Jack Black has confirmed that Tenacious D will make a comeback following a temporary hiatus caused by a controversial joke made by bandmate Kyle Gass. This development has been eagerly awaited by fans after a period of uncertainty surrounding the duo.
The Controversy: What Happened?
During a concert in Sydney, Australia, in July, Kyle Gass made an ill-timed joke while celebrating his birthday. He quipped, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” referring to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The remark, intended as a dark humour punchline, sparked significant backlash.
The reaction was swift. Australian Senator Ralph Babet condemned the comment and called for Tenacious D to be banned from performing in Australia. This controversy led to the band cancelling the rest of their tour, and Gass issued an apology, stating:
“The line I improvised Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake. I don’t condone violence in any kind, in any form, against anyone.”
Jack Black also expressed his disapproval, clarifying that he was “blindsided” by the remark and does not support hate speech or political violence. The incident put the band’s future on hold, leading to speculation about their return.
Jack Black Speaks Out: What’s Next for Tenacious D?
At the premiere of his new action film Borderlands, Jack Black addressed the situation. He assured fans that Tenacious D will return, stating:
“I love Tenacious D … We had to take a break, but I love the D. Everybody takes a break sometimes. We’ll be back.”
Black acknowledged that the hiatus was necessary but reaffirmed his commitment to the band and his friendship with Gass, who has been his collaborator for over 30 years. He explained:
“We’re friends. That hasn’t changed. These things take time sometimes … And we’ll be back when it feels right.”
The Impact of the Controversy on the Band
The joke’s fallout had several consequences:
- Tour Cancellation: The remaining dates of their tour were scrapped in response to the backlash.
- Public Backlash: Both Gass and Black faced criticism. Gass was accused of poor judgment, while some fans thought Black might distance himself from his longtime friend.
- Apology and Reflection: Gass’s apology and Black’s statements reflect their commitment to addressing the issue and moving forward.
Tenacious D’s Future: What Fans Can Expect
Despite the temporary setback, Tenacious D fans have reason to be optimistic. Here’s what to look forward to:
- Reunion: Jack Black has confirmed that the band will return when the time is right. This means fans can expect new material and performances in the future.
- Continued Collaboration: Black and Gass’s long-standing friendship suggests that their creative partnership will continue, potentially leading to new and exciting projects.
- Future Projects: While Tenacious D is on hiatus, Jack Black is also busy with other projects, including his role in Borderlands, where he voices the character Claptrap.
Borderlands: Black’s New Project
Jack Black’s latest venture is the live-action adaptation of the popular video game Borderlands, directed by Eli Roth. In this film, Black voices Claptrap, a wisecracking robot character, alongside Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart.
- Role of Claptrap: Black’s portrayal of Claptrap promises to bring the character’s unique humour to life.
- Film Release: Borderlands is set to bring a fresh take on the video game franchise, with Black’s performance likely to be a highlight.
Final Thoughts
The controversy surrounding Tenacious D has been challenging, but the band’s return is on the horizon. Fans can look forward to the duo’s comeback and continued creative output. In the meantime, Jack Black’s role in Borderlands offers a new avenue for fans to enjoy his talents.
Stay tuned for updates on Tenacious D’s return and other exciting projects from Jack Black.
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