Here’s a nice trip down memory lane for fans of Phish and Tenacious D.
Back in 2001, Phish pianist Page McConnell lent his talents to the Tenacious D’s self-titled debut album. McConnell appears throughout the guest-laden studio effort from Jack Black and Kyle Gass, which also features contributions from Dave Grohl, Warren Fitzgerald, and Steven Shane McDonald.
Three days after the album’s release on September 25th, Tenacious D hit the beloved Burlington, VT venue Higher Ground and welcomed out the illustrious Phish keyboardist. September 28th, 2001 marked the first—and so far only—time Jack Black, Kyle Gass, and Page McConnell all performed together.
Led by the Tenacious duo, the three played a comical cover of Queen’s “Flash,” their original song “Wonderboy” from the album, and the medley of Beatles songs featured at the end of Abbey Road. Watch the memorable performance by Tenacious D and Page McConnell below.
Tenacious D recently canceled the remainder a string of planned tour dates and said that “all future creative plans are on hold” following comments Gass made onstage in Australia regarding a July 2024 assassination attempt on former U.S. president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump. Black has since noted that the band will eventually be back.
Tenacious D with Page McConnell – “Flash”, “Wonderboy”, Beatles Medley – 9/28/2001
[Video: cleartones]
Setlist: Tenacious D | Higher Ground | Burlington, VT | 9/28/01
Set: Intro, Land of the Lost, Fat Albert, Warning, Jesus Ranch, Kielbasa, History of Tenacious D, Dio, The Road, Lee, Cosmic Shame, Saxaboom (toy), G-and-R, Karate, Kyle Quit The Band, Kyle Took a Bullet, Kyle Took a Bullet, Rocket Sauce, Fuck Her Gently, Sasquatch, Tribute, Blow-Job (video), Rock Your Socks
Encore: Flash [1], Wonderboy [1], Golden Slumbers [1] > Carry That Weight [1] > The End [1]
[1] Page on keyboards.
[Originally published 9/28/16]