On the local Ohio music circuit, Konesky and friend John Spiker played as the Spiker-Konesky Band. In December 2001, Tenacious D played a concert with Weezer and Jimmy Eat World in Value City Arena, where Kyle Gass befriended Erin Robinson, who described herself as a "huge D fan." Gass wanted to create a side-project after Jack Black's popularity in the film industry made him no-longer have as much time for Tenacious D. Gass was about to start a band and was looking for guitarists, and he discovered Konesky and Spiker after Robinson suggested them. Trainwreck was formed not too long after. Konesky moved to Los Angeles, where Trainwreck would then frequently play club shows.