Editing Tenacious D (section)

==History==
===Formation and early years===
Jack Black and Kyle Gass met in Los Angeles in 1986 as members of [[the Actors' Gang]] theater troupe.<ref>{{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}}</ref> They were initially not friendly, as Gass was the main musician for the Actor's Gang and "felt threatened" by Black.<ref name="dynamic duo">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="Seattle">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="Sunday-times">{{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}}</ref> The Actor's Gang travelled to Scotland for the [[Edinburgh Fringe|Edinburgh Fringe Festival]] in 1989 to perform [[Tim Robbins]]' and [[Adam Simon]]'s<ref>{{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 }}</ref> play ''Carnage''.<ref name="tenacious-d-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}}</ref><ref name="tenacious-d-edinburgh">{{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}}</ref> The two became friends during the trip and climbed [[Arthur's Seat]] on a day off.<ref name="kerrang.com">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> They worked together professionally at the Actor's Gang and collaborated in productions.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Their second song came about when Black was listening to the [[Metallica]] song "[[One (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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The duo briefly called themselves Responsive Chord while rehearsing the comedy act.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Rise to popularity===
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''.<ref name="kerrang.com" />'' In the audience was the actor and comedian [[Harry Shearer]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.songfacts.com/facts/tenacious-d/tribute|title=Tribute by Tenacious D - Songfacts|website=Songfacts.com}}</ref> They performed "Tribute", still their only song at the time, and asked the audience to vote for their name.<ref name="Sunday-times" /><ref name="tenacious-d-edinburgh" /> 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).<ref name="Sunday-times" /> "Tenacious D"—a basketball term used by commentators to describe robust [[defense (sport)|defensive]] positioning in basketball — did not get the majority of votes, but according to Black "we forced it through".<ref name="Sunday-times" /><ref name="budget" /> 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.<ref name="AMG" /><ref name="mr-show">{{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}}</ref>

Tenacious D continued to generate momentum on the Los Angeles music scene, notably performing headline shows at Al's Bar, Pedro's, [[Largo (nightclub)|Largo]] and The Actors' Gang studio. [[Maynard James Keenan]], lead vocalist of the band [[Tool (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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Tool was the first large act that Tenacious D were a support act for. Black had previously attended UCLA with director [[Jason Bloom (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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 1997, Tenacious D had become a popular act on the Los Angeles music scene and would perform residencies at The Viper Room.<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Pete Stahl]], the vocalist of the band [[Scream (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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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''.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Television series and ''Tenacious D'' (1997–2002)===
{{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.<ref name='Hollywood Reporter'>{{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}}</ref> The series, entitled ''Tenacious D'', premiered on [[Home Box Office|HBO]] in 1997, immediately following an episode of ''Mr. Show''.<ref name="ign-tenacious-d" /> While a total of three episodes consisting of two shorts each, ten to twelve minutes in length,<ref name='Variety'>{{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 (magazine)|Variety]] | access-date = March 25, 2008 }}</ref> were produced, only the first was aired that year; the final two episodes did not air until 2000.<ref name="ign-tenacious-d">{{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}}</ref> 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,<ref name="HBO dispute">{{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}}</ref> and only write songs.<ref>{{cite news| first=Nathan | last=Rabin |title=The Complete Masterworks |type=DVD |publisher=[[Epic Records]] }}</ref>

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;<ref name="dave-grohl-tenacious-d">{{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}}</ref><ref name="dave-grohl-tenacious-d-kerrang">{{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 }}</ref> this led to their cameo in the Foo Fighters' "[[Learn to Fly]]" music video.<ref name="dave-grohl-tenacious-d-kerrang" /> They began to [[opening act|open]] for high-profile acts including [[Beck]], [[Pearl Jam]] and Foo Fighters.<ref name="AMG" />

In May 2000, Tenacious D signed to [[Epic Records]].<ref name="Hollywood Reporter" /> As Black's profile increased due to his roles in films such as ''[[High Fidelity (film)|High Fidelity]]'', the band recorded their first album, ''[[Tenacious D (album)|Tenacious D]],'' with the producers the [[Dust Brothers]].<ref name="AMG" /> 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]].<ref name="The Independent" /> According to Black, they chose to use a band because "no one's ever heard us with a band".<ref name="The Independent">{{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}}</ref> The majority of songs on the album were performed previously on their short-lived television series.<ref name="AMG 1">{{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 }}</ref>

{{listen
| filename     = Tribute (Tenacious D song sample).ogg
| title        = "Tribute"
| description  = Clip of "Tribute" from ''[[Tenacious D (album)|Tenacious D]]''.
}}

''Tencious'' D reached No. 33 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] on October 13, 2001.<ref name="VH1">{{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]]}}</ref><ref name="Billboard">{{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 (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>  Although it received mixed reviews, it went on to garner acclaim and by November 2005 had been [[certified platinum]] in the US.<ref name="RIAA">{{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}}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' described it "hilarious", and "no mere comedy record".<ref name="s">{{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}}</ref> [[AllMusic]] wrote that it "rocks so damn hard", but lamented the absence of some of the songs from the television show.<ref name="ss">{{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}}</ref> ''[[Flak Magazine]]'' criticised the skits between songs, describing them as "distracting" and a "nuisance".<ref name="Flak Magazine">{{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 }}</ref>''[[The Independent]]'' found the album was full of "swearing and scatology" and was "bereft of even the slightest skidmark of humor".<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

The first single, "[[Tribute (song)|Tribute]]", is a tribute to the "greatest song in the world", which Tenacious D claim they performed to save their souls from a demon.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> The music video, directed by [[Liam Lynch (musician)|Liam Lynch]],<ref name="norml" /> achieved success and was voted the fifth best music video ever by ''[[Kerrang!]]'' readers.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> This was followed by the second single, "[[Wonderboy (Tenacious D song)|Wonderboy]]", with a video directed by [[Spike Jonze]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref name="The Independent" />

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.<ref name="premiere">{{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}}</ref> Dio liked the song enough to ask the band to appear in the music video for his song, "Push".<ref name='Dio'>{{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 }}</ref> An [[extended play|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.<ref>{{cite news| author= <!-- MTV News Staff byline -->| 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 }}</ref>

===''Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny'' and the album (2003–2007)===
{{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".<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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 [[Tenacious D (album)|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref name="budget" /><ref name="set" /><ref>{{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 }}</ref> In February 2003, it was announced that the band had signed with [[New Line Cinema]] to create a film, with [[Liam Lynch (musician)|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Filming had been expected to take place by the end of 2003;<ref>{{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}}</ref> however, it was delayed by almost a year due to Black being cast in [[Peter Jackson]]'s big budget remake of ''[[King Kong (2005 film)|King Kong]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Principal photography for ''Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny'' commenced in 2005, with the production finishing later that year.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The film held its first test screening to the press in October 2005.<ref>{{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=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|website=Legacy.aintitcool.com|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2019}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{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}}</ref> Black also stated that the filming on this production was "the most fun I've ever had filming a movie".<ref>{{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}}</ref>

{{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.<ref name="dvdsales">{{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}}</ref>}}

The film held its British premiere on November 1, 2006, at the [[Vue West End|Vue West End cinema]] in London, England.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref name="premiere" /> The soundtrack for the production was called ''[[The Pick of Destiny]]'' and featured a returning [[John King (producer)|John King]] (of The Dust Brothers) producing it.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} It was released on November 14, 2006, through [[Epic Records]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref name="budget">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="mojo">{{mojo title|id=tenaciousd|title=Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny}}. Retrieved January 13, 2008.</ref> Financially, it is regarded as a [[box-office bomb]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> The soundtrack reached No. 8 on the ''Billboard'' 200 in the US as well as topping the iTunes chart,<ref name="premiere" /><ref name="pick-of-destiny-soundtrack-billboard-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}}</ref> and #10 in the UK.<ref name="UK charts">{{cite web| url=http://www.everyhit.com/ |title=UK Albums chart |publisher=EveryHit.com |access-date=February 14, 2008}}</ref> 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",<ref>{{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}}</ref> but {{when|date=April 2011}} said that DVD sales had shown that the film picked up a cult audience.<ref name="dvdsales" />
{{listen
| filename     = POD (Tenacious D song sample).ogg
| title        = "POD"
| 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]]."<ref name='Los Angeles Times'>{{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 }}</ref> Stephen Rae of ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' said that the frequent drug-use in the film gives "the term potty humor a new meaning."<ref name='Philadelphia Inquirer'>{{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 }}</ref> Michael Phillips criticized the frequency of the drug-use by saying: "This may be the problem. Pot rarely helped anybody's comic timing."<ref name="Chicago Tribune">{{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}}</ref> 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."<ref name='New York Times'>{{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 }}</ref>

The soundtrack received less favourable reviews than for the band's first album. ''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'' comments that the soundtrack "never quite takes off".<ref name='Rolling Stone POD Review'>{{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 }}</ref> It criticises the reliance the album makes on a knowledge of the film, and some songs' existence only to "advance the plot".<ref name='Rolling Stone POD Review' /> It summarizes by saying the album is inferior to the band's previous effort.<ref name='Rolling Stone POD Review' /> Allmusic also describes the follow-up as less "satisfying" than ''Tenacious D'', noting that the songs feel like "narrative filler".<ref name='AllMusic POD Review'>{{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 }}</ref> ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'' continues the criticism of the songs being plot devices calling them "plot-nudging song-sketches".<ref name='Blender POD Review'>{{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 }}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' views the album more positively, describing the album as a meeting of "old school riffology" and "schoolboy humour".<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:408844873 a624860075 o.jpg|right|thumbnail|300px|Black, Gass, Konesky, Spiker, and Wackerman]]

To coincide with the release of their new film and album, Tenacious D embarked on [[The Pick of Destiny Tour (2006–2007)|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.<ref name="Brighton" /> Konesky and Spiker resumed their roles from the album, and Brooks Wackerman was added as drummer.<ref>{{cite magazine| first=Jonathan | last=Cohen | title=Tenacious D Ready To Rock U.S., Down Under | date=October 11, 2006| magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | url =https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56995/tenacious-d-ready-to-rock-us-down-under| access-date = July 16, 2009}}</ref> Each member used a pseudonym; Konesky as the [[Antichrist]], Spiker as [[Charlie Chaplin]], and Wackerman as [[Colonel Sanders]].<ref name='The Hollywood Reporter' /> [[JR Reed (actor)|JR Reed]] also toured as Satan, as well as reprising his role as "Lee".<ref name='The Hollywood Reporter'>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="set">{{cite news | title=Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny | work=[[The List (magazine)|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}}</ref><ref name="Brighton">{{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}}</ref><ref name="Best Metal Performance">{{cite web|title=Best Metal Performance|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees?genre=31&=Go|website=Grammy.com|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>

===''Rize of the Fenix'' (2008–2012)===
{{main|Rize of the Fenix}}
[[File:Tenacious D Leeds.jpg|right|thumbnail|300px|Tenacious D performing at the Leeds festival]]

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.<ref name="associated-press-interview">{{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 }}</ref> 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,<ref name="Straits">{{cite news| first=Joey | last=Berlin | title=Rewind only for Jack Black | date=March 30, 2008| work=[[New Straits Times]]}}</ref> but on other occasions had mentioned the year 2012.<ref name='BeKind'>{{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}}</ref><ref name='Hollywood'>{{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 }}</ref> 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,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and included a documentary of their world tour entitled ''D Tour: A Tenacious Documentary''. The film focuses on the [[Tenacious D 2006-2007 Tour|tour]] Tenacious D made in support of the film and soundtrack and the consequences of their film's poor showing at the box office.<ref name='Plot'>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="kyle album">{{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 (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=July 16, 2009}}</ref>

Music magazine ''[[Billboard (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]]'' <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Death Star]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>," adding that "It's kind of sci-fi, doomsday rock."<ref>{{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 (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=August 6, 2009 |access-date=August 25, 2009 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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."<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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''.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> In an interview with [[Spinner (website)|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".<ref name="spinner">{{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}}</ref> 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".<ref name="spinner"/>

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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Also in the same interview, he named another song called "Señorita".<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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 (filmmaker)|Mike White]], [[Tim Robbins]] and [[Jimmy Kimmel]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===''Post-Apocalypto'' (2012–2022)===
{{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|thumb|Tenacious D performing at [[Rock am Ring and Rock im Park|Rock am Ring]] 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."<ref>{{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}}</ref> The band would mention later on in that year that they may make an Internet series "exclusive to YouTube."<ref>{{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}}</ref> The project was a fantasy for Black and Gass for a few years, until the [[Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign|Donald Trump presidential campaign]] inspired them to write a post-apocalyptic comedy in 2016.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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&nbsp;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".<ref>{{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}}</ref> ''[[Tenacious D in Post-Apocalypto]]'' was released as six individual episodes on YouTube uploaded from September&nbsp;28 to November&nbsp;2, with [[Columbia Records]] releasing ''[[Post-Apocalypto]]'' on the last day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH-Uobgd_TrFNnxuphSnbeQ|title=Tenacious D|via=[[YouTube]]|language=en|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>

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".<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On November 29, 2019, for [[Record Store Day|Record Store Day's]] [[Black Friday (shopping)|Black Friday]], Tenacious D released a 'Blue Series' [[Single (music)|7" Single]], featuring the track "Don't Blow It, Kage". The record was produced by [[Jack White]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> On October 27, 2020, Tenacious D released a cover of [[Time Warp (song)|'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 United States presidential election|2020 Presidential Election]]. All proceeds from the vinyl sales of the song were donated to Rock the Vote.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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 (Beatles song)|The End]]." Similar to "Time Warp", the limited-edition 7" supported charity{{emdash}}this time with all the proceeds going to [[Doctors Without Borders]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Variety (magazine)|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In March 2022, the tour was extended.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== Spicy Meatball Tour, Trump comment and hiatus (2023–2024) ===
On May 6, 2023, the duo began the [[The Spicy Meatball Tour|Spicy Meatball Tour]] by debuting a new song, "[[Video Games (Tenacious D song)|Video Games]]", at [[Shaky Knees Music Festival]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> "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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In early June, it was announced that the tour would continue, starting with a show in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]].<ref name="THE SPICY MEATBALL TOUR CONTINUES…">{{cite web|url=https://tenaciousd.com/the-spicy-meatball-tour-continues/|title=THE SPICY MEATBALL TOUR CONTINUES…|website=tenaciousd.com|date=June 7, 2023}}</ref> In February 2024, the band announced their first tour of Australia and New Zealand in eleven years, to be held in July 2024.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Later in June, the band announced a tour called 'Rock D Vote' performing in five [[swing state]]s ahead of the [[2024 United States elections]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On July 14, 2024, Tenacious D celebrated Gass' 64th birthday during their performance at the [[International Convention Centre Sydney|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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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".<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":0">{{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]]}}</ref> Gass deleted his apology later that week.<ref>{{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 (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |access-date=July 19, 2024 |date=July 19, 2024 }}</ref> At the premiere for the film ''[[Borderlands (film)|Borderlands]]'' on August 6, Black said he and Gass remained friends and would return "when it feels right".<ref>{{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 Magazine|Variety]]}}</ref> In February 2025, Tenacious D contributed a cover of [[REO Speedwagon]]’s "[[Keep On Loving You (song)|Keep On Loving You]]" for the compilation album ''Good Music To Lift Los Angeles''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/tenacious-d-back-together/|title=Did Tenacious D Get Back Together?|website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]|date=February 6, 2025|last=Galiher|first=Stephen}}</ref>