Jack Black and Kyle Gass (a.k.a. the melodious duo known as Tenacious D) dropped a cover of Britney Spears‘ debut hit “… Baby One More Time” on social media last week, which naturally, melted the faces of anyone who watched it. The cover was a match made in heaven, and Black is definitely ready to take things to the next level.
While walking the red carpet for Kung Panda 4, Black made it abundantly clear that the D is ready to collaborate with Britney at the drop of a hat. Just say the word, and they’re there.
“Britney, if you’re watching, I love you. I love the song,” Black told Entertainment Tonight. “I’m here! I’m ready when you are. I’m waiting by the phone. I got kicks! I don’t quite have Britney kicks, but you know, I got some moves.”
Black also hopes Britney saw the cover and liked what she saw.
“We’re very proud of it, [and] I hope you like it, too,” Black said.
The Tenacious D cover has already racked up over 3 million likes thanks to Black absolutely going for it. You can watch his madcap performance below complete with Gass pulling off his best dance moves in the background and the words “Baby” written across Black’s knuckle in this hilariously badass cover of a stone-cold classic:
Jack Black, renowned for his exuberant personality and versatile talents, has become a distinguished figure in the film and music industries. His unique blend of comedy, acting, and musical prowess has endeared him to audiences worldwide. As of 2023, Black’s successful tenure in Hollywood and his ventures with the band Tenacious D have contributed to a net worth of $55 million, according to Fresherslive, signifying his impact and popularity in entertainment and music.
Career Highlights: A Fusion Of Comedy & Music
Kyle Gass and Jack Black of Tenacious D during Sean “Diddy” Combs and Tenacious D Visit MTV’s “TRL”. September 25, 2006 at MTV Studios in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Carley Margolis/FilmMagic)
Jack Black’s journey to fame in Hollywood is marked by a series of memorable performances that showcase his comedic flair and acting abilities. Notable roles in films like School of Rock, Kung Fu Panda, and Jumanji have highlighted his talent for blending humor with heartfelt performances. Beyond acting, Black’s musical career with Tenacious D showcases his multifaceted skills as a musician and performer. This further cemented his reputation as an entertainer of diverse talents.
In addition to his film career, Black has made significant contributions to the music industry with his band Tenacious D. Their blend of comedy and rock music has garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Black’s work in Tenacious D illustrates his passion for music and his ability to create a unique and entertaining musical experience.
Personal Life: Comedic Charm & Authenticity
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 06: Jack Black of Tenacious D performs during Day 3 at Shaky Knees Festival. Also at Atlanta Central Park on May 6, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images)
Jack Black’s personal life mirrors the energy and humor he brings to his professional work. Known for his down-to-earth persona and infectious enthusiasm, Black’s public appearances and social media presence have made him a beloved figure beyond his on-screen and on-stage performances. His dedication to his family and various philanthropic efforts add depth to his public image, showcasing his commitment to causes important to him.
Legacy & Influence: Jack Black’s Impact On Entertainment
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Jack Black (who starred in the fiilm as “Dewey Finn”). Signs the VIP room wall backstage at the hit musical based on the film starring Jack Black “School of Rock”. On Broadway at The Winter Garden Theatre on May 1, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
Reflecting on Jack Black’s $55 million net worth in 2023, his entertainment career is a testament to the power of combining diverse talents and a charismatic personality. His influence in film and music is marked by his ability to bring joy and laughter to audiences, as well as his skill in delivering performances that resonate on a deeper level. Overall, Black’s legacy in the entertainment industry is characterized by his unique brand of humor. Also, his musical talents and unwavering commitment to entertaining and engaging with his fans have helped his success.
Jack Black is the MVP of the highest-grossing video game movie of all-time (and the biggest movie of 2023). In the music video for “Video Games,” Tenacious D‘s first new song in five years, he and Kyle “Rage Kage” Gass pay tribute to some of the most iconic video game characters ever, including Link (it’s almost Tears of the Kingdom Day!), Kratos, and Lara Croft. Black is also transported into Mario, but not as Bowser. This time, he’s Mario. Which I guess means Chris Pratt is now… Lakitu? That works.
In a statement, the D wrote, “It’s about growing up and leaving childish things behing… But then realizing that video games are more than just mindless toys… in fact they can be a true expression of huge ideas that belong in the pantheon of great works of art! It’s about time someone defended the honor and integrity of this bold new horizon. Leave it to the greatest band in the world… Tenacious D!!!” They’ll lead (and play video games) as two kings.
Tenacious D are on tour. Here’s where you can see them:
5/11/23 New Orleans, LA @ The Fillmore
5/13/23 St. Augustine, FL @ The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
6/2/23 Nuremberg, Germany @ Rock im Park
6/3/23 Nurburg, Germany @ Rock Am Ring
6/4/23 Prague, Czech Republic @ Forum Karlin
6/6/23 Hamburg, Germany @ Sporthalle
6/7/23 Berlin, Germany @ Zitadelle
6/8/23 Nickelsdorf, Austria @ Nova Rock Festival
6/10/23 Milan, Italy @ Carroponte
6/12/23 Zurich, Switzerland @ The Hall
6/13/23 Brussels, Belgium @ Forest National
6/14/23 Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Ahoy
6/16/23 London, England @ O2 Arena
6/18/23 Clisson, France @ Hellfest Open Air Festival
Meat Loaf is obviously a legendary singer. His operatic vocals were a mainstay in my car as a teenager; you couldn’t go 10 minutes without hearing “Bat Out of Hell,” or “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night),” or “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” or “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” (all from the same album!) on the radio. Not that I minded: his high-brow sleaze was a much-needed break from Foreigner and the Eagles.
But Meat Loaf, who sadly passed away at 74 years old this week, was also a talented actor, appearing in movies as diverse as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Spice World, Fight Club, and Focus (which he called his best work), but my personal favorite is Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny. It’s a short scene in the 2006 film where he plays young Jack Black’s god-fearing, rock-hating dad during “Kickapoo,” but it rules. He belts out lyrics like, “You’ll become a mindless puppet / Beelzebub will pull the strings,” and it’s not every day you get a song with Meat Loaf and Ronnie James Dio.
In 2006, Meat Loaf told MTV how his role in the Tenacious D movie came together. “For five years, Jack Black has been saying he wanted me to play his father. In every interview he did he always [said], ‘I’m gonna make the movie Tenacious D, and I want to make Meat Loaf play my father.’ Every interview,” he said. “And my daughters, Pearl and Amanda, they kept reading it and [would] call and say, ‘Jack said it again, Jack said it again.’ I said, ‘When he calls me, I’ll tell him I’ll do it.’ He did call. He called me himself.”
Black was the original choice to play the “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” singer in the VH1 made-for-TV movie Meat Loaf: To Hell and Back, but then there was a scheduling conflict and Black got mega-famous. Meat Loaf wasn’t upset, though:
I just saw him in movies that he had done, and I had heard some stuff from Tenacious D. I said, “This is the guy to play me. He’s got the energy, and he understands it.” He was going to [play me], then his career took off and [this] movie got postponed. He tried, and I said, “Well, the guy’s an idiot if he does it.” I said, “Let me see — a studio picture over the Meat Loaf story? Let me think about that for a minute. Gee, I don’t know, that’s a hard decision.”
