Tenaciously Awesome

When it comes down to it, there are really only two theatrical concerts worth seeing in this world. The obvious first choice is Hideo, but the second… is definitely a band the likes of which have never been seen… and they call themselves Tenacious D.

Sure, Hideo and Tenacious D both perform completely different genres of music, but the soul behind the music is the same. Once you see Hideo, Tenacious D, or preferably both, you start to realize that music + theatrics = a recipe for exciting music. Sure, it’s great fun to go see a band play live, but it can be severely boring if the band just sits there and doesn’t get into the music. When a band starts really getting into their music, it’s just so much more fulfilling for those of us in the audience. We no longer just hear the music, we start to get completely pulled in and feel as though we are a part of a story as it unfolds before us. It’s very easy to get completely pulled in, just as we do when we go to the cinema to watch a film. In TV they call this “zero time,” and a great theatrical concert has this phenomenon completely nailed. This is the beauty of theatrical concerts. They have music, they have action, and—more than anything—they provide an experience.

OBVIOUSLY Hideo is the greatest theatrical concert ever, but because Tenacious D is coming to the Fox Theater in Oakland on May 24th, I figured what better time to bring up the world’s second greatest theatrical concert than now?!

Just in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade and some change, Tenacious D is a 2-man rock band like no other. They have gone face to face with the devil himself in an epic rock-off and have lived to tell the tale! But wait—let’s Tarantino it back in time a bit to their humble beginnings.

Although they were around before this, Tenacious D first started making a big name for themselves when they got their own show on HBO back in 1999. I remember watching it with my brother in high school and thinking it was absolutely genius. Their over-the-top comedic style fused with rock music, busting at the seams with nerd power, was just too good to pass up! When I listen to Tenacious D’s lyrics, all I can think is, “Wow these guys played a lot of D&D growing up”. Just listen to the song below and you will know exactly what I’m talking about:

Tenacious D is probably best known for their self-titled album released in 2001. It features unforgettable tracks such as “Tribute,” “Wonderboy,” and of course “[F] Her Gently.” This album was the first time Tenacious D had ever been heard with a full electric band backing them up, including the Foo Fighters’ very own Dave Grohl on drums. The album is loaded with their signature epic songs telling the story of their rise to rock n’ roll power. It also features mini comedy skits throughout the record, just in case the rocking is too much for you! I cannot begin to express in words how great this album is. It is extremely entertaining and strong until the very end. Somehow they really managed to pack all of their theatrics into an audible form, and it’s fantastic!

A quick disclaimer: I consider myself one of the biggest Tenacious D fans on this planet, but even I did not like their movie. In case you didn’t know, Tenacious D came out with a film called, The Pick of Destiny in 2006, but it didn’t do too well in the box office. This is OK, however, because their studio album of the same name is nothing short of epic. I mean it—this record is like listening to the modern day spiritual successor to The Lord of the Rings with a rock influence… and maybe some weed thrown in for good measure. While the following clip is of course taken from the movie, it is worth checking out, as there is just nothing else like this out there. A truly legendary track, “Beelzeboss”:

Now let’s skip several years forward, back to the present day, where I eagerly await Tenacious D’s 3rd studio album, “Rize of the Fenix.” The record is scheduled to be released May 15th, with their Oakland concert date just a few short days later. Let me just get straight to the point: if you are able to find a ticket to this performance, you should go! I have seen the band twice in concert, have met them at a record store signing, and have even caught one of each of their guitar picks at their live shows… and they are absolutely brilliant.

Tenacious D definitely brings some energy-fueled theatrics to their concerts. The two band members of Tenacious D (Jack Black and Kyle Gass) were originally part of the same theatre troupe in Los Angeles, and their acting is an integral part of the show. At the last performance I saw, the entire concert stage was designed to look like Tenacious D’s apartment. They acted out their life story, starting from the humble beginnings, and used their songs as the main story-telling narrative. Of course Jack and Kyle are also really great with audience involvement, which is one of the things that separates them from other theatrical concerts. They interact with everyone in the audience, and really know how to boost everyone’s energy levels. They write their own rules, which is one of the reasons why people love them so much. They are just so confident in their craziness that it somehow all works! I cannot stress enough what a great show they put on. Buy a ticket now!

Also, if you love heavy metal, video games, and well… Tenacious D, then hopefully you have played the game, Brütal Legend!