Tenacious D Cancels Tour After Controversial Trump Shooting Comment
The comedy rock duo Tenacious D, made up of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, has abruptly cancelled the remainder of their tour following a controversial remark made by Gass regarding a recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
The Incident in Sydney
Birthday Wish Gone Wrong
During a concert in Sydney on Sunday, Kyle Gass was presented with a birthday cake and asked to “make a wish” by his bandmate, Jack Black. In a moment that quickly went viral, Gass responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” referencing the rally shooting a day earlier where Trump sustained an ear injury.
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Event: Birthday celebration on stage
- Remark: “Don’t miss Trump next time”
Immediate Fallout
The video of Gass’s comment circulated widely on social media, sparking outrage and concern. Jack Black, blindsided by his bandmate’s remark, issued a public statement on Instagram the following Tuesday.
- Social Media Reaction: Widespread outrage
- Jack Black’s Statement: Denounced hate speech and political violence
Jack Black’s Response
Public Apology
In his statement, Jack Black expressed his shock and disapproval of Gass’s comment. He made it clear that he does not condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.
- Black’s Instagram Statement: Condemned the comment and political violence
- Tour Cancellation: Decision made after much reflection
“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 wrote. “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.”
Kyle Gass’s Apology
Addressing the Mistake
Kyle Gass also issued an apology, acknowledging the inappropriateness and danger of his comment. He expressed deep regret for his lapse in judgment.
- Gass’s Apology: Admitted the comment was inappropriate and dangerous
- Regret: Emphasized that he does not condone violence of any kind
“The line I improvised Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” he wrote. “I don’t condone violence in any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement.”
Impact on the Tour
Immediate Cancellations
Following the controversy, Tenacious D canceled the rest of their Spicy Meatball Tour, which had dates scheduled across Australia and New Zealand, and planned to return to the U.S. for select dates in October.
- Tour Name: Spicy Meatball Tour
- Affected Locations: Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S.
- Tour Status: Canceled
Official Announcement
Frontier Touring, the company responsible for organizing Tenacious D’s concerts, announced the postponement of the Newcastle show and advised ticket holders to await further information.
- Announcement: Postponement of Newcastle concert
- Ticket Holder Advice: Hold onto tickets until further notice
“Frontier Touring regret to advise that Tenacious D’s concert tonight at Newcastle Entertainment Centre has been postponed,” their statement read. “Ticket holders are asked to hold onto their tickets until further information is available.”
Addressing Fan Concerns
Refunds and Future Plans
As fans express their disappointment and seek clarity, the band’s representatives have directed all inquiries back to Jack Black’s statement. Details on refunds for the remaining tour dates are yet to be finalized.
- Fan Inquiries: Directed to Jack Black’s statement
- Refund Information: Pending
Public Reaction
The public reaction to the tour cancellation has been mixed. While some fans support the decision to cancel the tour, others are disappointed and seeking further explanations.
- Supportive Fans: Applaud the decision for its stance against hate speech
- Disappointed Fans: Seek more information and explanations
Conclusion
The abrupt cancellation of Tenacious D’s tour following Kyle Gass’s controversial comment has left fans shocked and seeking answers. Both Gass and Black have issued public apologies, condemning violence and expressing regret for the incident. As the dust settles, the focus shifts to providing support and clarity to their fan base while addressing the broader implications of such remarks.
Learn more:
