November 4, 2008
Tenacious D: Complete Masterworks - Volume 2 released!

The 2 DVD set includes a full live show from their recent Pick of Destiny
tour, as well as a huge amount of special features and behind the scenes
footage.  But what stands out most is the D-tour documentary from Jeremy
Konner.   There is a kind of honesty not often shown by a band here, and
its really interesting to see something that goes beyond just showing the
hilarity and glorious moments.  Trust me there is a treasure trove of funny
stuff here, but you also get a glance into some of the harder moments of
life in the D.  Definitely check this one out.  Here's a link:
Masterworks V2
Premier Recap

So this is my second time in LA thanks to KG.  He flew me out to LA and put me up in the West
Hollywood Hyatt, aka the Riot House.  Jim Morrison used to live there.  The Rolling Stones
have thrown TVs out its windows.  If you’ve seen Almost Famous, a couple of its scenes are
shot there.  Oh, and it’s just up Sunset Boulevard from Carney’s Hotdogs, best hotdogs on the
planet!

So I get to the premier at about 6:00.  The D’s new album is blasting in the background and
sounding effing awesome.  There’s a crazy energy in the crowd, it feels unreal standing there
with thousands of crazy D fans all packed into a half block stretch of Hollywood Boulevard.  As
I’m waiting in line at the will call booth the first limo pulls up; it’s Liam Lynch.  He hops up on
the podium and says a few words and then begins to make the rounds.  Next limo to arrive
was Paul F. Tompkins, who was quickly followed by Lee.  After picking up my tickets I make
my way down the red carpet and into the theater.  Once inside I find out they don’t let you go
back out front, so I actually missed the D’s arrival.  LAME, but fuck it, I’m at the fuckin D
premier!   I’m told they pulled up in a Cutlass Supreme...classic.   With a little extra time before
the movie I hang out in the lobby chatting with friends of the D and fellow psycho fans.  After a
few minutes I happen to glance over my shoulder and fucking Dave Grohl is standing right
behind me!  Then I look up to the bar and there’s Ben Stiller chatting it up with Lee.  I look
closer and realize Ben’s dad Jerry Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor are right there too.  After
a few dozen more star struck moments like this I finally make my way into the theater and take
my seat.  Waiting for the film to start I hear a familiar voice and find Andy Dick sitting two rows
behind me.  Just over his shoulder is John C. Reilly.  

Finally the lights start to dim.  A moment later Jack and Kyle regally march down the center
aisle dressed appropriately as two kings, complete with velvet robes, gold crowns and
scepters.  They take the stage and each say their thank yous and then finally the film begins.  
Now I’m not gonna ruin anything for you, so you don’t have to worry about spoilers.  It was
really funny just watching the credits.  Each time a name appeared on the screen you could
tell what part of the room the person was in from the cheering.  The movie opens up with the
song Kickapoo, which is mind blowing.  Dio fucking rocks his part, and it’s pretty amazing how
well the kid playing young JB (Troy Gentile) matches Jack’s mannerisms.  The musical
scenes are really what stand out most in the flick.  I know, big surprise when you’re talking
about the Tenacious D movie, but they really are seriously kickass.  Seeing the music in the
context of the movie added so much to the album, especially with Classico and Master
Exploder.  If you watch closely during the scene for Master Exploder you’ll see cameos from
stand up comedian Neil Hamburger, who’s currently opening for the D, and John Konesky,
who plays electric guitar in KG’s other band Trainwreck.  Oh, and another random note from
the Master Exploder scene: KG wearing eye liner and a bandana looks eerily like Boy George.  
Oh, and one last thing... Paul F Thomkin’s speech about Satan at the very end is absolutely
CLASSIC.    

After the film we head over to the after party at the Roosevelt across the street.  I’m rolling with
Kyle’s lady friend Nissa.  We’re what feels like the only two non-industry people in the room.  
The after party is in a giant three section ballroom.  We walk in the door and the place is
packed.  People are everywhere.  Ben Stiller is just over my shoulder, Liam Lynch and Dave
Grohl are hanging out in the corner, and Ronnie James Dio is making the rounds with his 8 ft
gorilla bodyguard.  Even young JB is hanging out.  I make my way to the back of the room and
discover the open bar.   I am a happy man.  We grab many a drink and are then brought over to
Kyle’s private booth.  Andy Dick is sitting just across the table from me.  The tables are
covered with tarot cards.  In true nerd fan style I pocket a couple for the old D collection.  I get a
few more drinks in me and then start making the rounds.  By the end of the night I was
completely ripped and had met more celebrities then in my entire life combined.  Coolest
person of the night hands down… Ronnie James Dio.  We bumped into him and started
talking and he ended up being the friendliest, most gracious guy ever.  We snapped a couple
pictures with him and he was just really super cool.  At the end of the night security pushed
everyone to the front door, and we all stumbled out into the street.  By this time I was so blitzed
I couldn’t even tell my cabby where my hotel was, a friend ended up having to help me out.  
She told me the next day all I kept telling him was “it’s by the hotdog place!” over and over
again.    

This was by far my coolest experience with the D.  I have literally been waiting for this movie for
over five years, but never could have possibly imagined I’d be there for it’s release.  When I’d
first heard the D had a movie in the works, I hadn’t even been to a show.  I hadn’t met the
band.  I don’t think I even knew any fellow fans at the time.  I was just a nerdy college kid with
way too much time on his hands.  And yet somehow five years later I ended up being flown out
to the premier personally by Kyle Gass himself.  It’s still kind of blowing my mind.  It’s been a
trip.  I don’t know what else to say other than a very special thank you to KG, as well as all the
fellow fans that have made this experience so fucking amazing.
THY VOTE HATH BEEN RAWKED
ROCK THE VOTE: Tenacious D with Ben Harper, Crosby and Nash, and the Beastie Boys
Milwaukee, WI - US Cellular Arena - November 2, 2008
THE PICK OF DESTINY PREMIER
Hollywood, CA - November 2006
I thought I'd share some pictures from the D's recent Rock the Vote
concert with Ben Harper, Crosby and Nash and the Beastie Boys. The D
were the only band to actually perform with every single act on the bill.
The night began with Ben Harpers set, the highlight of which was the
D coming out to join him on Queen/Bowie's Under Pressure. Next up
was the D's set which was rock solid. About half way through Jack
slipped by the front of the stage and fell HARD. He bounced up
instantly and cheered I'M OKAY! and played right through. At the end
of the song he mentioned he was really hoping his biff lombardy didn't
end up getting youtubed. Of course it was all over youtube three
hours after the show. Both Jack and Kyle flubbed a lyric or two here
and there, but what was so fun to watch was how they just laughed
and played right through and made jokes about it. They really looked
like they were just having fun up there. Following the D,  was Crosby
and Nash's set, which was amazing. I have to admit, embarrassingly I
wasn't to familiar with their body of work. But now I have to say, David
Crosby is quite possibly the coolest guy ever. He was just so chill,
gracious, and happy to be on stage, and at his age he was still
seriously rockin. The night ended with the Beastie Boys. When they
walked on stage the first thing that hits you is that wow they've grown
up, the Beastie Boys are approaching their 40's. A grey haired MCA
joked, "hey, we know, we know, but why the hell didn't you guys come
out and see us twenty years ago?" Adrock was drunk as hell, Mike D
had the coolest poofy jew-fro you'll ever see. Their set was great, and
they were again joined by the D to finish out the night with Time for
Livin. It was an amazing night to see so many great bands interact
and play together and come together for a good cause.
NEW D
ALBUM
COMING
in your ear pussies
February 2, 2009
I don't have many details, but it is official.  I just got word from Lee
himself that the D are working away on a new album.  It'll be their
first non-soundtrack album since their debut album seven years
ago.  More details soon to come.  Rawk.