photo: Dean Budnick

June 26 is the release date for Jackass: Best and Last, which is said to be the final film for the franchise. One of the songs that has appeared in every Jackass film thus far is “If You’re Gonna Be Dumb, You Gotta Be Tough,” which was written by Johnny Knoxville’s cousin, Roger Alan Wade. The tune has been covered by DJ Paul and Yelawolf, Karen O, Starcrawler and Smut Peddlers. The latest artist to interpret the song is Billy Strings.

Strings recorded “If You’re Gonna Be Dumb, You Gotta Be Tough” in Nashville on March 2. This was prior to his skateboarding injury on April 18 in Charlottesville, which has taken him out of commission as of late. Joining Strings on his version of the tune are his longtime bandmates Royal Masat on bass and Jarrod Walker on mandolin. In addition, Jerry Douglas plays dobro, Russ Carson appears on banjo and Jamie Dick adds drums.

Strings and his group will finally return to the stage on July 2 for an Austin City Limits taping.