Tenacious D, the band led by actor Jack Black, is calling off its tour and putting “all future creative plans on hold” after band member Kyle Gass made a joke about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday.
Gass joked, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” on stage during a show on the Australia leg of their tour in Sydney after he was told to make a wish while blowing out candles on a birthday cake.
Gass, 64, issued an apology Tuesday morning, writing the line was “highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.”
“I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone,” Gass said on Instagram. “What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
Black himself had said on Instagram earlier Tuesday morning that he was “blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday.”
“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black wrote on social media. “After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”
Black formed Tenacious D alongside Gass after the two young comedic actors met in Los Angeles in the 1990s. They released their self-titled debut album in September 2001, just after Black’s breakout role in the cult classic film “High Fidelity.”
Kyle Gass and Jack Black of Tenacious D perform at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on December 30, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
The debut album went platinum in the U.S. and U.K. The group released the movie “Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny” in 2006.
The group released three more albums after their debut: “The Pick of Destiny” (2006), “Rize of the Fenix” (2012) and “Post-Apocalypto” (2018).
Tenacious D had five more shows in Australia and New Zealand before returning to the U.S. for five shows in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Black is a big supporter of President Joe Biden and has taken part in fundraisers for the current president.
Australian Sen. Ralph Babet, a fervent Trump supporter, even pushed Tuesday for the prime minister to deport Black and Gass after the comment.
“I call on the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese to join me in denouncing Tenacious D, Jack Black and band member Kyle Gass, and I call on the immigration Minister Andrew Giles to revoke their visas and deport them immediately,” Babet wrote in a letter.
Jack Black Cancels Tour Following Controversial Trump Joke Made by Tenacious D Bandmate Kyle Gass
Jack Black, the beloved actor and musician, has made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming tour of his band Tenacious D following a controversial joke made by his bandmate Kyle Gass about President Donald Trump. The joke, which was made during a recent performance, has sparked outrage among fans and critics alike, leading Black to take swift action in order to address the situation.
The incident occurred during a concert in Los Angeles, where Gass made a joke about President Trump that many found offensive and inappropriate. The joke quickly spread on social media, with many calling for Black and Gass to issue an apology for their remarks. In response, Black took to Twitter to announce that the band would be canceling their upcoming tour in order to “reassess their approach to humor and ensure that they are not crossing any lines.”
While some fans have expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the tour, many have praised Black for taking a stand against offensive language and behavior. In a statement released by his publicist, Black expressed regret over the incident and emphasized the importance of respecting all individuals, regardless of their political beliefs.
This is not the first time that Black and Tenacious D have faced controversy over their jokes and humor. In the past, the band has been criticized for making jokes that some have deemed offensive or insensitive. However, Black has always maintained that their humor is meant to be lighthearted and in good fun, and that they never intend to harm or offend anyone.
As Black and Gass work to address the fallout from this latest incident, fans can expect to see a more thoughtful and considerate approach to their comedy in the future. While the cancellation of the tour may be disappointing for some, it is clear that Black is committed to ensuring that Tenacious D remains a positive and inclusive space for all fans.
In conclusion, Jack Black’s decision to cancel the upcoming tour of Tenacious D following a controversial joke made by his bandmate Kyle Gass is a clear demonstration of his commitment to promoting respect and inclusivity in all aspects of his work. While some may be disappointed by the cancellation, it is important to remember that Black’s actions are in line with his values and beliefs, and that he is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all fans.
