Jack Black has put Tenacious D’s tour on hold after his bandmate Kyle Gass made shocking remarks about a recent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump.
Black’s Response
The School of Rock star issued a statement expressing his dismay and decision to cancel the tour. “I 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 told DailyMail.com. After reflecting on the incident, he decided it was inappropriate to continue the tour and announced that all future creative plans are on hold. He thanked fans for their support and understanding during this time.
The Incident
The controversy began on Sunday during a Tenacious D performance in Sydney, Australia. Black brought a birthday cake on stage for Gass and asked him to make a wish. Gass, 64, responded with a controversial comment, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” which led to a mixed reaction from the audience, with some cheering and others showing disappointment.
Gass’s Apology
Kyle Gass issued his own statement on Tuesday, acknowledging his mistake. “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake,” he wrote. Gass emphasized that he does not condone violence and apologized for his severe lack of judgment and any pain he may have caused.
Black’s Political Involvement
This incident comes shortly after Black, 54, delivered a speech at a high-profile fundraiser in Los Angeles for President Joe Biden, where he highlighted the importance of democracy in the upcoming election. The event raised over $30 million and was attended by notable figures like former presidents Barack Obama, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand.
Tour Details and Reactions
Tenacious D’s Spicy Meatball Tour, which started in May and was set to conclude on July 26, 2024, is now halted. The backlash to Gass’s comments has been swift and severe. Many social media users expressed their outrage. Conservative editor Brandon Morse stated, “And with that, any love I had for Jack Black and Tenacious D is gone.” Right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk added, “These people are more twisted and vile than we realized. And shame on all of the people in the crowd who thought this ‘joke’ was funny.” Collin Rugg on X remarked, “Maybe, just maybe, these people are actually the evil ones.”
Political and Public Backlash
Australian senator Ralph Babet joined the chorus of outrage, calling for the band to be deported following Gass’s controversial comments.
The Broader Context
The controversial remarks come in the wake of a recent shooting that killed one spectator. Investigators are searching for clues about what drove Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, to carry out the shocking attack. The FBI is treating it as a potential act of domestic terrorism, though the absence of a clear ideological motive has led to conspiracy theories. The FBI believes Crooks, who had bomb-making materials in his car, acted alone.
This incident has put Tenacious D in a difficult position, and it remains to be seen how they will navigate the fallout from Gass’s comments and the decision to halt their tour.