Jack Black, widely known for his comedic acting and his work with the band Tenacious D, recently shared his top eight favorite rock bands. His passion for music has long influenced both his film roles and his performances on stage, making the list a fascinating glimpse into the rock influences behind the actor and musician. Among these bands, Led Zeppelin ranks highest, reflecting Black’s deep admiration for their impact on rock history.
Led Zeppelin Ranks Above All Other Rock Legends in Jack Black’s View
Led Zeppelin, hailing from London, is celebrated for pioneering hard rock and heavy metal through their innovative fusion of styles, powered by Jimmy Page’s masterful guitar work and Robert Plant’s unforgettable vocals. The band’s career boasts over 200 million albums sold globally, multiple Grammy Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. Classics such as Stairway to Heaven and Whole Lotta Love only scratch the surface of their long-lasting influence on the genre.
At the Kennedy Center Honors where Led Zeppelin was celebrated, Jack Black emphatically declared,
Led Zeppelin, the greatest rock and roll band of all time,
later emphasizing,
better than The Beatles, better than The Stones, even better than Tenacious D.
This strong endorsement reveals just how much Black reveres the rock legends whose music has shaped generations.
Jack Black’s unique ability to bridge acting and music allows him to express his enthusiasm for bands like Led Zeppelin in ways few entertainers can match.
The Ferocious Punk Energy of Off! Ignites Jack Black’s Excitement
The punk supergroup Off!, formed by Keith Morris, formerly of Circle Jerks and Black Flag, has delivered raw, energetic punk music since 2009 through three albums, blending talents from notable bands such as Red Kross and Rocket From The Crypt. The band also generated attention with engaging music videos featuring various actors, including Jack Black himself.
Black appeared in two of Off!’s videos, which were later combined into a single piece, showcasing his genuine passion for the punk band beyond mere cameos. Reflecting on this experience during an interview with Far Out, he shared,
There’s this band called Off! that has an original member of Black Flag in it. And if you think about it, Black Flag was named for an insect poison. Black Flag: you would spray it on the bugs, and it would kill them. And Off! is an insect repellent, so it’s kind of like the sequel. And they were amazing, and I geeked out in the wings definitely.
Black’s enthusiasm highlights his deep connection to punk’s raw spirit and history.
AC/DC’s Iconic Album ‘Back in Black’ Earns High Praise From Jack Black
Australian rock band AC/DC, formed by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, has become one of the best-selling and most culturally embedded bands worldwide through electrifying live shows and hits like Highway to Hell, Back in Black, and Thunderstruck. Their music fills sporting arenas and remains a staple in rock playlists everywhere.
Jack Black cleverly referenced AC/DC’s stadium anthem while playing Dewey Finn in School of Rock by quoting,
And in the words of AC/DC: ‘We roll tonight, to the guitar bite, and for those about to rock, I salute you.’
In a candid conversation with Far Out, he also expressed some regret for an earlier list omission:
I can’t believe I left out AC/DC’s Back in Black! It kicks all those albums’ a**es. Can you make that five and a half? No, put it like f***in’ zero — it comes ahead of one.
This statement shows Black’s sincere admiration for the power and legacy of AC/DC’s music.
Jack Black’s Longstanding Devotion to the Pixies and Their Impact
The Pixies, known for their hit Where’s My Mind from the Fight Club soundtrack, have earned a devoted following in alternative rock since their debut album Surfer Rosa was released in 1988. Their influence extends well beyond their commercial success, inspiring many musicians and fans alike.
Jack Black counts himself among those fans and praised the band’s debut and frontman Black Francis, saying in an interview with Far Out,
[His] melodies and vocalizations were so primal and original.
He further remarked on their underrated role in the early ‘90s rock scene by stating,
They were Nirvana, but no one knew it.
This appreciation reveals Black’s connection to the raw energy and originality that defined the Pixies’ music.
Devo’s Blend of Humor and Talent Resonates Deeply with Jack Black
Though often remembered for their quirky hit Whip It, Devo’s pioneering work combined satire, theatricality, and innovative sounds that had a lasting influence on rock and beyond. Their ability to integrate comedy into music aligns with Jack Black’s own creative expression in Tenacious D.
Discussing their album Freedom of Choice with Far Out, Black praised their approach, stating,
They were the first ones in my mind to have a fully realised concept with their band. They had a genius theatricality, a creepy sense of humour, and also some kick-a** tunes.
This recognition of Devo’s artistry helps explain how their style inspired Black’s work in fusing music and humor.
Tom Waits’ Enduring Influence and Unique Sound Captivate Jack Black
Tom Waits, renowned for his distinctive voice and poetic lyrics, started his career in the 1970s with folk and jazz before shifting to a more diverse and experimental sound in the 1980s. His body of work continues to earn widespread respect from musicians and fans alike, including Jack Black.
Among Waits’ albums, Black particularly admires Bad as Me, released in 2011. In an interview with Far Out, Black stated,
Those first three tracks are worth the price of admission. He’s so real; he’s gonna be here in 100 years. Don’t you feel it? Objectively speaking, can’t you look at some people and go, ‘100 years — still gonna be here?’
This quote reflects Black’s belief in Waits’ timeless quality and deep impact on music and culture.
Jack Black Respects Yes for Their Musical Mastery and Innovation
Yes, widely known for the hit Owner of a Lonely Heart, rose to prominence as one of the leading progressive rock bands of the 1970s, presenting complex compositions that incorporated jazz and other genres. Their virtuosic musicianship set a high standard in the progressive rock world.
Jack Black highlighted the band’s technical skill in a discussion with Howard Stern, stating,
They were the masters of their instruments. No one could touch them for musicianship. They were all like masterclass Juilliard-trained.
This admiration aligns with Black’s own musicianship and his appreciation for intricate, skillful playing.
Radiohead’s ‘The Bends’ Left a Lasting Impression on Jack Black
Since their formation in 1985 in Oxfordshire, England, Radiohead has been known for their experimental music and the haunting vocals of Thom Yorke. Their debut album Pablo Honey found success with the song Creep, while subsequent releases showcased the band’s innovation, notably with albums like OK Computer and The Bends.
Jack Black praised Radiohead’s approach in an interview with Entertainment, particularly singling out The Bends, saying,
If you want concept, you go OK Computer. But if you wanna rock — if you want straight-up f***in’ songs — you go The Bends.
He described his initial reaction to the album:
The first few listens, I was like, ‘I don’t understand…. My brain’s not computing….’ Then it clicked in: ‘Ohhhh, I see! It’s the best band in the history of rock!’
This demonstrates how deeply Radiohead’s music resonated with Black, further highlighting his broad range of musical tastes.
Jack Black’s list of favorite rock bands reveals not only his intense passion for rock music but also his keen appreciation for diverse styles and eras. From hard rock and punk to progressive and alternative rock, these groups embody the qualities that inspire his own artistic journey. Fans and music lovers alike can look forward to seeing how Black’s musical influences continue to shape his creative projects in the future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What film did Jack Black regret?
A. Jack Black shared that he felt sorry about the 2001 movie ‘Shallow Hal’. He mentioned wanting to collaborate with people he found humorous, but the result wasn’t what he had expected. Black also admitted he wasn’t proud of the film and, looking back, thinks taking the role was mostly about the money, making it seem like a sell-out.
Q. What is Jack Black’s religion?
A. They got married on March 14, 2006, in a place called Big Sur, California. Their sons were born in 2006 and 2008. Even though Black is an atheist, he sees himself as somewhat Jewish. Becoming a father led him to choose the Jewish faith for his kids.
Q. What is the religion of Jack Black?
A. Black, though an atheist, considers himself culturally Jewish and chose to raise his children with Jewish traditions due to his experience as a father. He supported Barack Obama’s campaign for re-election in 2012. In 2015, he traveled to Kampala for Comic Relief USA’s Red Nose Day.
