This Los Angeles, USA-based comic rock duo, affectionately known by their fans as the D, is the creation of actors Jack Black (b. Thomas J. Black Jnr., 28 August 1969, Hermosa Beach, California, USA) and Kyle Gass (b. 14 July 1960, Walnut Creek, California, USA). The two met at acting class and decided to form their own spoof rock band, making their live debut in 1994. The duo went on to appear on several alternative comedy shows before making their film debut as Tenacious D in 1996's Bio-Dome. Guest slots on the HBO sketch show Mr. Show With Bob And David and Saturday Night Live cemented the duo's burgeoning cult popularity, and in 1999 they were awarded their own HBO series. Ultimately, this only ran for four episodes but gave a first airing for many of the duo's songs.
A series of opening slots for bands such as Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters preceded Tenacious D's own nationwide tour. Epic Records signed the duo just at the point where Black's acting career was taking off, owing to his role as acerbic record shop employee Barry in the 2000 adaptation of Nick Hornby's book, High Fidelity. Tenacious D's debut album, recorded with the Dust Brothers and Dave Grohl among others, was released the following September. An inventive blend of satirical comedy and well-recorded hard rock, the tracks included "Dio", a back-handed tribute to heavy metal icon Ronnie James Dio, and the hilariously profane "Fuck Her Gently".
In summer 2004, the duo began writing their debut film, Tenacious D In The Pick Of Destiny, which told the tale of the band's formation and their rise to rock god superstar status. Filming took place the following year, with director Liam Lynch brought on board to oversee the shoot. The film and its attendant soundtrack were released the following year.
