Roadie (Live 2013)

The Zoo Crew is spinning Tenacious D's "Roadie (Live 2013)" from the album Tenacious D Live, a track that’s a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks for its raw energy and comedic grit. This live rendition, recorded during the band’s 2012-2013 tour, captures the essence of their over-the-top performances. One piece of trivia comes from the song’s studio version on the 2012 album Rize of the Fenix. The music video, released via Funny or Die, features Danny McBride as Sebastian, a roadie who thinks he’s hit the big time only to realize the women he meets are just after backstage passes to meet Jack Black and Kyle Gass. Directed by Jody Hill, the video’s seven-minute narrative is a hilarious nod to the unsung heroes of rock shows, with McBride’s character embodying the song’s tongue-in-cheek lament about a roadie’s life.

Another tidbit comes from a 2012 interview at SXSW, where Jack Black discussed the song’s inspiration, calling roadies the “backbone of rock ‘n’ roll” who get zero glory but make the magic happen. He shared a story about a roadie who once saved a show by fixing a blown amp mid-performance, inspiring the song’s lyric about the roadie’s pride despite being overlooked. On Reddit, fans on the r/TenaciousD subreddit have called “Roadie” the most underrated track in the band’s catalog, praising its live version for Black’s theatrical delivery and Gass’s blistering guitar work. A 2012 performance on The Late Show with David Letterman further cemented its status, with the duo backed by a three-piece band, highlighting the song’s anthemic quality.

Tenacious D began in 1994 in Los Angeles when actors Jack Black and Kyle Gass, both part of the Actors’ Gang theater troupe, bonded over their love of music and comedy. Their early gigs were small, often in coffee shops and open-mic nights, where they honed their “mock rock” style—blending absurd humor with legit musical chops. Black’s theatrical vocals and Gass’s acoustic guitar riffs became their signature, with songs about friendship, weed, and exaggerated bravado. Their big break came in 1997 with a three-episode HBO series, which showcased their bizarre humor and catchy tunes. The show, born from connections in the LA comedy scene with folks like David Cross, led to their 2001 self-titled debut album, produced with help from Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters fame. From there, their cult following grew, fueled by albums like The Pick of Destiny (2006) and Rize of the Fenix (2012).

You can keep up with Tenacious D on their official website, where they post tour dates and news, like their 2024 Spicy Meatball Tour. They’re active on Facebook, with nearly 4 million followers, sharing memes and updates, like their cover of “…Baby One More Time” for the Kung Fu Panda 4 soundtrack. Their Instagram is packed with behind-the-scenes tour shots and comedic skits, while their X account engages fans with quick quips and show announcements. For fan communities, check out Tenacious D Wiki for deep dives into their discography and lore. The tribute band The Roadies of the D, based in Montpellier, France, has a site celebrating their covers, with Kyle Gass himself praising their take on “Master Exploder.” Fans also gather on Facebook groups like Tenacious D Fans, where they swap concert stories and merch.