Jack Black Cancels Tenacious D Tour After Controversial Trump Comment
Contributing Writers
Jul 16, 2024
BREAKING: Jack Black and Tenacious D are halting all future shows after bandmate Kyle Gass said on stage he wishes Trump was shot and k*lled.
In a new statement, Black says he was blindsided by the statement and was postponing shows.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the… pic.twitter.com/T1B5iDA3WT
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 16, 2024
View this post on Instagram
Jack Black, one half of the beloved comedy rock duo Tenacious D, has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of their tour and put all future creative plans on hold following a controversial incident involving his bandmate, Kyle Gass.The incident occurred during a recent Tenacious D performance in Sydney, Australia.
As part of the show, Black presented Gass with a birthday cake on stage and prompted him to make a wish. Unfortunately, Gass’s improvised response referenced the recent assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump, sparking immediate backlash.Black, clearly caught off guard by his longtime friend’s comment, quickly distanced himself from the remark. In a public statement, he emphasized his stance against hate speech and political violence, expressing that he was “blindsided” by Gass’s words. The actor and musician made it clear that such comments do not align with his personal values or those of Tenacious D.As a result of the controversy, Black announced the cancellation of the remaining shows on their “Spicy Meatball Tour,” which included sold-out performances across Australia, New Zealand, and several U.S. states. This decision undoubtedly disappoints many fans who were eagerly anticipating the duo’s unique blend of comedy and rock.Kyle Gass has since issued a public apology for his ill-conceived joke. In an Instagram post, he acknowledged the inappropriateness and gravity of his statement, expressing deep remorse for his lack of judgment. Gass emphasized that he rejects violence in any context and apologized for the hurt and disappointment caused by his words.
The fallout from this incident has been significant. An Australian senator called for the revocation of Black and Gass’s visas and their expulsion from the country, citing the seriousness of joking about an assassination attempt. Additionally, some media personalities, such as Australian radio host Kyle Sandilands, have declared their refusal to conduct future interviews with the band.As fans process this unexpected turn of events, many are left wondering about the future of Tenacious D. The duo, who have been friends and collaborators for nearly four decades, have released multiple studio albums and even starred in their own film, “Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny”. While the current situation has put their creative endeavors on pause, supporters hope that this setback will be temporary.In the meantime, fans who purchased tickets for the cancelled shows are advised to hold onto them until further updates are provided by the touring company.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of words, especially in the current political climate, and the importance of thoughtful communication on public platforms.As this situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Tenacious D will navigate the aftermath of this controversy and when, or if, they will return to the stage. For now, both Black and Gass are taking time to reflect on the incident and its implications, with hopes of moving forward in a more positive direction.