Roadie

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Roadie" by Tenacious D, a track from their 2012 album Rize Of The Fenix, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its gritty, comedic tribute to the unsung heroes of rock. This song, with its bluesy swagger and over-the-top lyrics, is a standout for its mix of humor and heart. In a 2012 interview with Rolling Stone, Jack Black called Rize Of The Fenix the band’s best work, emphasizing the depth of tracks like "Roadie," which he felt would surprise fans with its emotional heft. The song’s lyrics, painting the roadie as a “lonesome warrior” who “makes the rock go,” balance satire with genuine respect, inspired by classics like Bob Seger’s “Turn The Page,” as noted in a Paste Magazine review. The music video, released on YouTube in September 2012 and featuring Danny McBride, amplifies the song’s absurdity, showing a roadie’s backstage grind with a hilarious, exaggerated twist.

Another tidbit comes from the band’s appearance on the Nerdist Podcast in 2012, where they performed "Roadie" live and shared stories about its creation, hinting at real-life roadie experiences that shaped the song’s narrative. Fans on Reddit’s r/TenaciousD have praised the track for its catchy riffs and how it captures the bittersweet pride of those working in the shadows of rock stardom. The song’s explicit lyrics, like the humorous exchange about a backstage pass, reflect Tenacious D’s signature vulgar comedy, yet the chorus, with its “tears of pride,” strikes a chord with anyone who’s felt overlooked but essential. A Consequence review highlighted Black’s vocal delivery, likening it to Springsteen, which adds a layer of gravitas to the song’s mock-epic tone.

Tenacious D, formed in Los Angeles in 1994, is the brainchild of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, two actors and musicians who turned their love for rock and comedy into a genre they call “mock rock.” Their journey began in the comedy scene, performing at open mics and small venues as a duo with just acoustic guitars and wild imaginations. Their big break came in 1999 with a self-titled HBO series, showcasing their absurd humor and theatrical performances, which built a cult following. The duo’s first album, Tenacious D (2001), produced by Dave Grohl, cemented their reputation, blending crude jokes with surprisingly solid musicianship. Over the years, they expanded to a full band, including guitarist John Konesky, bassist John Spiker, and Grohl on drums for studio recordings, with Brooks Wackerman drumming on tours. Despite setbacks, like the commercial flop of their 2006 film The Pick of Destiny, their persistence led to the Grammy-nominated Rize Of The Fenix, proving their staying power.

Today, Tenacious D remains active, engaging fans through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, new music, and quirky posts, like their recent cover of “…Baby One More Time” for the Kung Fu Panda 4 soundtrack. Fans can dive deeper into the D’s world on their official website, which lists tour dates and merch. The r/TenaciousD subreddit is a lively hub for Zoo Freaks-like devotees, with discussions on everything from album rankings to concert memories. While no official Facebook fan groups stand out, the band’s main Facebook page fosters a community where fans share tattoos, memes, and love for the D’s irreverent spirit.