GIG REVIEW: When Tenacious G bring the Tribute Metal to Cuckoo

The best things sometimes really do come along when you are not looking for them. And so the story goes when two friends decide on a whim to head out to Cuckoo Belfast’s sixth birthday party because a Tenacious D tribute act are playing. Sure, its all just a bit of craic and a night to finally relax and not have to review a gig.

Ah well. That went out the window completely after the four piece band of Tenacious G took to the stage and invited everyone to come closer. The floor in front of the stage had just had that “who’s going to be the first to dance” deserted look about it until this little warm welcome and suddenly it was packed. Jam packed with young and old alike. It was mostly a student crowd which you may have assumed were just there for a bit of fun and the drink. Well it turned out it was true, but the main reason they were there was because the room was filled to the gills with Tenacious D fans.

With a little intro they kicked the roof off and the doors down with “Kickapoo”. Right from the start the crowd went nuts. On they went with “Rock Your Socks”, “History”, “Wonderboy” and “Rock is Dead” And as they expertly laid down the D effect doing fantastic justice to each song the crowd were going insane jumping, rocking, swaying, and singing each lyric. Dear Lord, they knew every word!!

On the set went with “Explosivo”, “Classico”, “Kielbasa” and “Rize of the Fenix”. Tenacious G, it has to be said, were consummate entertainers with a superb mastery of pumping each tune out. They were definitely channelling the Pick of Destiny on the night. Sweating and playing their hearts out, you could see they were enjoying it as much as the crowd were. In fact they seemed a little taken aback by the incredibly warm reception and the number of songs people in the crowd were calling out for. Its as if Queen’s and the Ulster University both had research Doctorates for the Life, times and music of Tenacious D and all the students were in the room.

The Jack and Kyle insanity continued on with “Friendship”, “Karate”, and “Master Exploder”. The crowd only got more and more encouraged and seemed ready to burst with joy. Then came “DIO” “POD” and the classic “Low Hanging Fruit”. In between the banter between the band and the crowd was wonderfully relaxed, jokey and created an even more intimate performance. They hit home with the fast paced “Car Chase City” before the obligatory dedication to any Lees in the room with “Lee”. Of course we had “Double Team”, “Dude, I Totally Miss You” and “Roadie”.

While it was obvious these guys were playing with all their might and heart, they did not slow one iota as the show must go on! The energy coming from the stage just added to the immense energy of everyone on the dance floor. Everyone had smiles like Chesire Cats.

On it went with “The Metal”, an incredible rendition of “Fuck Her Gently” which had the band struggling to sing over the crowd who had decided as one to take part in the vocals. Then the song that made most of the attendees pop their little cherries, “Tribute”. Which when you think about it was a Tribute of a Tribute to the Greatest Song in The World and you feel you are moving into Deadpool territory. Again the crowd sang along word for word before the great track of “Beelzeboss” slam dunked the set finish. It was amazing to see students and people in their twenties that look “normal” and the type more into clubbing in a frenzy and singing every. Single. Word. Of songs that came out over a decade ago. So, Tenacious D are the gateway drug to metal for these guys.

Of course there was to be an encore and it really could only be one thing as they did something slightly different. Yes, it was “School of Rock”. And it was the perfect way to cap it all off.

Overall, Tenacious G are the Greatest Tribute Act to Tenacious D. Their energy, enthusiasm, tenacity, performance and musicianship won so many people over in such a short period of time. Everyone was there to enjoy themselves and let loose, which Tenacious G gave them in bucket loads. They are a fun band who don’t take themselves too seriously but deliver a solid professional performance.

If you ever get the chance to see Tenacious G, honestly, do yourself a massive favour and go see them. And a massive thanks to Cuckoo for playing a blinder by getting them in.

Listen to a quick off the cuff interview with these wonderful guys