Tenacious D performing at The Riviera Theatre in Chicago on Nov. 14, 2018
Not all heroes wear capes. Nay, some play guitars.
On Wednesday, Nov. 14, Tenacious D converged on Chicago’s Riviera Theatre – the second of two sold-out shows – to ward off wickedness with the sheer power of rock. In the span of two hilarious, face-melting sets, Kyle Gass and Jack Black saved the world from a dystopian future before celebrating with an epic party guaranteed to rock the socks off all within earshot.
D-votees, with an energy both excited and infectious, packed every inch of the venue. Many had lined up in the cold Chicago weather for hours upon hours to secure a front row spot. As one would expect, the crowd erupted at the first sight of KG and JB who kicked things off with a multi-media presentation of their latest masterpiece, Post-Apocalypto.
Tenacious D performing at The Riviera Theatre in Chicago on Nov. 14, 2018
Alternating musical numbers and visual snippets, Tenacious D foretold of a society riddled with evil elements. The band performed veiled by a transparent screen which allowed animated stories to come to life between each song.
A lustful terminator – humanly brought to life in the tune “Robot” – helped the duo defeat a treasonous overlord (“Colors”) after they had already faced a landfill of man bones (“Making Love”) and skeptical scientists (“Take Us Into Space”). The D ultimately harnessed the power of alien technology – while wielding strong strums and burning howls – saving humanity from certain destruction. As they broke into the triumphant reprise of the “Post-Apocalypto Theme,” the screen disappeared allowing Gass and Black to step to the front of the stage as an adoring glow emanated from the audience.
“That is Post-Apocalypto,” said Black breaking the fourth wall for the first time of the night. “Now it’s time to help the crew change the set from the Post-Apocalypto set to the greatest hits set.”
Tenacious D performing at The Riviera Theatre in Chicago on Nov. 14, 2018
This proclamation was met with deafening cheers as Black and Gass proceeded to improvise a set-changing tune while the roadies worked their magic. These unsung tour heroes – who Black introduced as Sean and Lance – were honored later in the night with a special rendition of “Roadie.”
The sing-along portion of the concert began with “Rize of the Fenix” as Gass and Black strummed for their lives until concluding the opus with a synchronized bow. “Low Hangin’ Fruit” provided party sustenance before Black broke out his sax-a-boom, provoking Gass to dance in the style of the great Rerun from What’s Happening!!.
“Kickapoo” and “The Metal” highlighted the interactive second set, but The D had to dig deep and use everything in their rock arsenal to save the mortal soul of John Konesky – their touring guitarist who previously delighted as a member of the Americana-infused opening act Wynchester – during a face-melting, soul-saving performance of “Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown).”
Wynchester opening for Tenacious D performing at The Riviera Theatre in Chicago on Nov. 14, 2018Having successfully warded off Satan, Gass and Black were more than ready to defy yet another demon and fulfill their destiny with “Tribute.” The 2001 single brought everyone in the balcony to their feet while, on the floor, hands raised up in the sign of the horns to worship the rock gods on stage.
After fighting against villainous would-be overlords for the bulk of the night, Tenacious D showcased their sweet side with their closing number, the romantic song for the ladies, “F*ck Her Gently.” Check out photos from the Nov. 14 performance and head over to Tenaciousd.com to pick-up tickets to the second leg of the Post-Apocalypto tour which resumes on Dec. 9 in Calgary.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)