Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade: Jack Black Episode Summary

Release Date: May 7, 2025

Guests: Jack Black, Dana Carvey, David Spade

Introduction and Guest Overview

David Spade opens the episode by highlighting Jack Black's infectious energy and recent achievements, including hosting "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) and the success of his movie "Minecraft." Dana Carvey complements this by emphasizing Jack's legendary status and his approachable, humorous nature.

David Spade (01:50): "Always funny, always upbeat, always in a good mood."

Dana Carvey (02:28): "He may be kind of in the legendary category because he's been around long enough but couldn't be nicer."

SNL Hosting Experience

The core of the discussion delves into Jack Black's recent stint as an SNL host. They explore his performance, the physical demands of the role, and his memorable monologue.

Jack Black shares insights about his SNL experience, particularly focusing on the challenges of delivering a dynamic monologue that included physical comedy elements like the "tiger roll."

Jack Black (12:34): "A lot of people don't know this, but I trained judo for a few years in my teens. So the first thing they teach you in judo is how to dive roll."

Dana Carvey (14:10): "The monologue was like perfection for me."

The trio discusses the pressure of live television, the importance of timing, and how Jack incorporated personal insecurities into his comedic routine to connect with the audience.

Jack Black (15:37): "I do have a lot of fear. Leading up to it, I was like, I don't know if I can do it."

David Spade (15:48): "Some hosts go with wispy monologues, but Jack brought something different."

Behind the Scenes and Crew Interactions

Jack Black recounts interactions with the SNL crew and fellow actors, highlighting the camaraderie and collaborative spirit that underpin successful live shows.

Jack Black (16:14): "I was pretty amped and ready to go. But there's a fear factor as well."

David Spade (20:13): "Working with CGI, where you do it?"

They also touch upon memorable moments, such as Jack's humorous takes on his dressing room experiences and the physical toll of performing live.

Jack Black (23:03): "When you're on SNL, there's no such thing as a victory lap. You're still terrified."

Dana Carvey (23:22): "I predict it'll make multiple viewings."

Career Highlights and Reflections

The conversation transitions to Jack Black's broader career, including his roles in iconic films like "School of Rock" and "Tropic Thunder." They discuss his growth as an actor and comedian, as well as his unique approach to blending music with comedy.

Jack Black (43:00): "High Fidelity got me really going. John Cusack liked Tenacious D."

Dana Carvey (44:28): "Your energy was perfectly up there all the way through the show."

Jack Black reflects on pivotal moments that shaped his career, including collaborations with influential figures like Bob Odenkirk and the impact of his band, Tenacious D.

Jack Black (42:35): "Bob gave me my big break because he put Tenacious D on HBO."

David Spade (43:49): "Tropic Thunder was hilarious."

Musical Influences and Creative Processes

The trio delves into Jack Black's love for music, discussing his "Chrono Marathons" where he listens to entire discographies of beloved bands in order. This practice helps him reconnect with music on a deeper level.

Jack Black (35:26): "Chrono marathons are a great way to plug back into music. You take command and you listen."

Dana Carvey (37:52): "Have you ever listened to 'Dark Side of the Moon'? It's phenomenal."

They also explore Jack's admiration for guitarists like David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, highlighting his appreciation for musical craftsmanship.

Dana Carvey (38:20): "David Gilmour’s 'Comfortably Numb' solo is mind-blowing."

Jack Black (38:37): "He's definitely in my top three. I love David Gilmour."

Humor and Personal Anecdotes

Jack Black shares amusing stories from his SNL rehearsals, including mishaps and unexpected moments that led to some of his funniest sketches. The conversation is filled with laughter as they recount incidents like Jack accidentally misnaming actresses or dealing with demanding props.

Jack Black (40:47): "I carried around an old-timey camera as a film director. It was really heavy."

Dana Carvey (46:49): "I have an Entertainment Weekly review for you: 'Jack Black is exceptional.'"

They also discuss the challenges of receiving feedback and negative reviews, with Jack maintaining a positive outlook by focusing on constructive criticism.

Jack Black (48:10): "I look for the one bad thing that's happening and focus on that. It keeps me grounded."

Dana Carvey (49:55): "Is Dana Carvey ever funny? I'll click off as fast as I can."

Adapting to Change and Future Projects

The discussion shifts to the evolving nature of entertainment, with Jack Black expressing excitement about potential future projects and collaborations. They speculate humorously about upcoming roles and the possibility of working with other comedic talents.

Jack Black (67:11): "The whole film shooting was an afterthought. They just decided to film the making of the Beatles' next album."

David Spade (67:03): "Best thing in the world."

Jack Black emphasizes the importance of adaptability and embracing new opportunities, ensuring his continued relevance in the industry.

Jack Black (62:05): "I like the idea of pre-tapes because even though it's a long day, it lightens the load on the actual show."

Closing Remarks and Wrap-Up

As the episode concludes, Jack Black, Dana Carvey, and David Spade share final thoughts, reflecting on the joyous and chaotic nature of live performances. They emphasize the importance of having fun and staying true to one's comedic roots.

Dana Carvey (64:53): "The early Beatles... they reinvented the genre."

Jack Black (65:48): "If I could be a fly on the wall for a moment in history, that would be heaven."

The trio thanks Jack Black for his candid insights and infectious humor, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future episodes.

David Spade (67:40): "Fly on the Wall is executive produced by Dana Carvey and David Spade..."

Jack Black (67:44): "Great to see you guys."

Notable Quotes

• Jack Black (12:34): "A lot of people don't know this, but I trained judo for a few years in my teens."
• Dana Carvey (14:10): "The monologue was like perfection for me."
• Jack Black (35:26): "Chrono marathons are a great way to plug back into music. You take command and you listen."
• Dana Carvey (38:20): "David Gilmour’s 'Comfortably Numb' solo is mind-blowing."
• Jack Black (48:10): "I look for the one bad thing that's happening and focus on that. It keeps me grounded."

Conclusion

This episode of "Fly on the Wall" offers an engaging and in-depth look into Jack Black's career, his experiences hosting SNL, and his passion for music and comedy. Through candid conversations and humorous anecdotes, Dana Carvey and David Spade create a rich narrative that both fans and newcomers will find entertaining and insightful.