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Kyle Gass
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Kyle Gass
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Key Information

Kyle Richard Gass (born July 14, 1960)[1] is an American musician and actor, best known for being a member of Tenacious D, a Grammy-winning comedy band.[2] He is also a member of Trainwreck and the Kyle Gass Band.[3]

Early life

[edit]
Gass with the Kyle Gass Band at the Zelt-Musik-Festival 2017 in Freiburg, Germany

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 8, he was working on his first television appearance: an ad for 7UP.[1] He attended Las Lomas High School, where he played flute in the marching band and graduated 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]

Career

[edit]

Acting

[edit]

Gass first appeared on-screen in a 1988 7-Up Gold commercial, and made his film debut two years later in Brain Dead.[5]

He made a cameo appearance in the film Bio-Dome alongside Jack Black, 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] In 2017, Gass won the Filmquest award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Apartment 212.[6]

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.[7]

Music

[edit]
Further information: Tenacious D, Kyle Gass Band, and Trainwreck with Kyle Gass

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,[8] 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.[9] 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."[10]

In 2017, Gass performed the song "Penelope" for Amazon Music's "Love Me Not" compilation album.[11]

In 2021, Gass announced his first solo tour "Kyle Gass Must Save the World," however it was later cancelled.[12]

Controversy

[edit]

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 in Pennsylvania. Gass made the comment after being presented with a birthday cake for his 64th birthday and was asked by Black to "make a wish".[13] This also put all future creative plans for the band on hold.[14][15] Gass apologized on social media, calling his comment "Highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake," that he did not condone violence "of any kind, in any form, against anyone," and described the shooting as a "tragedy."[16] He was subsequently dropped by his longtime talent agent, Michael Greene.[17] Gass deleted the apology two days later.[18]

Other media

[edit]

Gass starred in a web show, Guitarings, with John Konesky[19] and currently hosts the Did We Do It podcast with Kevin Weisman.[20] He has appeared as a contestant on the TV game show Sale of the Century.

Discography

[edit]
For his work with Tenacious D, see Tenacious D discography.

with Tenacious D

with Trainwreck

  • The Wreckoning (2009)

with Kyle Gass Band

  • Kyle Gass Band (2013)
  • Thundering Herd (2016)

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title[21] 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
2024 Dear Santa Liam's Science Teacher

Television

[edit]
Year Title[21] Role Notes
1996 Seinfeld Smoker Episode: "The Abstinence"
1997–2000 Tenacious D KG 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
2002, 2006 Saturday Night Live Himself 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"

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2009 Brütal Legend Kage the Kannonier Also facial likeness[22]

Music videos

[edit]
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

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kyle Gass

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kyle Richard Gass (born July 14, 1960) is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor best known as the co-founder and rhythm guitarist of the comedy rock duo Tenacious D, alongside Jack Black. Gass, who began playing guitar at age eight, formed Tenacious D in 1994 after meeting Black through the theater troupe The Actors' Gang, blending satirical lyrics with acoustic rock to build a cult following that culminated in their self-titled debut album's platinum certification in 2001. The duo's subsequent releases, including the soundtrack for their 2006 film Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny, and their 2012 album Rize of the Fenix, earned critical and commercial acclaim, highlighted by a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for their cover of "The Last in Line" in 2015. Gass has pursued solo endeavors, such as leading the Kyle Gass Band and the group Trainwreck, while appearing in supporting roles in films like Elf (2003) and contributing to Jack Black's projects. In July 2024, during a Sydney concert, Gass made an onstage remark wishing that the shooter in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump "doesn't miss next time," prompting widespread backlash, the cancellation of Tenacious D's tour by Jack Black, Gass's parting with his talent agent, and a public apology from Gass describing the comment as "highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake."

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Kyle Richard Gass was born on July 14, 1960, in , a suburb in the . He grew up in a tight-knit suburban environment with his parents, John Gass, a fireman, and Carol Gass, a , alongside two brothers, Michael and Mitchel. Gass's father played a key role in his early exposure to music, introducing him to local guitarist Steve Hrobuchak from the late 1960s and early 1970s scene, which sparked his interest; by age eight, Gass had begun self-teaching instruments including , , and , drawing influences from artists such as , , and Led Zeppelin. His childhood included challenges such as related to premature balding and being overweight, though his parents remained supportive, later funding his rent upon relocating to in pursuit of performance opportunities.

Formal training in music and acting

Gass began learning to play the guitar and flute at the age of eight, developing foundational skills in both instruments during his childhood. At Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek, California, he participated in the marching band as a flutist, contributing to ensemble performance experience before graduating in 1978. In pursuit of acting, Gass enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film and Television, where he received formal training in dramatic arts and first encountered future collaborator Tim Robbins. Following his studies, he joined The Actors' Gang theater troupe in 1982, applying his education to experimental and improvisational performance work under Robbins' leadership. No records indicate a degree completion at UCLA, but the program's structured curriculum provided Gass with professional-level preparation for stage and screen roles.

Career formation

Initial acting pursuits

Following his formal training at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, Gass joined ' experimental theater troupe in 1982, where he performed in stage productions and served as house musician for over a decade. His involvement with the group marked his entry into professional theater in , contributing to ensemble works that emphasized innovative, socially relevant performances. Gass's initial screen work came in 1988 with a national television commercial for 7 Up Gold, in which he portrayed a driver in a promotional spot for the short-lived cinnamon-flavored soda variant. He described this as his first professional acting job. Transitioning to film, Gass debuted in 1990 with a supporting role in the low-budget horror thriller Brain Dead, directed by . That same year, he appeared in Adrian Lyne's Jacob's Ladder as Tony, a minor character in the ensemble. These early roles were small and often uncredited in larger productions, reflecting his nascent efforts to break into Hollywood while balancing theater commitments. In the early 1990s, Gass secured cameo appearances on television, including a bit part in an episode of Seinfeld, further establishing his presence in comedy-oriented media before shifting focus toward musical collaborations.

Entry into comedy and music scenes

Gass joined The Actors' Gang, an experimental theater company founded by Tim Robbins in Los Angeles, during the 1980s, marking his entry into the local comedy and performance scenes through improvisational and satirical productions. There, he collaborated with emerging performers, including Jack Black, whom he met around the mid-1980s, and participated in shows blending theater, music, and humor, such as writing original songs for ensemble pieces. These experiences honed his skills in comedic timing and musical accompaniment, establishing him as a fixture in Los Angeles' underground arts community. In parallel, Gass immersed himself in the music scene by leveraging his classical training on and guitar, performing in informal settings and contributing to the troupe's acts that incorporated live . By the early , he and Black had begun experimenting with acoustic rock-comedy routines outside formal theater, drawing from influences like folk and to develop material that foreshadowed their later duo work. This period solidified Gass's dual footing in comedy circuits and open-mic music venues, where he gained recognition for his satirical lyrics and guitar prowess amid the city's vibrant alternative entertainment landscape.

Tenacious D involvement

Partnership with Jack Black

Kyle Gass and Jack Black met in the mid-1980s through the Actors' Gang theater troupe in Los Angeles, where Gass worked as the house musician and Black pursued acting roles. Their initial collaboration involved songwriting for troupe productions, evolving from a discarded serious composition into the comedic track "Tribute," inspired by Metallica's "One." In 1994, Gass and formed the duo , starting with acoustic sets at nights in . Their debut performance occurred at Al's Bar, a venue, where an audience vote named the act "" after a term for persistent defense observed during Lakers games. The duo's partnership centers on Black's lead vocals and energetic stage presence paired with Gass's , harmonies, and lute-like proficiency, delivering satirical takes on and heavy metal tropes through hyperbolic narratives and harmonies. This dynamic, described by Black as an immediate "click" rooted in mutual humor and musical synergy, sustained underground performances for seven years before broader recognition.

Key albums, tours, and commercial success

Tenacious D's self-titled debut album, released on September 25, 2001, by Epic Records, peaked at number 33 on the Billboard 200 chart and remained on the chart for 43 weeks. The album achieved platinum certification from the RIAA, signifying over one million units sold in the United States. Its lead single, "Tribute," contributed to the album's breakthrough, later earning platinum certification in the United Kingdom for over 600,000 equivalent units. The band's second studio album, (2006), served as the soundtrack to their of the same name and received gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units sold domestically. Released amid the film's theatrical run, it marked a pivot toward integration but underperformed commercially compared to the debut, with limited chart longevity. Subsequent releases, including (2012), debuted strongly in building charts at number 3 on the predictor but peaked lower overall, reflecting sustained but niche fan support. (2018), an independently released concept album, achieved moderate streaming success without major certifications, emphasizing the duo's shift to self-production. Overall, has sold more than 2.37 million albums worldwide, with approximately 1.42 million in the United States.
AlbumRelease DatePeak Billboard 200 PositionRIAA Certification
September 25, 200133Platinum
November 14, 2006N/A (soundtrack chart focus)Gold
May 15, 2012~50 (building No. 3)None reported
November 2, 2018N/A (independent release)None reported
Tours supporting these albums have bolstered commercial viability, with the post-Pick of Destiny outings filling major arenas like , demonstrating strong live draw despite the film's box office shortfall of $13.4 million against a $20 million . The Tour (2012) and Tour (2018–2019) expanded international reach, including European and Australian dates, while the Spicy Meatball Tour (2021–2022) celebrated the debut album's 20th anniversary with extended legs into 2022. Earlier efforts, such as the 2002 Extensive Detour Tour, built grassroots momentum leading to video release The Complete Master Works (2003), certified six times platinum by the RIAA for over 600,000 DVD units. These live performances, often featuring elaborate staging and guest appearances, have sustained revenue streams through ticket sales and merchandise, though specific gross figures remain undisclosed in . Recent tours, like the 2024 Rock D Vote Tour, faced interruptions but underscore ongoing viability prior to external controversies.

Awards, nominations, and critical reception

Tenacious D received one Grammy Award: Best Metal Performance for their cover of 's "," featured on the 2014 tribute album Ronnie James Dio – This Is Your Life, at the on February 8, 2015. The track outperformed nominees including Slipknot's "," Mastodon's "High Road," Motörhead's "Heartbreaker," and Anthrax's "Taser." This marked the duo's sole Grammy win, though they earned two nominations overall, including Best Comedy Album for Rize of the Fenix at the in 2013. The band's 2006 film Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny garnered a 53% approval rating on based on 124 reviews, with the critics' consensus noting that "Tenacious D fans will find this movie hilarious; everybody else will see only a low-brow concept movie and a small assembly of cameos." Despite its underperformance, grossing $23.4 million against a $20 million budget, the film developed a for its satirical portrayal of rock stardom and musical sequences. Their self-titled debut album was retrospectively praised for blending acoustic folk with heavy metal , capturing an "inside secret" appeal among music insiders before mainstream breakthrough. Later works like (2018) received more muted responses, often critiqued for lacking the originality of earlier efforts when compared to core discography. Overall, 's output has been lauded by supporters for technical proficiency and comedic timing in the genre, though dismissed by some as novelty acts prioritizing humor over musical depth.

Solo and collaborative works

Independent music projects

Kyle Gass formed the and comedy band Trainwreck in in 2002, serving as a key member on alongside vocalist JR Reed and guitarist John Konesky. The group performed live sets featuring original songs and covers, such as Jerry Reed's "," as documented in recordings from events like 2020. Trainwreck's music emphasized and humorous themes, with tracks available on streaming platforms indicating a body of recorded work developed over years of activity. In 2011, Gass established the Kyle Gass Band (KGB), a rock outfit where he handles lead vocals and guitar, backed by Mike Bray on guitar and vocals, John Konesky on guitar, and additional members including "Uncle Jazz" and percussionist Tim Spier. The band released its self-titled debut album in 2013, followed by Thundering Herd in September 2016, both showcasing Gass's songwriting in a style distinct from Tenacious D's comedic focus. These efforts highlighted Gass's versatility, with live performances emphasizing energetic rock delivery. An acoustic extension, The Kyle Gass Company, emerged in fall 2019 as a trio comprising Gass, Bray, and Konesky, adapting material alongside covers from artists like and . The project prioritized intimate, stripped-down arrangements, with tours scheduled through and the in May 2025 demonstrating ongoing commitment. This format allowed Gass to explore unplugged interpretations of his compositions and select influences.

Acting roles outside Tenacious D

Gass debuted in film with a minor role in the psychological horror , released on November 2, 1990. He later appeared in comedies such as (1996), playing a couch potato character. Throughout the early 2000s, Gass frequently collaborated with in supporting capacities, including as Bar Dude in (2001), a role in (2001), and Eugene—an inept children's book author—in (2003), where he pitched ideas like "a tribe of asparagus children" self-conscious about their urine odor. Additional credits from this period encompass (2001) and the voice of KG Shaw in the animated (2008). Further film roles include the lead singer of a biker band in (2007) and a part in (2009), continuing his association with . Gass has also made television appearances, notably as Lowell—a former mugger and acquaintance of —in the Friends episode "The One with the Mugging" (season 9, episode 15, aired February 22, 2003). More recent work features guest spots in Speechless (2016) and Hacks (2021), alongside a role in the film Dear Santa (2024).

Other media contributions

Gass has made numerous guest appearances on late-night talk shows, often alongside Jack Black to promote Tenacious D projects, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Conan, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. In radio and podcast media, Gass participated as a contestant on NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! in episodes aired May 18, 2012, and March 1, 2014, playing the "Not My Job" quiz segment focused on unrelated trivia topics like Pat Boone. He has guested on improv comedy podcast Comedy Bang! Bang!, both solo with his band Trainwreck and with Tenacious D, contributing to sketch-based discussions and segments. Gass co-hosts the podcast Kyle and Kevin: Did We Do It? with actor Kevin Weisman, featuring conversations on music, acting, and personal anecdotes with celebrity guests. Gass provided voice work for animated projects and video games outside major film roles, including KG Shaw in (2008), Kage the Kannonier in (2009 video game), and characters in (2004 TV series). Early in his career, he appeared in a 1988 commercial for 7 Up Gold. He served as a drunken narrator in the Drunk History episode "Los Angeles" (Season 3, Episode 9, 2015), recounting historical events with comedic reenactments. In 2017, Gass and Black appeared on (Season 7, Episode 2), enduring spicy wings while discussing their career.

Controversies

2024 Trump assassination attempt remark

During a concert on July 14, 2024, in , , Kyle Gass referenced the assassination attempt on former U.S. President , which had taken place the previous day at a campaign rally in , where Trump was wounded in the ear by a bullet fired by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. The remark occurred onstage during Gass's 64th birthday celebration, as presented him with a cake and prompted him to make a wish. Gass responded, "Don’t miss Trump next time," a comment interpreted as wishing the shooter greater accuracy in targeting Trump. Video footage of the moment, recorded by audience members, circulated rapidly on platforms, amplifying the statement's visibility.

Professional repercussions and public reactions

Following Kyle Gass's onstage remark on July 14, 2024, during a concert in , —where he quipped "Don't miss Trump next time" in reference to the assassination attempt on the previous day— announced the cancellation of the band's remaining world tour dates on July 16, 2024, stating he was "blindsided" by the comment and that it was "highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake." Black further declared that "all future creative plans" for were on indefinite hold, effectively placing the duo in hiatus. Gass's , of Greene Talent, and , also severed ties with him shortly thereafter, citing the remark as the reason. Gass issued a public apology on on July 16, 2024, describing the joke as "not funny, not appropriate, and, as you might imagine, not possible to defend," though he deleted the post by July 19, 2024. Public backlash was swift and intense, with widespread condemnation across and from political figures, including Australian Senator Ralph Babet, who demanded Gass's and visa revocation, labeling the comment as incitement to violence. Jordan Van den Hollander, a Australian state senator, echoed calls for Gass to be barred from returning to . Conservative commentators and fans accused of promoting , leading to petitions and campaigns against Black's solo projects, though Black defended his prior support for the band while condemning the remark. Supporters of Gass, including some free speech advocates, argued the backlash exemplified overreach in cancellation, but these voices were outnumbered by critics who viewed the joke as crossing into endorsement of harm against a political figure. By August 7, 2024, indicated optimism for 's return, telling fans via that the band would "be back" but that reconciliation required time, signaling no permanent dissolution but ongoing strain from the incident. No new performances or releases have occurred as of October 2025, with Gass pursuing limited solo activities amid the fallout.

Legacy and impact

Contributions to comedy rock genre

Kyle Gass co-founded in 1994 alongside , establishing the duo as a pioneering force in by fusing theatrical , exaggerated rock posturing, and acoustic instrumentation to heavy metal conventions. In this act, Gass serves as lead guitarist and , delivering riff-heavy acoustic patterns that underpin the band's hyperbolic song structures, such as the epic harmonies and mock-heroic narratives in tracks like "" from their 2001 self-titled debut . This , certified by 2005, solidified Tenacious D's status as a benchmark through Gass's contributions to its raw, garage-revived sound that countered nu-metal trends with self-aware absurdity. Gass's guitar work emphasizes comedic timing and mimicry of licks, often delivered in live routines where he acts as Black's straight-man foil, enhancing the duo's vaudeville-style banter and skits that integrate with . His technical proficiency, honed from classical and session work, allows for precise emulation of heavy riffs on unamplified guitars, as seen in performances supporting albums like (2006), which extended their parody into mock origin myths involving mythical artifacts. This approach influenced by prioritizing lyrical wit and performative excess over conventional genre seriousness, with Gass's instrumental restraint providing contrast to Black's bombast. Through Tenacious D's Grammy-winning output, including the 2018 Best Metal for "," Gass helped legitimize comedy as a viable rock subgenre, demonstrating its commercial viability with over 1.5 million albums sold by 2021. His side efforts, like the formed in 2012, occasionally incorporate humorous elements but primarily explore blues-rock, underscoring his core impact via the duo's unapologetic blend of skill and silliness that revived interest in satirical music .

Broader cultural influence and critiques

Tenacious D's integration of Gass's proficient guitar work with satirical narratives has influenced the subgenre by demonstrating how technical musicianship can underpin absurd humor, distinguishing it from contemporaneous and acts that prioritized aggression over parody. This approach, evident in tracks like "" from their 2001 self-titled debut—which peaked at number 33 on the and achieved status—highlighted rock's historical tropes, fostering a revival of ironic appreciation for classic influences such as Led Zeppelin and among younger audiences. Gass's role as the band's musical anchor and straight-man foil has extended to shaping perceptions of collaborative comedy in performance, where his grounded persona contrasts Black's bombast to underscore themes of delusion and camaraderie in artistic pursuit. This dynamic has permeated fan culture, inspiring amateur covers and theatrical homages that mimic their over-the-top quests for greatness, as seen in the enduring popularity of their 2006 film Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, which grossed over $27 million worldwide despite mixed reviews. Critiques of Gass's contributions often center on the duo's stylistic consistency, with some observers arguing that their persistent focus on and sexual exaggeration—hallmarks since their 1990s sketches—limits broader artistic evolution, rendering the material juvenile rather than incisively subversive. Solo endeavors, such as the Kyle Gass Band's Thundering Herd (2016), have drawn similar assessments for straddling and without fully committing, resulting in a "confused" output that dilutes both elements' potential impact. Recent projects like Kyle Gass Company (2024) fare better in reviews for blending laughs with accessible acoustic riffs, yet still evoke debates over whether such work prioritizes entertainment over depth.

Discography

Tenacious D releases

Tenacious D released their self-titled debut studio album on September 25, 2001, through . The album, produced by the , included contributions from on drums for tracks such as "Tribute" and "Wonderboy," and peaked at number 33 on the chart. The band's second album, , serving as the soundtrack to their 2006 feature film of the same name, was issued on November 14, 2006, also by . It debuted at number 8 on the and featured guest appearances by and . Rize of the Fenix, their third studio album, came out on May 15, 2012, via . Produced by John Kimbrough, it marked a return after a six-year hiatus and debuted at number 4 on the . The fourth studio album, , was released on November 2, 2018, by , accompanying an animated of the same title. Produced by John Spiker, it included 21 tracks blending original songs with series audio snippets and entered the at number 119.
TitleRelease DateLabelType
Tenacious DSeptember 25, 2001Epic RecordsStudio album
The Pick of DestinyNovember 14, 2006Epic RecordsSoundtrack album
Rize of the FenixMay 15, 2012Columbia RecordsStudio album
Post-ApocalyptoNovember 2, 2018Columbia RecordsStudio album

Solo and side projects

Gass has fronted multiple side projects emphasizing rock and comedy elements, distinct from his Tenacious D collaborations. These include the band Trainwreck, formed in the early 2000s with Gass contributing guitar and vocals alongside lead vocalist Darryl Lee. Trainwreck issued a single titled "2 Tracks" in 2003, followed by the live album Trainwreck Live on Sony/Epic in 2004, a five-track EP in 2006, and their debut studio album Trainwreck, a 15-track release premiered on December 2, 2009, at The Roxy in Los Angeles. The group disbanded in 2010 but reformed in 2018 for further performances, including international tours in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. In 2011, Gass assembled the Kyle Gass Band (KGB), where he serves as lead vocalist and guitarist, supported by John Konesky on guitar, Mike Bray on guitar and vocals, "Uncle Jazz" on bass, and Tim Spier on drums since mid-2014. The ensemble released their self-titled debut album in July 2013 via independent label Space Horse Records, with a European edition by in April 2015. Their follow-up, Thundering Herd, arrived in September 2016. The band has issued two singles and maintains an active touring schedule focused on high-energy rock performances. An acoustic offshoot, The Kyle Gass Company, emerged in fall 2019 as a trio comprising Gass, Konesky, and Bray, interpreting songs alongside covers of artists like and . This project has conducted live shows, including European tours, with a "Three Man Job" itinerary announced for May 2025 across , the UK, and . No standalone solo albums by Gass have been released.

Filmography

Feature films

Gass began appearing in feature films in the mid-1990s, often in minor comedic roles that leveraged his distinctive appearance and musical talents. His collaborations with Jack Black frequently extended to cinema, including shared projects from the Farrelly brothers and other comedy ensembles.
YearTitleRole
1996The Cable GuyCouch Potato
1999Cradle Will RockLarry
2001Saving SilvermanBar Dude
2001EvolutionOfficer Drake
2001Shallow HalArtie
2003ElfEugene
2006Tenacious D in the Pick of DestinyKG (also co-writer)
2007Wild HogsKaraoke singer
2008Kung Fu PandaKG Shaw (voice)
2009Year OneZaftig the Eunuch
These roles typically featured Gass in eccentric or humorous supporting capacities, aligning with his persona from . Later indie projects include High Road (2012) as Winter Wierdo and smaller parts in films like Book of Fire (2015).

Television and voice work

Gass co-starred with in the pilot Tenacious D, which aired on August 20, 1997, and featured original musical performances by the duo. The single-episode special showcased their comedic rock style but did not lead to a full series at the time. In live-action guest roles, Gass appeared as a mugger in the Friends episode "The One with the Mugging," which originally aired on February 6, 2003. He later portrayed Carl, the quirky brother of the family's aide, in three episodes of the ABC sitcom Speechless between 2016 and 2018. Gass also guest-starred as Axel in the season 2 episode "The Click" of the Max comedy series Hacks, which premiered on May 26, 2022. For voice work, Gass provided the voice of Mr. Collingwood, a school administrator, in an episode of the Disney animated series Fillmore!, which aired in 2002. He voiced Trapper Kyle in the series in 2004. Additionally, Gass reprised his role as KG alongside Black's JB in the animated web series , a seven-part mini-series released between November 2018 and January 2019.

Video games and other appearances

Gass voiced the character Kage the Kannonier, a heavy artillery specialist allied with the protagonist in the Brütal Legend, developed by and published by . The game, featuring a heavy metal aesthetic and elements, was released on October 13, 2009, initially for and , with a PC port following in February 2013. Kage's design and performance draw directly from Gass's likeness and his role in , integrating seamlessly with the game's rock-themed narrative and voice cast including bandmate as the lead Eddie Riggs. No other video game credits for Gass have been documented in major production records. Beyond gaming, Gass co-starred in the Guitarings (2010–2012), a comedic review show with guitarist John Konesky evaluating novelty guitars, and co-hosts the Did We Do It? (launched 2020) with actor , discussing career milestones and anecdotes.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0309307/bio/
  2. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/22297-kyle-gass?language=en-US
  3. https://warnerbros.fandom.com/wiki/Kyle_Gass
  4. https://www.grammy.com/artists/kyle-gass/13343
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0309307/
  6. http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2013/kyle-gass-of-tenacious-d-and-kyle-gass-band-interview/
  7. https://variety.com/2024/music/news/kyle-gass-apologizes-trump-assassination-tenacious-d-1236073585/
  8. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tenacious-d-kyle-gass-parts-agent-trump-joke-controversy-1235061561/
  9. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0dmx4p4m0lo
  10. https://www.last.fm/music/Kyle%2BGass/%2Bwiki
  11. https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/tenacious-d
  12. https://www.musicinminnesota.com/kyle-gasss-net-worth/
  13. https://tv.apple.com/us/person/kyle-gass/umc.cpc.28928jvcjzfoofkoshd12pjnz
  14. https://www.universallifechurchministers.org/celebrities/kyle-gass
  15. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/who-is-kyle-gass-meet-jack-blacks-friend-who-made-crude-trump-assassination-joke/articleshow/111866003.cms
  16. https://www.warnerbros.fandom.com/wiki/Kyle_Gass
  17. https://theactorsgang.com/milestones
  18. https://bandwagmag.com/2014/11/the-tenacity-of-kyle-gass-kgb-hits-greeley/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0309307/trivia/
  20. https://www.loudersound.com/features/life-s-a-gass
  21. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/how-jack-black-kyle-gass-form-tenacious-d/
  22. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/tenacious-d-hbo-show/
  23. https://www.npr.org/2012/05/19/153002667/gass-and-black-of-tenacious-d-play-not-my-job
  24. https://www.aspentimes.com/entertainment/activities-events/kyle-gass-beyond-the-d/
  25. https://www.classicrockhistory.com/complete-list-of-tenacious-d-band-members/
  26. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tenacious-d-jack-black-kyle-gass-interview-anniversary-1231173/
  27. https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/the-fake-but-true-story-of-tenacious-d/
  28. https://top40-charts.com/artist.php?aid=2564
  29. https://americansongwriter.com/tenacious-d-announces-additional-2022-tour-dates/
  30. https://www.loudersound.com/news/tenacious-ds-classic-track-tribute-is-now-certified-platinum-in-the-uk
  31. https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Music-Review-Tenacious-D-Rize-of-the-Fenix-3485685.php
  32. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tenacious-d-glee-and-garbage-headed-for-high-billboard-200-debuts-488007/
  33. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/12801
  34. https://nypost.com/2024/06/27/ticket-sales/tenacious-d-tour-2024-where-to-buy-tickets-schedule-dates/
  35. https://www.grammy.com/artists/tenacious-d/16381
  36. https://loudwire.com/2015-grammys-tenacious-d-best-metal-performance-award-dio-last-in-line/
  37. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tenacious_d_in_the_pick_of_destiny
  38. https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/may/09/tenacious-d-review-jack-black-ao-arena-manchester
  39. https://www.stereogum.com/2161666/tenacious-d-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/
  40. https://willnotfade.com/2025/07/13/tenacious-d-post-apocalypto-album-review/
  41. https://kylegass.com/trainwreck
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdhymH2uZnk
  43. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ljKG9D5Tnw6n3yu5YIbbV
  44. https://kylegass.com/band
  45. https://genius.com/artists/Kyle-gass-band/albums
  46. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uF985PW9jWIQyShM5fl1d
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4nxu7ihW_U
  48. https://www.facebook.com/tenacious/posts/the-kyle-gass-company-three-man-job-european-and-uk-tour-2025-coming-to-you-in-m/1180287750134714/
  49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY-vuhgwyjk
  50. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/22297-kyle-gass
  51. https://www.fandango.com/people/kyle-gass-230868/film-credits
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319343/characters/nm0309307/
  53. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/kyle_gass
  54. https://www.amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Kyle-Gass/amzn1.dv.gti.f08ae17b-fbdb-4066-b38e-6cbd040b0fed
  55. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/kyle-gass/credits/3030422320/
  56. https://www.npr.org/2014/03/01/283529461/tenacious-d
  57. https://comedybangbang.fandom.com/wiki/Kyle_Gass
  58. https://bleav.com/shows/kyle-and-kevin-did-we-do-it/
  59. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Kyle-Gass/
  60. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tenacious-d-cancels-tour-criticized-joke-trump-assassination-attempt-rcna162092
  61. https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/jack-black-apologizes-calls-off-tour-after-tenacious/story?id=111986374
  62. https://www.theguardian.com/culture/article/2024/aug/08/jack-black-says-tenacious-d-will-return-after-trump-joke-controversy
  63. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2024/jul/16/tenacious-ds-kyle-gass-makes-trump-assassination-joke-at-sydney-concert-video
  64. https://variety.com/2024/music/news/jack-black-tenacious-d-be-back-tour-cancellation-kyle-gass-trump-1236098171/
  65. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tenacious-d-kyle-gass-deletes-trump-apology-1235734910/
  66. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-17/tenacious-d-trump-joke-jack-black-kyle-gass-politics-tour-cancel/104108176
  67. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tenacious-d-cancel-tour-jack-black-kyle-gass-donald-trump-joke-1235061226/
  68. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/08/07/jack-black-tenacious-d-kyle-gass-future/74700812007/
  69. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/jack-black-reveals-d-tenacious-070000208.html
  70. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kyle-gass-tenacious-d-jack-black-guest-column-6091821/
  71. https://www.theringer.com/2021/09/23/music/tenacious-d-self-titled-debut-anniversary-jack-black-kyle-gass
  72. https://www.loudersound.com/features/hostile-tool-crowds-demonic-dave-grohl-pirvate-jet-with-slash-angry-lemmy-how-tenacious-d-became-the-most-successful-comedy-metal-band
  73. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/04/arts/music/04tena.html
  74. https://www.punkrocktheory.com/music_reviews/kyle-gass-band-thundering-herd
  75. https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/2061853/Kyle-Gass-Company-review-Tenacious-D
  76. https://www.ultimateclassicrock.com/dave-grohl-neil-diamond-tenacious-d/
  77. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/185/tenacious-d/
  78. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-pick-of-destiny-mw0000563033
  79. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/tenacious-d-rize-of-the-fenix/
  80. https://tenaciousd.shop/products/post-apocalypto-cd
  81. https://www.discogs.com/artist/10927763-Trainwreck-with-Kyle-Gass
  82. https://www.discogs.com/artist/3767131-Kyle-Gass-Band
  83. https://kylegass.com/
  84. https://www.discogs.com/artist/501997-Kyle-Gass
  85. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115798/
  86. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319343/
  87. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365830/
  88. https://movieweb.com/exclusive-kyle-gass-sings-it-up-in-wild-hogs/
  89. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Kung-Fu-Panda/KG-Shaw/
  90. https://www.tvmaze.com/people/26877/kyle-gass
  91. https://www.doublefine.com/games/brutal-legend/credits
  92. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Brutal-Legend/Kage-the-Kannonier/
  93. https://www.metacritic.com/game/brutal-legend/
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