Drummers may not always get the same spotlight as guitarists or vocalists, but their contributions are the backbone of rock and roll. From the genre’s earliest days, the power of a great drummer has shaped its evolution. Among the countless drummers who have left their mark on rock music, two stand out above the rest in the eyes of Jack Black.
Though best known as an actor, Black’s career has always been deeply intertwined with music. From his role as a snobbish record store clerk in High Fidelity to the legendary School of Rock, his love for rock and roll has been a driving force in many of his projects. That passion became even more apparent when he formed Tenacious D with Kyle Gass in the mid-1990s—a comedy-rock duo that, despite its humorous lyrics, showcases serious musical talent. Over the years, Black and Gass have collaborated with some of rock’s biggest names, including a drummer Black once called “the greatest living drummer.”
Jack Black’s Love for Neil Peart
Jack Black has long admired Neil Peart, the late, great drummer of Rush. Considered one of the most technically gifted drummers in rock history, Peart’s precise and intricate playing set the gold standard for generations to follow. Black was in awe of Peart’s unmatched skill, calling him “eerily precise” and praising his seemingly superhuman ability to keep time:
“Everything was just right on the nuggets. I bet if you went in with a computer, Neil Peart would have been on the beat to like an atom. Or at least that’s how it sounds when you’re listening. You’re like, ‘He’s not even human.’”
Peart’s influence on drumming is undeniable, and Black’s reverence for his talent reflects the lasting impact the Rush drummer had on rock music.
The Drummer Jack Black Calls “The Greatest Living Drummer”
Despite his admiration for Peart, there’s one drummer Jack Black holds in even higher regard—and he’s not just a drumming icon but also a close friend. Dave Grohl may be best known as the frontman of Foo Fighters today, but his drumming with Nirvana in the early ’90s solidified him as a legend. Grohl’s thunderous, energetic style helped define Nirvana’s raw, explosive sound, making him one of the most influential drummers of his generation.
Black’s friendship with Grohl has led to numerous collaborations over the years. Grohl famously played Satan in Tenacious D’s 2006 film The Pick of Destiny and has continued to work with the band on multiple albums. Speaking about Grohl’s involvement in Tenacious D’s music, Black shared:
“Every time we make a new album, we ask Dave Grohl if he would be available/interested in throwin’ down on the new Tenacious D record. And we always assume this is the year that he’s gonna say, ‘Sorry, guys, I’m a little busy.’ But he fuckin’ comes through. Again, he comes through.”
Grohl’s contributions to Tenacious D’s music have been nothing short of legendary. Black remains in awe of his talent, declaring:
“He crushes it with thunderskins. Do you give him notes? First, you wanna hear what’s he gonna do, and there’s always minds blown. He’s the greatest living drummer; what are you gonna do?”
A Friendship Rooted in Rock
Tenacious D and Foo Fighters have enjoyed a long and close relationship, with Grohl’s drumming playing a key role in shaping the duo’s sound. While some may debate Black’s claim that Grohl is the “greatest living drummer,” there’s no doubt that his impact on rock music—and his enduring friendship with Black—has been instrumental in keeping the spirit of rock and roll alive.
Tenacious D is currently on hiatus following recent political controversy involving Kyle Gass, but the duo will likely return. And when they do, chances are Dave Grohl will once again be there, behind the kit, delivering the explosive drumming that Black believes makes him the best in the world.
