Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
A quick run into Nottingham to get parked up, sees us inside the venue far to early. I’ve a great parking spot that I wanted to make sure I got a spot in. Result. On getting into the venue, the merch is swamped with folks passing over huge wedges of cash for the latest clobber, swimming through the throng, we make our way to the appropriate entrance, pop in and stand chatting whilst overlooking the steadily filling, 10,000 cap’ Ice skating venue.
On the undercard we have the eccentric ‘Dave Hill’, an American comedian, entertainer and musician. Born in Cleveland Ohio he now lives in New York surrounded by chicks, and apparently, he smells really nice. His set hits you like a full-on slap in the face, there is no pause for breath as he continually barrages you with one thing after another.
He casually wanders onto the stage screams “come on Mother feckers” and starts singing ‘Caveman in a Spaceship’ whilst setting off a smoke machine, he picks up a flying V guitar and rips a solo stood in the smoke. He then gets the crowd to repeatedly scream “DAVE” as he rocks out, breathlessly singing along as he coffs up a grolly amidst the smoke. He tells the crowd he’s nailed it. The crowd unite in a Dave chorus as he says it’s nice to be back in Nottingham the ‘Paris of the East Midlands’
He shouts he’s going to play some guitar and drops into ‘Mother’ by Danzig, it’s a very brief snippet before he shouts out for songs, “Freebird” I’ll play all of it he says, we get about 10 seconds, ‘Ironman’ is up next quickly followed by ‘Waysted Years’ which gets a huge response, a bit of Sabbaths ‘Paranoid’, then Oasis’s, Wonderwall, and finally finishes with Eddie Van Halen’s Eruption or bits of it anyway. Its fast and furious, delivered at breakneck speed, all the time he’s teasing the crowd.
He says he has to move things along as there’s a Q&A, asking if there’s any questions he says “ where did I get this jumpsuit”, no hesitation is replies “your mums house….. too easy”. He goes on to talk about how he loves Nottingham and about working in Poundland in the Advertising department. He then reads out ad slogans such as “Poundland we all die at Poundland”, “Poundland if you can fit it in you pants its yours”, etc. Once again, the crowd chant “Dave” he tells them to shut up and save some for later.
He follows this up with pick up lines that’ll only work in Nottingham. The crowd shout out places that they’re from. He decides he wants to have a little music while he does so, he brings out Scott and John (drums and bass) to help him, they get a big cheer from the crowd as Hill describes them as the best rhythm section, he could fide at 4:30 this afternoon. He lays down a groove and asks them to keep up. He’s an accomplished player, we have some wah wah and other effects as he asks if the crowd can feel it. He drops a shred and stops as Scott does a thing around his kit, Dave shouts at him, “Scott, just because I do cool stuff, it doesn’t mean you get to do cool stuff, just because you have all your drums you don’t need to play all your drums.” “John (on bass) you don’t have to take it for a walk!” the pick-up lines follow “ first one, are you the Nottingham city transport bus line? Because I would like to ride you entirely free of charge!” the crowd jeer and he drops a wicked lick on his guitar, its full of pedal effects. “next one, are you the No 40 bus making stops between Edwards Lane Estate and city hospital via Sherwood, I’ve heard that you actually cum quite quickly” the crowd are groaning in appreciation. Hill reminds us that this is going amazingly well.
He says he’s going to take it to the next level and asks for a recorder player, is there one in the house, Kyle Gass walks out and the crowd light up. Hill asks Kyle to lay done something, to paint a picture with notes. Another pick up line follows “Are you Starbucks? As I’m going to destroy your bathroom”. Kyle rips a tune out on the recorder before he attempts to remove himself from the stage. Hill threatens us by saying he has 40 or 50 more, he continues with one about Nottingham Station saying he would like to pass out in side you and wake up in Leicester. The recorder and guitar duet finishes the piece off, and Kyle can finally escape.
He informs us he’s formed his own street gang. He lists grievances about what he hates, “people speaking on their phones like they’re eating a pop tarts,” is his only grievance. He then gives his merch a plug saying his dad won’t let him stop over if he brings any back. He says he got in his first fist fight lately and that as he’d got this far in life with-out one it wasn’t going to happen. He says he wrote a song about his fist fight, called ‘I Was In A Fight’. It’s a stupidly funny mash up of words about his sister’s boyfriend and sharing mozzarella sticks and a pissing rescue dog and singing to Iron Maiden and wearing a brooch, and being punched with it being a negative experience.
It goes down well with the Motorpoint as he thanks the crowd, saying he’s going to be at the merch to sign anything, he brings his bizarre 30-minute set of pure chaos to a close, promptly leaves his guitar screaming away, in its stand amidst more smoke that he started, jumps on a BMX and cycles off the stage. The crowd scream and clap as he does so. He reminds me of David O’Doherty from 8 out of 10 Cats do Countdown, he of dictionary corner fame with his nonsense rhymes. In all it set the night up fine, it was entertainment fired continuously at the crowd like a confetti canon. Most of it worked, most of the time.
There follows a quick set tidy up ready for the main event. Both feathered wrists of the red hand of Satan mic stands are positioned ready for Kyle and Jack, The crowd are eager as they await their hero’s.
The night kicks off with Overture from the Pick of Destiny opening credits. The duo of Kyle and Jack walk out to massive applause, after postulating, briefly they stand facing each other and launch into “Kickapoo,” from 2006. This epic opener has the crowd singing straight away, this will become the theme for the evening. This song, with its theatrical storytelling and soaring vocals, takes the audience into the whimsical world of Tenacious D, as Kyle takes up the vocal duties to crowds roaring approval, with fervent playing the song finishes and the crowd erupt, chanting the now familiar “D-D-D-D”.
Black says “Hello Nottingham”, and remarks that he’s had a look around, “it’s a good looking’ sexy Town” as he strums the intro to 2012’s “Low Hanging Fruit.” Once again, their musician ship and comedic timing is evident, years of working together having cemented a telepathic bond between Black and straight guy Gass. Black takes to the mic as he delivers the lyrics in his unique style, dressed in flamed, tied dyed shorts n tee shirt, his hair long and everywhere, covering those darting eyes. The pair form up with guitarist John Konesky and bass player John Spiker to rock out facing Scott Seiver on the drums, they bounce around as this one winds up, Black taking to air to mark the count. The “D-D-D-D” chant continues as Black tries to get a drink from his deformed water bottle, As he does so Kyle paces the stage strumming his Martin. Black calls for a scrunchie to which several are thrown onto the stage, however a roadie comes and sorts him out only to be scolded away when she has completed the deed.
The strumming continues, as Black shouts out to the fans “who saw the film ‘the pick of Destiny’“ the crowd obviously roar the affirmative, Black replies “no you didn’t, nobody did, no one went to the cinema to see it, it nearly killed us”, this refers to the $30m it cost to make and its flop, only taking $13m at the box office. This is used as the segue into “Rize of the Fenix,” which gets us back on track, once more with some devilishly good playing from them both. The song concludes with the fans having to get the D tattoo removed if the band had of failed. Gass was playing more, as Black took time to glare from behind his monumental growth of a beard as he embraced the lyrical delivery. Once again there is the chanting of “D” as Black says “this is the D, this is the Spicey Meatball, it rocks more and we have Pyro”. They have a bit of banter about the pyro, calling their new guy ‘Biffy Pyro’ to the stage who subsequently declares the pyro isn’t working, he punches the big red button and the back of the stage lights up with flames.problem solved.
Facing each other once again, they strum into “Wonderboy”, the crowd, predictably, sing along to this gentler number, Konesky’s guitar punctuating the proceedings with a nicely voiced scream. The song tells the tale of Wonderboy versus Nasty boy. The crowd are in fine voice as they sing along to this one from the debut album ‘TENACIOUS D’ from 2001. Black has too much energy as he can’t seem to keep from acting out every moment of the song. Once again Kyle and Black bow at the song’s conclusion.
Again, the duo face each other, stage centre, as they riff into “Tribute” the crowd go absolutely bloody nuts, this the cult song, the biggest fan favourite of all fan favourites, Its greeted with raucous applause. It encapsulates everything that fans love about Tenacious D—irreverent humour, catchy melodies, and clever lyrical twists. As the band rock on, the crowd sing along, word for word, ad libs and all, an inflatable Satan emerges behind the drum kit, adding a touch of playful theatrics to the show as its wings slowly flap and it glares through red eyes, its entirety, bathed in red light for the moment. Kyle and Black rock out with some fast fingers as the song concludes. The bow follows and the crowd, predictably go wild with the “D-D-D-D“ chants, a lone squirt of fire shoots up on stage right. Black, screams at Biffy Pyro “Tribute would be a f..king good time to press the red button” as he throws a guitar pic in his direction.
Jack Black’s perchance for video games was the introduction for the aptly titled “Video Games,” he asks the crowd if they like Video Games, but said he has no time anymore, he has grown up shit to do. He says this is a song about Video Games called “Video Games.” As if on que Kyle strums a lick from ‘Yankee Doodle’ to Blacks amusement. This bouncing, Country music inspired number has Black on vocals, his guitar to the side as he bangs out this short ditty. He concludes by say he does love games as he chokes on some water. Kyle is wiping his head with a towel which he launches into the crowd.
The thunderous energy continues as the duo ask each other if they can hear it? “The Metal” has stomped on to the stage, a big stomping metal robot has joined Kyle and Black, as the song plays out it busts a few dance moves in which Kyle and Jack join in, yet another laugh along moment to the performance as Jack bends over and the Metal pretends to ride him. The dark guitar riffs out as the Duo run around the stage like Abbott and Costello, they eventually stand alongside the Metal and give it some Tiller Girl, high kicks, before it leaves. The pair continue with some ad libs resulting in Black asking for a pallet cleanser, pass the “Sax-a-boom.”
This has been a staple of the set for years, Kyle, watches on, busting some dad dancing as Black hits the notes, the band join in and we have a party. it used to include Shred-a-boom, a toy guitar, but that’s fallen by the way side. As a side note, Tenacious D’s use of this toy sax has pushed the second-hand prices of these ‘toys’ to daft heights of around £300-£400. This attempt by Jack to play a toy saxophone, is hilariously outdone by Kyle’s as he calls for Max-a-boom and plays a rendition of “Baker Street” on this giant, parody sax. The crowd sing along as a lone shot of fire erupts from behind the drum kit. This has the very partisan crowd in stitches, myself included. Another example of the comedic chemistry between the two of them.
Black has a fun time with a roadie and a towel, leaning outstretched ‘Dana’ helps Black slide into his guitar, before being dismissed, “the best Roadie in the world” he adds, another segue as the pair roar straight into the acoustic “Roadie,” which, on its conclusion, has the roadies jump out for a bow, “Lance, Dana and Chris, best roadies in the business” shouts Black.
Following this, Kyle is summoned to a band meeting by the drums with no mics. The crowd are going nuts as Black gives Kyle a roasting, Black returns to the mic and announces “we’re back”, Kyle at his mic says “this is bullshit I Quit”, he then somewhat over-dramatically exits the stage giving Black both middle fingers and quickly moons to the audience—a cheeky move that gets both laughter and applause from the entire venue, the band included. Black Apologises before walking around the stage saying “f..k you” to each band member. He fakes a tear and begins a mournful rendition of “Dude (I Totally Miss You),” another from 2006’s Pick of Destiny. Kyle returns and rips out the solo to this great tune from 2006. They once again face each other as they strum along Konesky lets rip with a tasty solo from the back. They hug to loud cheers of “D-D-D-D”.
One of the many standout moments of the night includes Jack Black’s soulful rendition of Isaac Hayes’s “Wicked Game.” His powerful voice resonates through-out the arena, with the crowd roaring their approval, this is a great moment as on the two video screens, we get footage of the duo in swimwear frolicking in the sea, it leaves nothing to the imagination. It’s only a snippet but once again, it gets the crowd cheering masterfully. .
Another band meeting is called with microphones, eery music plays as Black declares “the guitar player, John Konesky is possessed,” “By Whom” replies Kyle, “By Satan” answers Black. Lighting flashes around a red stage as Konesky growls the vicious intro to “Beezleboss (The Final Showdown).” The possessed guitarist humorously battles with our heroic duo. Random puffs of smoke shoot up as the band rock out, the guitar is slightly evil as the band fight with our heroes, Black says “we can beat Satan with our music,” before Kyle hangs a long note and the crowd cheer in reply before he continues with his submittance to Satan. Black has to convince Kyle that they can beat Satan as they are the “D”. Satan behind, the kit looks forlorn as it slowly deforms as it deflates, He’s been beaten.
The set closer, “Double Team,” features the band and they’re musical prowess. Kyle gets to go first as he shows his prowess on the recorder, once again. at one point he’s playing two simultaneously, a treble and a tenor I think, anyway they are two different sizes. Black rocks out as Kyle continues with the smaller treble recorder, after which he throws it into the crowd.
This is where the band are introduced and they get to show off. John Spiker on bass gives it some on his 4 string, the crowd clap along enthusiastically as he winds the distortion up and rips the venue a new one. The band join in before its John Konesky’s turn on the electric guitar. A stunning tone is set loose from a great looking green SG guitar. Fast fingers, fancy picking and screaming licks, some familiar, flavour the piece before Black reappears to introduce Scott Seiver’s on the drums who let’s loose a barrage of percussive, concussion with ferocious grooves around the kit terminating in salvo of cymbal crashes. Black declares them as “The best band in rock n roll”.
Black then asks the crowd “how do we sound” they cheer, “that’s down to Scott McCloud best in the business”, “Check, check 1-1-2-3” feedback, pops n whistles et all as Scott has his own solo moment.
“How do we look tonight” continues Black, the crowd roar a reply, “That’s down to our Lighting designer, technician, the best in the business, Brethenridge Haggerty” who gives us a light show, first by switching them all off then going through various flashings and pulses of light before the they thank Dave Hill who runs on and acts the goon in his jumpsuit and crash helmet. Black then introduces his own solo, he air guitars whilst singing “chicka-chicka-boom-boom and then drops in few lines from ‘Ramble On’ by Led Zep.” They mention a few countries they’d never been to, before wrapping the set up with more fast guitar and finally flicking pics in to the crowd before they leave the stage.
The “D-D-D-D” chanting lifts the roof off as the crowd demand more. Roadie, Lance walks on stage and tidies the reams of tape that have magically appeared during the show ,before the band reappear. The encore was inevitable after the crowd’s fervent chants for more. Black, back on stage, declares Nottingham as the best and if they don’t feel the best then they need to listen to the words of the next song. “To Be The Best” has everyone feeling invincible, as Jack Black dances around the stage killing it with this bouncing number, he asks “ does anyone want to be second best” the crowd say no and he gets them clapping along.
The next song is introduced as the hardest song to play, despite Kyles misgivings they launch into “Master Exploder” from 2106, the only one from Pick of Destiny, this duly ignites the arena with blistering guitar riffs from Konesky and thunderous applause from the crowd. John Spiker provides some blood curdling screams as the pair play to the fans. The Pick of destiny is revealed from Blacks pocket and is held in reverence. The song finishes with it held high and Blacks repeated shouts for Pyro to which nothing materialises.
Biffy Pyro, is called to the stage, responsible for flames and smoke, he receives a light hearted scolding for his mistimed pyrotechnics from Black, who accuses him of sabotage. Biffy explains about his nervousness as he is awe of the band. Black says “we’re nervous too, look at this 10,000 fans.” “When we’re nervous”, he continues, “we sing the “Spicy Meatball song,” a rollicking tune that has the crowd cheering along as the band form around the microphone and sing to the tune of Indiana Jones, about cuming in the spicey meatball sauce.
He’s duly forgiven and packed off. Black declares the last song is for all the young f..kers out there, no matter what your sexual persuasion. They finish the night with “Fuck Her Gently,” a fittingly raucous finale embraced by the crowd as they sing along to this tongue in cheek love song. This time as the song builds to its climactic ending, the stage is engulfed with pyrotechnic mayhem. Multi-directional flames, sparks, and lights flood the stage. The band finally form up amid 10,000 cheers and chants of “D-D-D-D” they soak it up then casually bow and slowly lead off in single file, hands held high as they go, providing a spectacular end to an unforgettable evening.
As the lights dim, 10,000 fans—of all ages—leave the arena with beaming smiles, having experienced a night of musical merriment and comedic genius. The solos from the sound engineer and lighting guy added a fun touch to the proceedings, underscoring the camaraderie and joy that defined the essence of Tenacious D’s “Spicy Meatball Tour.” If you get a chance to catch a Tenacious D show then make sure you do. That 90 minutes flew by, entertaining to the max and certainly worth a night out!
