francisco on February 21, 2002.|format=Ogg}}

The band spent the first twelve years of their career playing acoustic concerts; just Black and Gass on acoustic guitars, with no backing instruments apart from occasional guests. Black and Gass have expressed angst they experience before concerts saying: "We're always looking for a loophole. Pretty much every concert we've ever done, we're trying to find a way to cancel the show at the last minute." The band mainly spent their first five years performing in Los Angeles, with occasional concerts in New York and Colorado. The band embarked on their first ever tour in 1999. In 2001, Tenacious D started their second nationwide concert tour, performing at larger venues, many of which sold out. In 2001, Black and Gass toured with Weezer alongside Jimmy Eat World, performing in large arenas. In 2002, the band supported Kid Rock at a handful of concerts, before starting their third domestic tour, Le Tour!, playing many medium-sized theaters. Later that year and in early 2003, the band would perform three small European tours, and an Australian tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/stats/concert-map/tenacious-d-2bd6d4ae.html|title=Tenacious D Concert Map|website=Setlist.fm|access-date=November 22, 2019}}

{{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote=It's a roaring crowd, and they may be roaring your approval, but it's still a scary, roaring crowd. They can turn on you, conceivably. It's still a beast that you must ride. And once it's been ridden, in the midst of the ride, it feels fantastic.|source=— Jack Black on performing live.}}

In 2006, the band launched their first ever major tour, The Pick of Destiny Tour. Black and Gass wished to recruit electric guitarist John Konesky and bassist John Spiker, both members of Gass' side-project Trainwreck, and had been session musicians on The Pick of Destiny album. The band also wished to recruit drummer Brooks Wackerman from The Vandals. At early rehearsals of the tour, Black and Gass contemplated whether to go ahead with the musicians, or whether to continue performing acoustic, of which they decided to try the tour with the band.{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080923006620/en/TENACIOUS-Set-Release-COMPLETE-MASTERWORKS-2-DVD|title=TENACIOUS D Set to Release THE COMPLETE MASTERWORKS 2 DVD on November 4|date=September 23, 2008|publisher=Businesswire.com|language=en|access-date=November 22, 2019}} The tour would continue into 2007, with two US legs, a European leg and an Australian leg.

Following The Pick of Destiny Tour, the band would go on to play Reading and Leeds Festivals,{{cite web |title=BBC - Reading and Leeds Festivals 2008 - Reading Festival Line up |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/readingandleeds/2008/lineup/reading.shtml |website=BBC |access-date=June 14, 2024 |date=2008}}{{cite web |last1=York |first1=Jonny |title=Leeds 2008 review: Tenacious D |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/aug/23/tenaciousd |website=The Guardian |access-date=June 14, 2024 |date=August 23, 2008}} Outside Lands,{{cite magazine |last1=Kreps |first1=Daniel |title=Tenacious D Replace Beastie Boys at Outside Lands |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tenacious-d-replace-beastie-boys-at-outside-lands-80687/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=June 14, 2024 |date=August 6, 2009}} Bonnaroo and the BlizzCon closing ceremony from 2008 to 2010,{{cite web |last1=Christensen |first1=Jeff |title=Jack Black, right, and Kyle Gass of the band Tenacious D perform at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts ... |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/cirque-d-soleil-tenacious-d-ready-for-new-years-eve-2694074/attachment/jack-black-right-and-kyle-gass-of-the-band-tenacious-d-perform-at-the-bonnaroo-music-and-arts/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=June 14, 2024 |date=June 11, 2010}}{{cite web |title=Tenacious D Live Onstage at BlizzCon 2010 |url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/starcraft2/915758/tenacious-d-live-onstage-at-blizzcon-2010 |website=Blizzard |access-date=June 14, 2024 |language=en |date=October 11, 2010}} as well as supporting the Foo Fighters in 2011.{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Alex |title=Foo Fighters to tour with Tenacious D in Australia |url=https://consequence.net/2011/01/foo-fighters-to-tour-with-tenacious-d-in-australia/ |website=Consequence |access-date=June 14, 2024 |date=January 7, 2011}} In 2012, the band launched their second major tour, Rize of the Fenix Tour. Apart from two performances in Stockholm and Amsterdam, until 2012, the band had never performed to non-English speaking countries. Black claimed it was because foreign concerts were "a little funky" because "the subtleties do get lost in translation". In June, the band would perform at Rock am Ring and Rock im Park festivals in Germany, which broke the band's attendance records. In October, the band embarked on a large tour of Europe, including returns to Germany.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

Following the Rize of the Fenix Tour, the band toured smaller venues as Old School Acoustic Style Tour in early 2013, performing in North America and Australia. This would be their first acoustic tour since their tour of Australia in 2004. There were two additional acoustic tours in Europe in December 2013 and February 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/stats/tenacious-d-2bd6d4ae.html?tour=6bd7da9a|title=Tenacious D Tour Statistics: Unplugged & Unprotected |website=Setlist.fm|access-date=November 22, 2019}} In 2018, the band launched their third major tour, Post-Apocalypto Tour, which would surpass Rize of the Fenix as their biggest tour in October 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/stats/tenacious-d-2bd6d4ae.html?tour=bd0d176|title=Tenacious D Tour Statistics: Post-Apocalypto|website=Setlist.fm|access-date=November 22, 2019|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808081218/https://www.setlist.fm/stats/tenacious-d-2bd6d4ae.html?tour=bd0d176|url-status=dead}} In 2023, the band began their fourth major tour, the Spicy Meatball Tour.

Tenacious D are supporters of cannabis legalization. They have also performed at a NORML benefit concert.{{cite magazine| first=Jonathan | last=Cohen | title=Tenacious D Halfway Toward 'Destiny' | date=May 9, 2003| magazine=Billboard | url =https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71135/tenacious-d-halfway-toward-destiny| access-date = July 16, 2009}} Black described his view that allowing drug use would remove the stigma of feeling "naughty" attached to users, making the activity mundane and less attractive.{{cite news| first=Dave | last=Grohl | title=Jack Black: born in L.A., there to stay, this funnyman is blowing 'em away | work=Interview | publisher=Brant Publications | url =http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1285/is_9_32/ai_92233487 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20041128004444/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1285/is_9_32/ai_92233487 | url-status =dead | archive-date =November 28, 2004 | access-date = January 26, 2007 }} Black was the executive producer for a documentary about Randy Credico entitled Sixty Spins Around the Sun. It calls for the so-called Rockefeller Drug Laws to be repealed. Black said of it, "They're populating our prisons with people, you know, first time drug offenders—single mothers that have a little bit of coke end up going to prison for 20 years or something. It's just cruel and unusual punishment."{{cite news| first=Amy | last=Goodman | title="Bush is a Dangerous Nincompoop" – Actor/Musician Jack Black on the War on Terror, the Democrats and the Rockefeller Drug Laws | date=November 7, 2003| url =http://www.democracynow.org/2003/11/7/bush_is_a_dangerous_nincompoop_actor | work=Democracy Now! | access-date = January 26, 2007}}

In 2004, Tenacious D supported John Kerry's US presidential election campaign by playing a benefit concert for him. Black and Gass were disparaging towards George W. Bush's presidency on many occasions.{{cite magazine| first=Steve | last=Baltin | title=Phair, Grohl Sing for Dems | date=July 7, 2004| url =https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6222965/phair_grohl_sing_for_dems | magazine=Rolling Stone | access-date = March 23, 2008 | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208135047/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6222965/phair_grohl_sing_for_dems|archive-date=February 8, 2009}} The band performed a benefit concert for Barack Obama's presidential campaign on November 2, 2008, in Milwaukee. Other performers included Ben Harper and Relentless7, David Crosby and Graham Nash, and the Beastie Boys. Tenacious D guested with Crosby and Nash on "Find the Cost of Freedom" which concluded the Crosby-Nash set.{{cite news| title=Jack Black Fears Tenacious D Will Curse Barack Obama's Presidential Bid | url =http://www.gigwise.com/news/45372/jack-black-fears-tenacious-d-will-curse-barack-obamas-presidential-bid | work=Gigwise.com | access-date = August 24, 2008 }} In 2010, Tenacious D agreed to boycott Arizona due to laws passed there concerning illegal immigration.{{cite news| title = Now Boycotting Arizona: Sonic Youth, Rage Against the Machine, Conor Oberst ... | date = May 26, 2010 | url = https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/05/now_boycotting_arizona_sonic_y.html | work=New York | access-date = May 28, 2010}} In 2012, Tenacious D performed at the House of Blues in Cleveland and did a surprise gig at Kent State University earlier on that day to encourage voting. Tenacious D supported Obama that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.patheos.com/blogs/wwjtd/2012/11/tenacious-d-rocking-the-vote/|title=Tenacious D rocking the vote.|website=Patheos.com|date=November 2, 2012}} In 2017, Black and Gass performed "The Government Totally Sucks" at an anti-Donald Trump Prophets of Rage show in Los Angeles.{{cite magazine |last1=Stutz |first1=Colin |title=Watch Audioslave Reunite at Prophets of Rage's 'Anti Inaugural Ball' in L.A. |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/audioslave-reunite-prophets-rage-anti-inaugural-ball-review-video-7662578/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 14, 2024 |date=January 21, 2017}}

In 2014, Tenacious D provided a cover of "The Last in Line" on the Dio tribute album This Is Your Life.{{cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/News/metallica_anthrax_motorhead_salute_ronnie_james_dio_on_this_is_your_life_tribute_comp|title=Ronnie James Dio Honoured with 'This Is Your Life' Tribute Comp Featuring Metallica, Anthrax, Motörhead • News • exclaim.ca|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306045851/http://exclaim.ca/News/metallica_anthrax_motorhead_salute_ronnie_james_dio_on_this_is_your_life_tribute_comp|archive-date=March 6, 2014|access-date=December 7, 2018}} The recording won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.

Tenacious D have appeared in numerous music videos by other bands, including "Learn to Fly" by the Foo Fighters, "Push" by Dio, and "Photograph" by Weezer.{{cite news| first=Eric | last=Schumacher-Rasmussen | title=Tenacious D To Release Debut LP | date=June 18, 2001| url =http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444572/20010618/tenacious_d.jhtml | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20011113231454/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444572/20010618/tenacious_d.jhtml | url-status =dead | archive-date =November 13, 2001 | work=MTV | access-date = April 15, 2008 }} Black has appeared on his own in many music videos, including a cameo alongside Dave Grohl in the music video for the Eagles of Death Metal song "I Want You So Hard (Boy's Bad News)", alongside Grohl again in the music video for the Foo Fighters' "Low", a cameo in the music video for the song "Sexx Laws" by Beck, and the video for "Humility" by Gorillaz.{{cite magazine|last=Sampson |first=Mike |title=Beck & Jack Black? |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=February 28, 2006 |url=https://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=10507 |access-date=August 18, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601020436/http://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=10507 |archive-date=June 1, 2007 }}

In addition to appearing in videos, Black and Gass sang backup vocals on the 2003 Styx album Cyclorama, on the song "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye".{{cite magazine| first=Augustin | last=Sedgewick | title=Brian Wilson Picks Up Styx | date=January 12, 2003 | url =https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/styx/articles/story/5934525/brian_wilson_picks_up_styx | magazine=Rolling Stone | access-date = April 1, 2008 | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060510093336/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/styx/articles/story/5934525/brian_wilson_picks_up_styx|archive-date=May 10, 2006}} Tenacious D lent backing vocals to The Vandals album Look What I Almost Stepped In..., on the song "Fourteen".{{cite AV media notes | others= The Vandals | year=2000 | title=Look What I Almost Stepped In... | publisher=Nitro Records | id=0794171583324}} Tenacious D appeared on KROQ-FM's twelfth full-length Christmas compilation, Swallow My Eggnog, with Sum 41, on a song entitled "Things I Want".{{cite web|url=http://www.tenaciousd.com/news-cps.html |title=News |access-date=April 7, 2008 |publisher=Tenacious D's official website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327023346/http://www.tenaciousd.com/news-cps.html |archive-date=March 27, 2008 |url-status=dead}} Gass appeared in the Good Charlotte music video for the song "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous".{{cite magazine|title=Good Charlotte |date=September 27, 2002 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5933629/good_charlotte |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 29, 2008 }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

{{Main|Trainwreck with Kyle Gass}}Following Black's popularity in the film industry, he was unable to tour regularly with Gass, so Gass started Trainwreck, under the pseudonym "Klip Calhoun".{{cite news |last=Beck |first=Aaron |date=February 8, 2007 |title=Destiny lands Ohioans jobs with Tenacious D |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/394707384 |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 1, 2024 |work=The Columbus Dispatch |via=Proquest |issn=1074-097X|id={{ProQuest|394707384}} }} The band also features JR Reed (Lee of Tenacious D) under the pseudonym "Darryl Donald", as well as Konesky and Spiker, who play lead guitar and bass. They have released a live album, Trainwreck Live, and a studio album The Wreckoning.{{cite magazine| first=Jonathan | last=Cohen| title=Trainwreck Steams Ahead On Debut Album | date=November 18, 2004 | url =https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65584/trainwreck-steams-ahead-on-debut-album | magazine=Billboard| access-date =July 16, 2009}} Black occasionally appeared with the band under the name "Tuffy McFuckelby".{{cite news| first=Dean | last=Budnick | title=Tenacious D: The Greatest Band On Earth (And Maybe Beyond) | work=November 2006 Relix}} Trainwreck broke up in 2010, but reunited in 2018 and announced that they were working on a new album.{{cite web |title=Trainwreck: Biography |url=https://thevogue.com/artists/trainwreck/#bio |website=The Vogue |access-date=June 14, 2024}}

{{Main|Kyle Gass Band}}Following the breakup of Trainwreck, Gass started Kyle Gass Band in 2011. The band released their first album, Kyle Gass Band in 2013 and Thundering Herd in 2016. The band features Mike Bray as lead singer, who used to open for Trainwreck shows. The band also features Konesky reprising his role as electric guitarist.{{cite web|url=https://www.kylegassband.com|title=Home|website=Kylegassband.com|language=en-US|access-date=November 2, 2018}}

Gass and Konesky produced a YouTube show called Guitarings. The first series launched in mid-2009, and the second series lasted for 2011 and 2012. The series featured guitar tutorials for Tenacious D songs, as well as interviews, equipment reviews, music shop tours and answering fan mail.{{Cite web |last=Riddle |first=Tree|date=November 8, 2011 |title=Josh Homme Talks Guitars With Kyle Gass On 'Guitarings' [VIDEO] |url=https://banana1015.com/josh-homme-talks-guitars-with-kyle-gass-on-guitarings-video/ |access-date=February 12, 2024 |website=Banana 101.5 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=John Konesky - Guitar Pro Blog - Arobas Music |url=https://www.guitar-pro.com/ |access-date=February 12, 2024 |website=Guitar Pro - Arobas Music |language=en}}

• Jack Black – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1994–2024)
• Kyle Gass – lead guitar, backing and co-lead vocals (1994–2024)

Backing/additional members

• John Konesky – guitars, backing vocals (2005–present; touring and session)
• John Spiker – bass, keyboards, piano, backing vocals (2005–present; touring and session)
• Scott Seiver – drums, percussion (2011–present; touring and session)

Former additional members

• Brooks Wackerman – drums (2006–2015; touring and session)

{{Main|Tenacious D discography|List of songs recorded by Tenacious D}}

• Tenacious D (2001)
• The Pick of Destiny (2006)
• Rize of the Fenix (2012)
• Post-Apocalypto (2018)

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Sister project links |d=Q205780|wikt=no |commons=Tenacious D |b=no |n=no |q=Tenacious D |s=no |v=no |species=no |display=Tenacious D}}

• {{Official website|https://www.tenaciousd.com}}
• {{allMusic}}
• {{discogs artist}}

{{Tenacious D}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance}}

{{Authority control}}

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