Tenacious D have cancelled their tour and confirmed that “all future creative plans are on hold” after Kyle Gass made a controversial comment about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
During a live show in Sydney last Sunday (July 14), Jack Black sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to his bandmate Gass, before asking him to make a wish. Gass then said: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
The musician’s remark was about the failed assassination attempt on the former POTUS at a rally in Pennsylvania last Saturday (July 13) where a shooter fired at Trump, but only grazed his right ear.
However, the incident claimed the life of one attendant at the event. Two others were also critically injured. The shooter has since been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks – who was shot dead at the scene by a Secret Service sniper.
Today (July 16), Australian federal senator Ralph Babet issued a letter calling for Black and Gass to be deported from Australia: “Tenacious D should be immediately removed from the country after wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert.”
NEW: Comedian Jack Black's bandmate makes a "birthday wish" during a performance in Sydney, says he wishes they "don't miss Trump next time."
Black was videoed giving Tenacious D band member Kyle Gass a birthday cake.
"Make a wish," Black said.
Gass then responded: "Don’t… pic.twitter.com/jSyqrKISOl
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 15, 2024
He continued: “I condemn in the strongest possible way the call to political violence by Tenacious D in Sydney on Sunday.
“To advocate and or wish for the assassination of a President is egregious, disgusting, filthy, evil, and not acceptable in any way, shape or form. This was not a joke, he was deadly serious when he wished for the death of the President.”
Babet also urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to denounce Tenacious D, revoke their visas and deport them. The duo’s scheduled gig at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre tonight (July 16) was subsequently postponed.
Now, Black has issued a statement online saying he was “blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday”. He added: “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.”
Black went on: “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.” You can see the message in the post below.
In a separate post, Gass wrote: “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.
“I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. 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.”
You can see the statement below.
Tenacious D had six shows remaining on their current tour of Australia and New Zealand. In October, they were set to embark on a run of dates in North America.
Following the Trump assassination attempt, many figures in the entertainment world shared their reactions, including 50 Cent, M.I.A., Kid Rock, and Freddie Gibbs, while fans of Lana Del Rey posted memes on social media.
Meanwhile, Trump made a public return at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last night. He entered the event with a bandage strapped over his right ear and fist-pumped the air (via BBC News).
In other news, an episode of The Simpsons was removed from Channel 4’s schedule in the wake of the Trump rally shooting.
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