Kyle Gass | |
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 Gass performing in 2023 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Kyle Richard Gass |
| Also known as |
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| Born | July 14, 1960 Walnut Creek, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1988–present |
| Member of | |
| Website | kylegass |
Kyle Richard Gass (born July 14, 1960) [1] is an American musician, singer, actor, and comedian, best known for being a founding member of Tenacious D, a Grammy-winning comedy band. [2] He is also a member of Trainwreck and the Kyle Gass Band. [3]
Kyle Richard Gass was born in Walnut Creek, California on July 14, 1960, and he has two brothers. [3] At 8 years old, he learned to play guitar and flute. Then at 28, he was working on his first television appearance with 7up. [1] He attended Las Lomas High School alongside notable alumnus Greg Williams, where he played flute in the marching band, graduating in 1978. [3] He studied acting at UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, where he met Tim Robbins. [1] In 1982, he joined Robbins' The Actors' Gang and in the early 1990s met and befriended Jack Black in the group. [4]
Gass first appeared on-screen in a 1988 7up Gold commercial, and made his film debut two years later in Brain Dead . [5]
He made a cameo appearance in the Seinfeld episode "The Abstinence" in 1996, in a 1999 episode of the television show Fear of a Punk Planet,[ citation needed ] and in a 2003 episode of Friends, "The One With The Mugging" (S9 E15), as Phoebe's street friend Lowell.[ citation needed ] He appeared in music videos for Good Charlotte's 2002 song "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous", the Foo Fighters' 1999 song "Learn to Fly", and I Prevail's 2017 song "Already Dead".[ citation needed ]
Gass has played small roles in many of Jack Black's films ( Year One , Kung Fu Panda , Shallow Hal , Saving Silverman , The Cable Guy , etc.). He starred with Jack Black in the movie Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny .
Gass appeared in Jacob's Ladder (1990), appeared as the "couch potato" in The Cable Guy (1996), and as an inept author of children's books in the comedy Elf (2003). He had a cameo role as a singing karaoke cowboy in Wild Hogs (2007). In 2008 he played the porn director in Extreme Movie , Walrus Boy in Wieners , the dirty trucker in the men's room in Sex Drive , and Decatur Doublewide in Lower Learning . [6]
In Tenacious D, Gass plays lead guitar and sings backing vocals, and also plays the role of Black's comic foil in most of their comedy routines.
While appearing on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on November 15, 2006, [7] Gass claimed to have been the youngest graduate of the Juilliard School of Music with a degree in classical guitar studies at the age of 13. Juilliard did not have a guitar program in 1973, but began its graduate level guitar program in 1989 under Sharon Isbin, and its undergraduate program in 2007. Earlier, in an article in the Sunday Times on October 29, 2006, Black stated that Gass was the youngest graduate of Juilliard. [8] On May 13, 2008, Gass was a phone-in guest on the Adam Carolla Show . When Adam Carolla asked him "... And did you go to Juilliard?" Kyle replied "I didn't. I—you know, I made that up as a joke," he continued, "and I thought it would be hilarious, and then I've been hearing about it ever since. Apologies to Juilliard." [9]
In 2017, Gass performed the song "Penelope" for Amazon Music's "Love Me Not" compilation album. [10]
In 2021, Gass announced his first solo tour "Kyle Gass Must Save the World", however it was later cancelled. [11]
Gass starred in a web show, Guitarings, with John Konesky [12] and currently hosts the Did We Do It podcast with Kevin Weisman. [13] He has appeared as a contestant on the TV game show Sale of the Century.
On July 16, 2024, Jack Black announced the cancellation of the ongoing Tenacious D Australian tour after Gass said "Don't miss Trump next time" on stage two days earlier, referencing the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Gass made the comment after being presented with a birthday cake and asked to "make a wish". [14] This also put all future creative plans for the band on hold. [15] [16] Gass apologized on social media, calling his comment "highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake". [17] He was subsequently dropped by his longtime talent agent, Michael Greene. [18] Gass deleted the apology two days later. [19]
with Tenacious D
with Trainwreck
with Kyle Gass Band
| Year | Title [20] | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Brain Dead | Anaesthetist | |
| Jacob's Ladder | Tony | ||
| 1993 | Mike the Detective | Phil | |
| 1995 | The Barefoot Executive | Joe | |
| 1996 | Bio-Dome | KG | |
| The Cable Guy | Couch Potato | ||
| 1997 | Bongwater | Guitarist | |
| 1999 | Idle Hands | Burger Jungle Guy | |
| Cradle Will Rock | Larry | ||
| 2000 | Almost Famous | Quince Allen | |
| 2001 | Saving Silverman | Bar Dude | |
| The Zeros | Reed / David | ||
| Evolution | Officer Drake | ||
| Shallow Hal | Artie | ||
| 2002 | The New Guy | Mr. Luberoff | |
| 2003 | Elf | Eugene | |
| 2006 | Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny | KG | |
| 2007 | Wild Hogs | Lead Singer | |
| Monkeys | Uncredited | ||
| 2008 | Kung Fu Panda | KG Shaw (voice) | |
| Wieners | Walrus Boy | ||
| Dead and Gone | Reverend Grass | ||
| Lower Learning | Decatur Doublewide | ||
| Sex Drive | Trucker | ||
| Extreme Movie | Director | ||
| 2009 | Year One | Zaftig the Eunuch | |
| 2010 | Barry Munday | Jerry Sherman | |
| 2011 | High Road | Winter Weirdo | |
| 2012 | Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! | Lester | |
| 2014 | Book of Fire | Sal | |
| 2015 | Circus | Circus | |
| 2017 | Gnaw (Apartment 212) | Terry |
| Year | Title [20] | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Seinfeld | Smoker | Episode: "The Abstinence" |
| 1997–2000 | Tenacious D | Himself | All |
| 1999 | Fear of a Punk Planet | Fire Marshal | |
| 2000 | Manhattan, AZ | Merv | Episode: "Lt. Colonel's Boy" |
| 2001–2002 | Undeclared | Eugene | Episode: "Eric Visits Again" and "Eric's POV" |
| 2001 | Space Ghost Coast to Coast | Himself | Episode: "Sweet for Brak" |
| 2002–2003 | Fillmore! | Mr. Collingwood (voice) | 2 episodes |
| 2003 | Friends | Lowell | Episode: "The One with the Mugging" |
| Player$ | Himself | Episode: "Tenacious D a la Mode" | |
| 2004 | Cracking Up | Naked Man | Episode: "Panic House" |
| Tom Goes to the Mayor | Trapper Kyle | Episode: "Beat Traps" | |
| 2005 | Living with Fran | Rocker Dude | Episode: "The Concerts" |
| 2006 | The Jake Effect | Ceissner | Recurring |
| 2007 | The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show | Himself | Episode: "Break Up" |
| 2011 | FCU: Fact Checkers Unit | Himself | Episode: "Excessive Gass " |
| 2012 | Femme Fatales | Willoughby Flagler | Episode: "Gun Twisted" |
| 2013 | 2 Broke Girls | Buzz | Episode: "And the Extra Work" |
| Ghost Ghirls | Hawk Olsen | Episode: "Spirits of '76: Part 1 & 2" | |
| 2014 | The Birthday Boys | John Allison | Episode: "Freshy's" |
| 2015 | Drunk History | Fred Eaton | Episode: "Los Angeles" |
| 2018 | Brooklyn Nine-Nine | Dario Moretti | Episode: "Jake & Amy" |
| Tenacious D in Post-Apocalypto | KG | ||
| 2018–2019 | Speechless | Carl | 2 episodes |
| 2022 | Hacks | Axel | Episode "The Click" |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Brütal Legend | Kage the Kannonier | Also facial likeness [21] |
| Year | Video | Role | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Learn to Fly (Foo Fighters) | Flight attendant | Roswell Records |
| 2001 | Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (Good Charlotte) | Lawyer | Epic Records |
| 2017 | Already Dead (I Prevail) | Internet troll | Fearless Records |
Tenacious D is an American comedy rock duo formed in Los Angeles in 1994 by the actors Jack Black and Kyle Gass. Their music showcases Black's theatrical vocal delivery and Gass' acoustic guitar playing. Critics have described their fusion of vulgar absurdist comedy with rock music as "mock rock". Their songs discuss the duo's purported musical and sexual prowess, their friendship and cannabis usage, in a style critics have compared with the storyteller-style lyrics of rock opera.
Thomas Jacob Black is an American actor, comedian, and musician. He is known for roles in family and comedy films, in addition to his voice work in animated films. His awards include a Children's and Family Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and nominations for three Golden Globe Awards.
"Tribute" is a song by American comedy rock duo Tenacious D, and the second single from their self-titled debut album (2001). It was released on February 11, 2002, in the United States and on June 24, 2002, in Australia. The song is a tribute to what Kyle Gass and Jack Black refer to as "The Greatest Song in the World".
The Complete Master Works is a two-DVD set by Tenacious D, documenting their gig at the Brixton Academy on November 3, 2002. The DVD also contains the band's TV series, a collection of short films, two documentaries on the band, music videos, and live TV appearances. The video was a major success, going 6× platinum in the US and 2× platinum in Australia in the Video Longform category. The disc's cover features band members Jack Black and Kyle Gass in Baroque era costume, replete with powdered wigs, a violin and harpsichord.
Trainwreck with Kyle Gass is an American southern and comedy rock band formed in Los Angeles, in 2002. It was founded by Tenacious D guitarist Kyle Gass and actor and singer JR Reed.
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny is a 2006 American musical fantasy comedy film about comedy rock duo Tenacious D. Written, produced by and starring Tenacious D members Jack Black and Kyle Gass, it is directed and co-written by musician and puppeteer Liam Lynch. Despite being about an actual band, the film is a fictitious story about the band's origins, and their journey to find a magical pick belonging to Satan that allows its users to become rock legends.
The Pick of Destiny is the second studio album and the soundtrack for the feature film of the same name by American comedy rock band Tenacious D. The album was released on November 14, 2006, through Epic Records, and debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200.
"POD" is a song by American rock band Tenacious D, featured on their 2006 second album The Pick of Destiny. Written by Jack Black and Kyle Gass, the song was released as the lead single from the album on October 30, 2006.
JR Reed is an American character actor and singer, originally from Corvallis, Oregon. He is best known for his roles as "Lee" with American rock band Tenacious D, mainly in their television series and in their 2006 film The Pick of Destiny, as well as featuring at live concerts. He would also form the band Trainwreck with Kyle Gass in 2002 alongside Tenacious D guitarist Kyle Gass, performing as the lead singer. Trainwreck broke up in 2010, though reformed in 2018. Outside of these appearances, Reed mainly features in sporadic television, web-series and film appearances, as well as in commercial work.
The Pick of Destiny Tour was a worldwide concert tour by American rock band Tenacious D. The tour was in support of the band's 2006 film, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny and its accompanying soundtrack The Pick of Destiny, released as the band's second studio album. The tour visited North America, Europe and Australia, beginning on November 11, 2006 and ending on February 21, 2007, featuring 32 shows in total. Footage from the shows at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle on February 16 and 17, 2007 were released on The Complete Master Works 2 DVD and Blu-ray in November 2008.
John S. Konesky is an American guitarist and record producer, best known for his role as the lead electric guitar player for Tenacious D.
Steven Shane McDonald is an American rock musician, best known as the bass guitarist in the Los Angeles alternative rock/power pop band Redd Kross. He is a founding member of the hardcore punk band OFF! – serving as a member from 2009 to 2021 – as well as bassist for Melvins since 2015. McDonald has appeared in numerous film projects with his older brother Jeff McDonald, including the 1984 film Desperate Teenage Lovedolls and its sequel Lovedolls Superstar; and the 1990 film Spirit of '76.
The Complete Master Works 2 is a video album by American comedy rock band Tenacious D. Released on November 4, 2008, it features footage from the band's performances at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, Washington on February 16 and 17, 2007, during The Pick of Destiny Tour. The release also features numerous bonus videos and D Tour: A Tenacious Documentary. It is the successor to the band's previous collection The Complete Master Works.
Kyle Gass Band (KGB) is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 2011. The band is fronted by Tenacious D lead guitarist Kyle Gass and vocalist and guitarist Mike Bray. The backing band consists of electric guitarist John Konesky, bassist Jason Keene, and drummer Tim Spier. The band have released two studio albums, Kyle Gass Band (2013) and Thundering Herd (2016).
Rize of the Fenix is the third studio album by American rock band Tenacious D. Produced by John Kimbrough, it was released in North America on May 15, 2012 by Columbia Records. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album at the 2013 ceremony.
Tenacious D Live is the first live album by American rock band Tenacious D. Produced by John Spiker, it was released as a worldwide vinyl on November 27, 2015 by Columbia Records and was released on digital platforms on January 15, 2016. The release features recordings from the band's 2012 Rize of the Fenix tour and their 2013 European tour. It features songs from their debut album, their Rize of the Fenix album, and their The Pick of Destiny album.
Post-Apocalypto is the fourth studio album by American rock band Tenacious D. Produced by bassist John Spiker, it was released in North America on November 2, 2018, by Columbia Records. The album features songs and audio snippets from the band’s animated web series Tenacious D in Post-Apocalypto.
Tenacious D in Post-Apocalypto is an American series of animatic shorts by Jack Black and Kyle Gass as Tenacious D, released independently through the band's YouTube channel. The soundtrack for the series was released as the band's fourth studio album, Post-Apocalypto, by Columbia Records. The stills from the series were used to create a graphic novel released by Fantagraphics Books in September 2020.
The Post-Apocalypto Tour was a concert tour by American comedy rock band Tenacious D. The tour was in support of the band's YouTube animatic series Tenacious D in Post-Apocalypto and its accompanying soundtrack album Post-Apocalypto, which were released in November 2018. The tour began on November 3, 2018 and ended on February 26, 2020. This tour surpassed the band's 2012 Rize of the Fenix Tour as the longest Tenacious D tour in October 2019 with over 1.8 million people.
The Spicy Meatball Tour was a concert tour by American comedy rock band Tenacious D The tour began on May 6, 2023 and ended on July 14, 2024 with the band playing in the United States, Europe and Australia. Whilst the tour was not supporting the release of a new studio album, it was supporting the song and music video, "Video Games", released in May 2023.
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