Jack Black & ‘Original School Of Rock’ Musicians Cover Bowie
Jack Black has teamed up with students from the Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco to celebrate the school’s 50th birthday with a performance of the David Bowie classic Suffragette City.
Founded in 1971, the Blue Bear School of Music has welcomed roughly 40,000 students over its 50-year history. The non-profit organization offers both paid and free classes for aspiring musicians of all ages.
“A good friend of mine (Paul Cummins) told me about Blue Bear and the incredible work they’ve been doing,” said Jack Black. “I jumped at the chance to celebrate their 50th anniversary by jamming some Bowie with their teen all-star band. So fun. What an honor. They’ve been teaching kids to rock since 1971! I love Blue Bear… the original school of rock!!!”
In addition to the performance of the Bowie classic, Blue Bear School of Music is hosting a fundraising rock auction, launching November 16th. Up for bid are tickets to Metallica’s upcoming 40th anniversary shows at San Francisco’s Chase Center in December, as well as ticket to see Primus, Steve Earle, and more. There’s also signed memorabilia from Eddie Vedder and other artists available.
Black’s performance with the Blue Bear band follows his starring role in the 2003 comedy film, School Of Rock, directed by Richard Linklater. The film stars Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman and Miranda Cosgrove. Black plays struggling rock guitarist Dewey Finn, who is kicked out of his band and subsequently disguises himself as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. After witnessing the talent of his students, Dewey forms a band of fourth-graders to attempt to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands and pay off his rent.
School of Rock was released on 3 October 2003, grossing $131 million worldwide on a $35 million budget. It was the highest grossing music-themed comedy of all time until 2015. A stage musical adaptation opened on Broadway in December 2015 and a television adaptation for Nickelodeon premiered on 12 March 2016.