Jack Black and his comedy rock duo Tenacious D, formed with Kyle Gass in 1994, have been known for their irreverent humor and satirical music for decades. However, a recent incident during their performance in Sydney, Australia, has sparked controversy and debate.

On July 14, 2024, Tenacious D was performing at the ICC Sydney Theatre when they took a moment to celebrate Kyle Gass’s 64th birthday on stage. Jack Black surprised Gass with a birthday cake, and as Gass blew out the candles, he made a controversial comment referring to the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.Gass’s remark, “don’t miss Trump next time,” was met with mixed reactions from the audience.

While some laughed, others felt uncomfortable with the joke, considering it inappropriate given the serious nature of the event it referenced.The comment came just hours after Trump had been shot in the ear during a rally in Pennsylvania. The assassination attempt, carried out by a 20-year-old individual, resulted in one death and several injuries, including the former president.This incident has reignited discussions about the boundaries of comedy and the responsibility of public figures when addressing sensitive political topics.

It’s worth noting that Tenacious D has a history of political activism and has been vocal about their views in the past. They have supported various causes, including cannabis legalization and prison reform, and have performed at benefit concerts for political campaigns.While Tenacious D and Jack Black are known for their provocative humor, this recent comment has faced widespread condemnation on social media platforms.

Many critics argue that joking about violence towards political figures, regardless of personal opinions, crosses a line and trivializes serious events.As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how Tenacious D and their fans will respond to the backlash. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between comedy, politics, and public discourse in today’s polarized climate.