Tenacious D's music showcases Black's theatrical vocal delivery and Gass' acoustic guitar playing abilities. Their songs discuss the duo's purported musical and sexual prowess, as well as their friendship and cannabis usage. Their debut self-titled album features absurd and humorous sketches. Music critics have compared the storyteller-style lyrics of their songs to lyrics of rock opera. In addition, they have since recorded two albums, and starred in their own movie, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny.
Black and Gass, at the time respectively aged 16 and 24, met in Edinburgh, Scotland during the Edinburgh Fringe of 1989. Both were members of the Los Angeles-based theatre troupe, The Actors' Gang which was performing Tim Robbins and Adam Simon's play Carnage. Initially Black and Gass did not get on as Gass felt threatened by Black - as he was the main musician for the Actor's gang - but they eventually worked out their differences, and agreed to form a band. Gass taught Black to play guitar, in exchange for Black's helping him with his acting.
Initially, Black and Kyle covered songs by Bobby McFerrin. Later they chose the name "Tenacious D" - a name derived from a term used by sports commentator Marv Albert about the tenacious defense of the NBA's New York Knicks - decided by the audience of the band's first live show, in 1994 at the now defunct Al's Bar. Other possibilities had included "Pets or Meat", "Balboa’s Biblical Theatre" and "The Axe Lords Featuring Gorgazon’s Mischief", which Gass described as being his personal favorite. In attendance was David Cross who later cast Tenacious D in his sketch comedy television series, Mr. Show.
TV series:
David Cross, with the writer Bob Odenkirk from Mr Show, continued his involvement with Tenacious D by producing three half-hour shows based on the band. The series, entitled Tenacious D, premiered in 1997, immediately following an episode of Mr. Show. While a total of three episodes consisting of two shorts, ten to twelve minutes in length, were produced, only the first was aired that year; the final two episodes did not air until the summer of 2000. The series was canceled after, according to Gass, HBO offered Tenacious D ten episodes, but in doing so, they would have to relinquish their role as executive producers. Gass and Black decided to make a movie instead. Many songs that eventually were included on the band's first album were first featured on the show, though the episodes also contain songs that remain unreleased.
The six shorts were titled "The Search for Inspirado", "Angel in Disguise", "Death of a Dream", "The Greatest Song in the World", "The Fan", and "Road Gig". After the series aired, the band continued to perform. At a show at the Viper Room in Los Angeles, they met Dave Grohl, who remarked that he was impressed with their performance; this led to their cameo in the Foo Fighters' "Learn to Fly" music video. The popularity of Tenacious D further increased as they began to open for high profile acts, including Beck, Pearl Jam, and Foo Fighters.
Lyrics and themes:
The Devil CardSatire 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." Their songs evoke heavy metal clichés of bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. In particular, the song "Dio" pokes fun at the idea of a torch being passed "Now it's time for him to pass the torch" Songs like "Friendship" parody the lack of real friendship in rock groups with the lyric "As long as there's a record deal, we'll always be friends" Other songs cover the topic of sex; "Kielbasa" discusses anal sex, while "Double Team" boasts of the duos sexual prowess. Tenacious D also employs the technique of deliberate backmasking on "Karate", a technique synonymous with bands like Slayer, who recorded a message in Hell Awaits.. The band's imagery also continues the theme of evil. The front cover of Tenacious D features Black and Gass standing naked below the Devil. Black described it as he and Gass being "schooled by Satan". The pose is similar to that shown on the Devil tarot card. The Devil card signifies sexual desire, uncontrolled energy, vice and addiction.
Tenacious D's music has been criticized for its frequent use of profanity. In addition, other critics have described the band as having exhausted the joke of "cock rock".
Influences:
Black has said that the first song he enjoyed was ABBA's "Take a Chance on Me". He attributes influences from Dio, Black Sabbath, Meat Loaf and Bobby McFerrin. Gass describes their influences as being derived from "big dinosaurs of rock" such as Led Zeppelin. In addition, Gass lists his influences as being Tom Waits, Tony Hawk 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", leading to a failed attempt to themselves write an even better song.
Gass has described Tenacious D's comic assertion that they are the best band as being "ridiculous because it's a matter of opinion". 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.'"
Tenacious D is featured in the highly anticipated video game "Guitar Hero III". `The Metal' is prominently featured in the game's trailer released at E3 2007.
Tenacious D also did backing vocals on the Styx song "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye". It can be found on the album "Cyclorama" from 2003.
They were included in Rock Band 2 with their song "Master Exploder".
In October of 2009 Jack Black starred as roadie Eddie Riggs in the open world video game Brütal Legend by Double Fine Productions on the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3.
The Ballad of Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage
Tenacious D Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothing could stop them when Jables and Rage hit the stage
and Hollywood Jack hit the big time and when to make movies
Rage Kage was left far behind in the dust of his dreams
And he grumbled and growled and watched Hollywood Jack on Jay Leno
He bellowed and said he'd be nothing without help from Kage
he burned up the photos of Jables and Kage doing mushrooms
So Hollywood Jack lived up high on a hill in a bubble
and Rage Kage live deep in the broiling valley below
Yes, the rage Kage bubbled with rage
He looked at the ground
and he looked on the stage
The lava was throwing
and boiling inside the old Kage
As Hollywood Jack climbed the ladder of stardom before him
He watched as his indie credentials flew right out the door
He'd make millions and then he'd go out and he'd make even more millions
He'd screened KG's calls and snorked coke of the ass of a whore
No one respected him
They just rejected him
No one would represent Kage
Left on the streets of his dreams
He'd would cry, and he'd rage for the stage
Ahahaaa
Then Hollywood Jack got a message that Kage was in trouble
They send Kage away cause he had gone completely insane
So Hollywood Jack jumped upon a jetplane and flew all that night through
the rain
To be with his friend to see what remained of his brain
Then Hollywood Jack told the doctors: You got to retrieve him!
You've got the technoligy, use the techniques of your trade
He grabbed the Lapelles and he screamed "BY GOD YOU MUST SAVE HIM!"
Because Rage Kage and I can't you see that were one and the same!
Aaaah!
RAGE KAGE!
OH RAGE KAGE!
There'd be magic inside that old name
And you know that you know
That you're going completely insane
Oh the Rage Kage!
Oh the Rage Kage!
All the line we rolled once again
And you know
Yes you know
That you're going completely insane
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again,
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again,
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again,
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again,
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again,
Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage were out once again.
The Ballad of Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage by Tenacious D tells the story of two friends who embark on a journey to become successful in the entertainment industry. Hollywood Jack finds fame and fortune in Hollywood while leaving his friend, the Rage Kage, behind to wallow in his unfulfilled dreams. The song explores the conflicts that arise between friends when one becomes successful and the other is left behind.
The Rage Kage is depicted as a character bubbling with rage, ultimately going insane because he feels left behind by his friend. He burns photos of them together, declaring that he does not need Hollywood Jack in his life. Meanwhile, Hollywood Jack is depicted as a character who lives in a bubble, detached from reality, reveling in his wealth and fame. The story takes a turn when the Rage Kage is sent away and found to be completely insane, prompting Hollywood Jack to fly out and save his friend.
The song showcases the idea that material success is not everything and that friends should always help each other out. It sends a message that fame and fortune can make one lose touch with the reality of life and the importance of human relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the ballad of Hollywood Jack and the Rage Cage
The story of two musicians, Jables and Rage, who are unstoppable together.
Nothing could stop them when Jables and Rage hit the stage
Jables and Rage were amazing performers together.
and Hollywood Jack hit the big time and when to make movies
Jack became very successful and went on to make movies.
Rage Kage was left far behind in the dust of his dreams
But Rage was left behind, still dreaming of success.
And he grumbled and growled and watched Hollywood Jack on Jay Leno
Rage was bitter and angry, watching Jack on TV shows.
He bellowed and said he'd be nothing without help from Kage
Rage believed that Jack wouldn't have succeeded without him.
he burned up the photos of Jables and Kage doing mushrooms
Rage destroyed pictures of him and Jables having fun together.
"Fuck him, I don't need no Hollywood jack anyway"
Rage decided that he didn't need Jack.
So Hollywood Jack lived up high on a hill in a bubble
Jack lived a luxurious, isolated lifestyle.
and Rage Kage live deep in the broiling valley below
While Rage struggled in a more difficult, less comfortable place in life.
Yes, the rage Kage bubbled with rage
Rage was very angry and spiteful.
He looked at the ground and he looked on the stage
Rage was always searching for something better than his current situation.
The lava was throwing and boiling inside the old Kage
Rage's anger was like boiling lava inside him.
As Hollywood Jack climbed the ladder of stardom before him
As Jack became more and more successful, his indie credibility disappeared.
He watched as his indie credentials flew right out the door
Rage saw Jack losing the things that made him unique and special when he became a mainstream star.
He'd make millions and then he'd go out and he'd make even more millions
Jack became very successful and kept making more and more money.
He'd screened KG's calls and snorked coke of the ass of a whore
Jack ignored Rage's attempts to contact him and engaged in destructive behavior.
No one respected him
Jack lost respect even as he gained more wealth and success.
They just rejected him
People felt negatively about Jack's behavior and attitude.
No one would represent Kage
Rage couldn't find anyone to help him in the music industry.
Left on the streets of his dreams
Rage was struggling to achieve his dreams with no help or support.
He'd would cry, and he'd rage for the stage
Rage was emotional and angry, but still driven to perform on stage.
Then Hollywood Jack got a message that Kage was in trouble
Jack received news that Rage was struggling and needed help.
They send Kage away cause he had gone completely insane
Rage had a mental breakdown and was taken away to get help.
So Hollywood Jack jumped upon a jetplane and flew all that night through the rain
Jack rushed to help Rage, flying through bad weather.
To be with his friend to see what remained of his brain
Jack wanted to see how he could help his friend.
Then Hollywood Jack told the doctors: You got to retrieve him!
Jack demanded that the doctors help Rage.
You've got the technoligy, use the techniques of your trade
Jack urged the doctors to use their best technology and medical practices to help Rage.
He grabbed the Lapelles and he screamed "BY GOD YOU MUST SAVE HIM!"
Jack was emotional and desperate, demanding that Rage be helped.
Because Rage Kage and I can't you see that were one and the same!
Jack explained that he and Rage were connected and needed each other.
RAGE KAGE!
Jack calls for Rage.
OH RAGE KAGE!
Jack continues calling for Rage.
There'd be magic inside that old name
Jack believed that Rage had talent and potential.
And you know that you know
Jack is confident and sure.
That you're going completely insane
Rage is struggling with mental health issues.
All the line we rolled once again
The two begin playing music together again, and the magic returns.
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again
Rage is healed and no longer vulnerable.
Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage were out once again.
Jack and Rage return to playing music together.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: THOMAS JACK BLACK, KYLE RICHARD GASS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eduardo Aragão
This is the ballad of Hollywood Jack and the Rage Cage
Nothing could stop them when Jables and Rage hit the stage
and Hollywood Jack hit the big time and when to make movies
Rage Kage was left far behind in the dust of his dreams
And he grumbled and growled and watched Hollywood Jack on Jay Leno
He bellowed and said he'd be nothing without help from Kage
he burned up the photos of Jables and Kage doing mushrooms
"Fuck him, I don't need no Hollywood jack anyway"
So Hollywood Jack lived up high on a hill in a bubble
and Rage Kage live deep in the broiling valley below
Yes, the rage Kage bubbled with rage
He looked at the ground
and he looked on the stage
The lava was throwing
and boiling inside the old Kage
As Hollywood Jack climbed the ladder of stardom before him
He watched as his indie credentials flew right out the door
He'd make millions and then he'd go out and he'd make even more millions
He'd screened KG's calls and snorked coke of the ass of a whore
No one respected him
They just rejected him
No one would represent Kage
Left on the streets of his dreams
He'd would cry, and he'd rage for the stage
Ahahaaa
Then Hollywood Jack got a message that Kage was in trouble
They send Kage away cause he had gone completely insane
So Hollywood Jack jumped upon a jetplane and flew all that night through
the rain
To be with his friend to see what remained of his brain
Then Hollywood Jack told the doctors: You got to retrieve him!
You've got the technoligy, use the techniques of your trade
He grabbed the Lapelles and he screamed "BY GOD YOU MUST SAVE HIM!"
Because Rage Kage and I can't you see that were one and the same!
Aaaah!
RAGE KAGE!
OH RAGE KAGE!
There'd be magic inside that old name
And you know that you know
That you're going completely insane
Oh the Rage Kage!
Oh the Rage Kage!
All the line we rolled once again
And you know
Yes you know
That you're going completely insane
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again,
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again,
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again,
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again,
Nothing and no one could harm the old Rage Kage again,
Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage were out once again.
WickedSpade
Literally.. about to cry for Kyle. He deserves everything Jack does and it makes me like Jack more that he has stuck by him for so long. These two are legends.
Brian Donaldson
I agree 100%. First time I saw this, I did cry. Definitely can feel the emotion. Greatest band in the history of the world… the best there ever was or will be!
Brian M
Love Kyle in Tenacious D, but even Kyle has admitted that Jack is a force of nature. He was always going to be a star whereas Kyle's role was more as a supporting guy and character actor. You need both kinds to make it all work.
Red Savage
Well said. Period
Garçon Voûte
To have been Jack, to have been Rage
MKO
Rage Kage is the perfect sidekick
Tj Walsh
Unironically the most beautiful song the D has written. Pure friendship.
Craig Scholes
Kyle Gas does not get enough credit for being a really good guitar player.
Brad W
This is a masterpiece, almost better than the album version.
Kevin Salazar
Million times better than the album version