Trainwreck with Kyle Gass
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 in Los Angeles, United States |
| Founder | Kyle Gass, JR Reed |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, live performances |
| Website | trainwreckmusic |
Trainwreck with Kyle Gass is a southern and comedy rock ensemble from the United States, established in Los Angeles in 2002 by guitarist Kyle Gass of Tenacious D and actor-vocalist JR Reed.
Originally formed as a trio featuring Reed on vocals, Gass on guitar, and Kevin Weisman on drums, the members adopted stage names: Reed as "Darryl Lee Donald," Gass as "Klip Calhoun," and Weisman as "Kenny Bob Thornton." To set themselves apart from Tenacious D’s sound, Gass and Reed enlisted electric guitarist John Konesky and bassist John Spiker through an Ohio-based mutual acquaintance; both musicians moved to Los Angeles and assumed pseudonyms "John Bartholomew Shredman" and "Boy Johnny." Midway through the 2000s, drummer Nate Rothacker succeeded Weisman, performing under the alias "Dallas St. Bernard."
Before disbanding in 2010, Trainwreck produced one studio album, one live record, an EP, and two singles. The group reunited in 2018 to embark on a reunion tour and began work on a sophomore studio album, releasing singles during 2022.
Origins
In 1994, Gass co-founded Tenacious D alongside Jack Black. Due to Black’s growing acting commitments limiting his availability for musical performances, Gass initiated Trainwreck to continue performing. Following a December 2001 show with Tenacious D alongside Weezer and Jimmy Eat World, Gass met Erin Robinson, who later played a key role in assembling Trainwreck’s supporting musicians.
Trainwreck was established in 2002 as an occasional venture featuring Reed (vocals), Weisman (drums), and Gass (guitar), making their live debut at Highland Grounds in Los Angeles on August 2, 2002. In 2003, Robinson brought bassist John Spiker and guitarist John Konesky into the lineup. The band briefly expanded to include keyboardist Chris D'Arienzo.
Their initial single 2 Tracks was released in 2003, followed by the live album Trainwreck Live in 2004 through Epic Records, exclusively available via ShopBootlegs.com. That same year marked their television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live, with an additional appearance performing "TV Theme" on Current TV's Halloween special in 2005.
The EP (2006–2007)
In 2006, Trainwreck independently issued their first five-song EP titled The EP. Two songs from this release—"Caveman" and "I Wanna Know"—were featured on the official soundtrack of Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny and later included on More Rocktastic Music From The Film. In the film, Gass notably sported a Trainwreck T-shirt and appeared on promotional posters. During the tour promoting the movie and soundtrack, Konesky and Spiker performed as guitarists due to their association with Trainwreck, with Rothacker serving as band assistant. Because all Trainwreck members participated in The Pick of Destiny Tour, they scheduled performances during off days, marking their first international appearances at venues such as England’s Scala, Australia’s Annandale Hotel, and Canada’s Mod Club Theater. Late in 2006, Black announced plans for a hiatus from entertainment in 2007; consequently, Trainwreck toured that summer to keep Gass actively engaged musically.
The Wreckoning (2008–2010)
In September 2008, Trainwreck debuted their first music video for the track "Tim Blankenship," which was subsequently included on their 2009 inaugural album. This 15-song record was launched on December 2, 2009, at The Roxy in Los Angeles. Additional promotional videos featured "Brodeo" and "Baby, Let's Rock," both originally from their 2003 single titled "2 Tracks." The band embarked on a tour throughout various U.S. cities between March and May 2010. In June, at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, Rothacker performed with Tenacious D for the first time, substituting for Brooks Wackerman, who was occupied touring with Bad Religion. After a short break, Trainwreck resumed touring in September but had to cancel the remaining dates of their Transcontinental Railroad tour following their September 25 performance at Chicago's Beat Kitchen, citing "unforeseen circumstances." In March 2011, after a five-month period of inactivity, the group announced their disbandment as Gass, Konesky, and Rothacker went on to establish the Kyle Gass Band.
Reunion (2018–present)
Trainwreck briefly reunited on February 2, 2018, during a Wynchester concert held at Maui Sugar Mill Saloon; both Gass and Reed were present, with Spiker joining as a guest for Wynchester. Matt Lesser took over drum duties in place of Rothacker. Soon after, they revealed plans for a full reunion show on February 24 at DiPiazza's in Long Beach, California, where they opened for the Kyle Gass Band, featuring Rothacker back on drums. In April, the band posted studio images and announced a nine-date California tour scheduled for September alongside work on a follow-up studio album.
In July 2020, Trainwreck participated virtually in the Rootstock Music Festival and took part in Stand Up For America in August. Early in 2022, they released new tracks including "Commin' in Hot" (lyric video) and "Can't, Got the Lady" (audio). Although a West Coast tour was planned, it faced limitations due to COVID-19 restrictions; their anticipated first European tour was also canceled for the same reason.
To commemorate their 20th anniversary during summer 2022, the band engaged fans with a social media countdown.
Band members
- Darryl Lee Donald (JR Reed) – lead vocals, percussion (2002–2010, 2018–present)
- Klip Calhoun (Kyle Gass) – acoustic guitar, backing vocals, flute (2002–2010, 2018–present)
- John Bartholomew Shredman (John Konesky) – guitars (2003–2010, 2018–present)
- Boy Johnny (John Spiker) – bass guitar, vocals (2003–2010, 2018–present)
Former members
- Slim Redmond (Steve McDonald) – bass (2002–2003)
- Kenny Bob Thornton (Kevin Weisman) – drums (2002–2005)
- Lance Branson (Chris D'Arienzo) – keyboards, vocals (2003–2006)
- Dallas St. Bernard (Nate Rothacker) – drums (2004–2010, 2018)
Touring musicians
- T-Bone MacGruthers (Tim Spier) – drums (2018)
- Gordon Rimsey (Eric Jackowitz) – drums (2022)
Discography
Studio albums
- The Wreckoning (2009)
Live albums
- Trainwreck Live (2004)
Extended plays
- 2 Tracks (2003) (later reissued as "2 Wreck-n-Roll Tracks")
- The EP (2006)
- Trainwreck (2006)