In a thrilling surprise for fans, Dave Grohl took the stage at a Foo Fighters concert in Denver and delivered an unexpected cover of Tenacious D’s iconic song “Tribute.” This memorable moment unfolded during the acoustic segment of the show at Empower Field on August 3, where Grohl paid homage to his long-time friends and collaborators, Jack Black and Kyle Gass.
With a playful grin, Grohl quipped, “I only played the drums on that song,” as he recalled his contribution to the original track. This light-hearted comment resonated with the audience, who were well aware of Grohl’s deeper connection to Tenacious D.
While Grohl is known primarily as the frontman of the Foo Fighters, his involvement with Tenacious D extends far beyond just playing drums. He has been a significant part of the band’s journey, contributing to all of their albums and famously portraying Satan in both the “Tribute” music video and the 2006 film, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny. His devilish antics have become a cherished aspect of the band’s lore.
The timing of Grohl’s performance was particularly poignant, as it came shortly after Tenacious D faced backlash over a controversial comment made during a show in Sydney on July 14. During that performance, when Jack Black asked Kyle Gass for his birthday wish, Gass responded with a remark referencing a failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. This comment sparked significant outrage, leading to calls for the band’s deportation from Australia and a stern message from the Australian Prime Minister urging them to “grow up.”
In the wake of the controversy, Tenacious D made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of their tour and announced that “all future creative plans are on hold.” Jack Black later released a statement distancing himself from Gass’s comments, expressing that he was “blindsided” by his bandmate’s words. He emphasized his stance against hate speech and political violence, further announcing the cancellation of the tour on his Instagram account.
Meanwhile, Kyle Gass faced professional repercussions as well, reportedly being dropped by his agent due to the fallout from the incident. Amidst this turmoil, Grohl’s Denver performance served as a light-hearted gesture of support for his friends, reminding fans of the camaraderie that exists within the music community.
“Tribute,” which was released in 2002, marked a significant milestone for Tenacious D, becoming their breakthrough hit. The song reached No. 4 on the U.K. Singles Chart and peaked at No. 84 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. The accompanying music video, featuring Grohl as the devil, has garnered over 124 million views on YouTube, solidifying its place in rock history.
Grohl’s surprise cover not only delighted fans in attendance but also highlighted the enduring friendship and mutual respect between him and the members of Tenacious D. As the Foo Fighters continue to tour and create music, Grohl’s tribute serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, even in challenging times.
In a world where controversies can overshadow artistic achievements, Grohl’s performance stands as a testament to the bonds forged through creativity and collaboration. It’s moments like these that remind fans why they fell in love with rock music in the first place.
As the concert concluded, the energy in the arena was palpable, with fans buzzing about the unexpected tribute. Grohl’s ability to connect with his audience, combined with his playful nod to Tenacious D, left a lasting impression on everyone present.
In the end, Grohl’s surprise cover of “Tribute” was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of friendship, creativity, and the resilience of artists in the face of adversity. As the music industry continues to navigate its complexities, moments like these shine a light on the joy that music can bring to our lives.
Source: Various News Outlets
