Live Review: Tenacious D - Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
7th May 2024
Support: Dave Hill
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
As spring finally tries to break through the grey drudgery we’ve suffered for over four months now, The Razor’s Edge team head off to Birmingham for the long anticipated Tenacious D tour. Jack Black and Kyle Gass are in town as the Spicy Meatball tour rolls into the Resorts World Arena.
Before a note has even been played, Tenacious D are already on top of their game. Merch being sold in take-away pizza boxes, and thousands of fans all walking round in bright red Spicy Meatball aprons. Whoever came up with this concept is a genius.
Opening act is Dave Hill, not the guitarist from Slade, but a comedian-cum-musician who entertained us for half an hour. A stand-up routine with a difference saw him mix comedy with music; attempt Danzig’s ‘Mother’ along with Zeppelin and Priest numbers whilst reciting the best pick up lines that would only work on Birmingham. Tailoring the material for the locale was a nice touch which really drew in an audience that may have otherwise been indifferent to his style and delivery.
The theme of music and comedy also runs through tonight’s headliners, Tenacious D. The delivery is different to the support act and of course it’s messers Black and Gass who have sold out the 17,000 seat venue this evening.
From start to finish, the dynamic duo of Jack Black and Kyle Gass delivered a performance that was nothing short of electrifying. The setlist was a carefully curated blend of old favourites and surprising delights, kicking off with the epic anthem ‘Kickapoo’ and immediately setting the tone for the evening. Tracks like ‘Low Hangin' Fruit’ and ‘Rize of the Fenix’ showcased the band's ability to seamlessly weave together catchy melodies with hilarious lyrics, keeping the audience hooked from the get-go.
Of course, no Tenacious D show would be complete without classics like ‘Tribute’ and ‘The Metal’, which had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. But it was unexpected gems like the soulful rendition of Chris Isaak's ‘Wicked Game’ that truly highlighted the duo's versatility and musical prowess.
The energy in the venue reached a fever pitch during fan-favourites like ‘Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown)’ and ‘Fuck Her Gently’, with Jack and Kyle feeding off the audience's enthusiasm and delivering performances that were nothing short of legendary.
The encore was the cherry on top of an already unforgettable evening, featuring a cover of Led Zeppelin's ‘Good Times Bad Times’ and a spine-tingling rendition of ‘Master Exploder’. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the duo closed out the show with the uproarious ‘The Spicy Meatball Song’, leaving everyone in stitches.
The show was a wild ride from start to finish, showcasing not only their musical talents but also their comedic genius. If you ever have the chance to catch them live, don't hesitate – it's an experience you won't soon forget.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
