Comedy-rock duo Tenacious D to perform in Bloomington at IU Auditorium

Get ready Bloomington. "The Greatest Band on Earth" is coming to IU Auditorium this fall.

Comedy rock duo Tenacious D, composed of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, will perform Oct. 22 as one of only five stops in their “Rock the Vote” tour. All proceeds from the tour will go to Rock the Vote, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that aims to increase voter registration and participation among young people.

Here's everything you need to know about the duo and the best way to secure tickets.

Who is Tenacious D?

Formed in 1994 by Jack Black and Kyle Gass, Tenacious D draws its name from “tenacious defense,” a term used by some NBA sportscasters. Black and Gass met in Tim Robbins’ experimental theater troupe called “The Actors’ Gang” and developed a friendship when Gass taught Black guitar in exchange for food.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The group signed with Epic Records and released its debut album in 2000, featuring instrumentalists like the Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl. In their nearly three decades of performing, the duo has released multiple albums, starred in an HBO television series and produced the movie “Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny.”

Tenacious D’s musical style has been described as “absurdist comedy rock.” The two frequently describe themselves as the “greatest band on earth” and have cited Dio, Dave Grohl, Tom Waits and Tony Hawk as inspirations.

The band is currently finishing up its “Spicy Meatball Tour” across the U.S., Europe and Australia, with setlists that feature both original songs and covers. 

Where else do I know Jack Black and Kyle Gass from?

Most are probably familiar with Jack Black as an actor. He is best known for films such as “School of Rock,” “Nacho Libre” and the Kung Fu Panda franchise. 

Kyle Gass has held small roles in multiple Black films, including minor character KG Shaw in “Kung Fu Panda.” He is also a member of Kyle Gass Band and Trainwreck.

What is Rock the Vote?

Rock the Vote was established by music executives in 1990 after a string of arrests due to the selling or performance of music legally deemed “obscene.” Founder Jeff Ayeroff, whose career includes work with artists from Madonna to the Smashing Pumpkins to Fiona Apple, viewed the arrests as censorship and sought to reduce feelings of political apathy among young people.

By increasing youth voter participation, the group aims to ensure young people are represented. In 33 years of operation, the nonprofit has registered 14 million voters. The executive director is Carolyn DeWitt, who formerly served as chief of staff for political communications firm Pivot.

This year’s tour is the second time Tenacious D has partnered with Rock the Vote. In 2020, Tenacious D gave proceeds from its cover of Rocky Horror Picture Show’s “Time Warp” to the nonprofit.

When can I see Tenacious D in Bloomington?

Tenacious D will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at the IU Auditorium. It’s the second stop in the band's weeklong tour, which begins in Columbus, Ohio with later stops in Madison, Wisconsin; Kalamazoo, Michigan and State College, Pennsylvania. 

How can I buy tickets to Tenacious D at IU Auditorium?

Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 28, and can be purchased at iuauditorium.com or on the Ticketmaster website.

How much do tickets to Tenacious D cost?

Tickets start at $35 and can be as much as $102, depending on which seat is purchased. IU Bloomington students, faculty and staff can receive a $10 discount on tickets if they have a valid university ID.

Reach Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com.