Rock is Dead

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Rock is Dead" by Tenacious D from their 2012 album Rize of the Fenix, firing up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This track, a short but punchy anthem clocking in at just over a minute, is a satirical jab at the state of rock music, with Jack Black and Kyle Gass declaring rock's demise while simultaneously rocking out with infectious energy. In a 2012 interview with Rolling Stone, Jack Black called Rize of the Fenix the band’s best work, proudly noting that "Rock is Dead" is a "rollicking caricature of dudes who won’t stop lionizing the past," poking fun at nostalgia while delivering a killer riff. The song’s music video, released on YouTube on May 30, 2012, and produced by longtime collaborator Liam Lynch, features Black and Gass dancing with various music celebrities, adding a layer of visual humor to the track’s cheeky message.

Another tidbit about "Rock is Dead" comes from its critical reception. While some reviews, like one from Antiquiet, dismissed it as a "generic number with cliché riffs," others, such as Rock Industry, praised its bold lyrics, pointing out lines like “Axl Rose gimme some head, cos rock n roll is dead” as a testament to Tenacious D’s ability to get away with outrageous humor. The song’s placement on the album, nestled among comedic skits and heavier tracks, underscores the band’s knack for blending satire with legit musical chops, with Dave Grohl’s drumming adding serious cred. Fans on Reddit’s r/TenaciousD have also shared love for the track, with some recalling the 2012 DVD release that included its music video alongside others like "Low Hanging Fruit," making it a nostalgic gem for longtime Zoo Freaks.

Tenacious D, the comedy rock duo of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, began their journey in 1994 in Los Angeles, born out of the city’s vibrant improv and comedy scene. Black, an actor and musician, met Gass, a talented guitarist and fellow performer, through the Actors’ Gang theater troupe. Their shared love for over-the-top rock anthems and absurdist humor led to gigs at local bars, where they crafted their “mock rock” persona—two guys with acoustic guitars singing about epic quests and crude jokes. By 1997, their cult following landed them a short-lived but beloved HBO series, showcasing their antics in three episodes that aired through 2000. This exposure paved the way for their 2001 self-titled debut album, featuring hits like "Tribute," which went platinum and solidified their status as rock’s funniest underdogs.

The duo’s rise wasn’t without hiccups. After their 2006 film and album The Pick of Destiny flopped at the box office, Black and Gass took a six-year hiatus, with Black focusing on Hollywood roles in films like School of Rock and Gass working on side projects. But their 2012 comeback with Rize of the Fenix, including "Rock is Dead," proved their resilience, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album. Today, fans can connect with Tenacious D through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, merch drops, and covers like their take on “…Baby One More Time” from Kung Fu Panda 4. For deeper dives, check out the Tenacious D Wiki or join fan discussions on Facebook’s Tenacious D Fans group or Reddit’s r/TenaciousD, where Zoo Freaks and diehards swap stories and memes about the Greatest Band in the World.