Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe once again linked up with members of Slightly Stoopid for another showing of their beloved tribute to the Beastie Boys. The collaborative performance of the pair’s long-running homage to the hip-hop trio went down Saturday at The Sound in Del Mar, CA and featured a special DJ set by Z-Trip.
It was a SoCal holiday homecoming as Santa Ana native Denson and his solo outfit linked up with members of San Diego’s venerable rock-reggae outfit Slightly Stoopid. The two camps have long bonded over their admiration for Michael “Mike D” Diamond, Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, and Adam “MCA” Yauch, with KDTU borrowing Kyle McDonald, Orguer “OG” Ocon, and Daniel “DeLa” Delacruz to emulate the Beastie’s triumvirate of MCs. Karl Denson and Slightly Stoopid’s tribute to the Beasties goes back over a decade and touches on fan favorites and Solid Gold Hits “Brass Monkey”, “Fight For Your Right”, “No Sleep Till Brooklyn”, “Root Down”, “Sure Shot”, and “Sabotage”, with Kyle, OG, and DeLa donning matching hazmat suits reminiscent of the Beasties’ original Nathanial Hörnblowér (a.k.a Adam Yauch)-directed music video for the latter track.
Denson and his backing band are known for their affinity for cover sets, with the Rolling Stones touring saxophonist staging tributes to David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Prince, Run-DMC, and many more. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Slightly Stoopid will reprise their Beastie Boys tribute next month for a set at the latter’s Closer to the Sun curated Mexican destination event. For tickets and details head here.
Next year, Denson will hit the road with his other band, The Rolling Stones, who recently announced a 16-date tour of North America. The Stones will play football stadiums across the U.S. and Canada in support of their latest album Hackney Diamonds, as well as headline New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 2nd, 2024. The long-awaited appearance will close the circle on a saga five years in the making, following The Rolling Stones’ cancellation at the festival back in 2019.
Check out videos from the Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Slightly Stoopid tribute to the Beastie Boys via Todd Norris.
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Slightly Stoopid – “Brass Monkey”, “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” – 11/25/23
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Slightly Stoopid – “Fight For Your Right” – 11/25/23
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Slightly Stoopid – “Sabotage”, “Root Down” – 11/25/23
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Slightly Stoopid – “Sure Shot” – 11/25/23
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Slightly Stoopid – “So What’Cha Want” – 11/25/23
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Slightly Stoopid – “Intergalactic” – 11/25/23