New Years Eve with Tenacious D in Las Vegas

By Michael Shipler Jan 1, 2023 • 10:37 am PST

Tenacious D, the dynamic duo of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, delivered an unforgettable New Year's Eve concert at The Theater At Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. The night was filled with energy, humor, and an impressive showcase of the band's rare cuts, made possible by the much-anticipated "Wheel Of D."

Kicking off the show with a bang, Tenacious D launched into "The Metal" from their iconic album "The Pick Of Destiny." The crowd roared with excitement as Jack Black and Kyle Gass commanded the stage. They continued their set with the heartfelt tribute to Ronnie James Dio, aptly titled "Dio," followed by the catchy "Low Hangin' Fruit" from "Rize Of The Fenix."

Tenacious D delighted the audience with an array of cover songs, showcasing their versatility and paying homage to legendary artists. They rocked Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak," infusing it with their unique flair. The crowd was on their feet as they belted out Elvis Presley's Vegas anthem, "Viva Las Vegas," and put their own twist on Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual." The band also paid tribute to Black Sabbath with a rousing rendition of "War Pigs."

The highlight of the night was when KG and JB playfully engaged in a saxophone battle, each showcasing their skills on the "Sax-A-Boom" and "Max-A-Boom" respectively. Kyle's rendition of "Baker Street" on his "Max-A-Boom" impressed the crowd, much to Jack's feigned dismay. The duo then took a break as they humorously "fought" over the performance, with Kyle briefly leaving the stage. Jack Black continued the show, wowing the audience with heartfelt renditions of "Dude, I Totally Miss You" and "Kyle Quit The Band," which saw Kyle's triumphant return.

Returning to their own hits, Tenacious D played crowd favorites such as "Friendship" and the spicy "Kielbasa." During these songs, Jack Black invited a lucky fan onto the stage to spin the Wheel Of D, adding an element of surprise to the evening. As the countdown clock displayed on the side screens reminded everyone of the approaching midnight, Tenacious D delved into deep tracks like "Malibu Nights" and altered the lyrics of "39" from "Rize Of The Fenix" to "49," commemorating the ten-year journey since its creation.

As the clock struck midnight, the band joyfully led the crowd in a rendition of "Auld Lang Syne," embracing the celebratory spirit of the occasion. They then tore into the classics that have become synonymous with Tenacious D, including the crowd-pleasing "Tribute," the epic saga of "Kickapoo," the devilish "Beelzeboss," and the irresistibly catchy "Double Team." The encore served as the perfect finale to the night, with an uproarious performance of "Fuck Her Gently" that left the crowd cheering for more.

Tenacious D's New Year's Eve concert in Las Vegas was an absolute triumph. Jack Black and Kyle Gass demonstrated their undeniable talent and showmanship, captivating the audience with their infectious energy and comedic banter. The diverse setlist, featuring their own hits and well-chosen covers, ensured there was something for every fan to enjoy. This memorable night of rock and comedy left no doubt that Tenacious D continues to reign supreme as the ultimate comedic rock duo.