Tenacious D‘s first Australian tour in 11 years has been derailed by controversy. Frontman Jack Black has unceremoniously pulled the plug on the remainder of the band’s arena dates in Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide, after guitarist Kyle Gass sparked controversy with five little words during the comedy-rock duo’s Sydney show: “Don’t miss Trump next time”.
Gass made the quip about the recent attempted assassination of Donald Trump live onstage after Black presented him with a cake to celebrate his 64th birthday, asking him to make a wish.
Jack Black: “I was blindsided”
While the crack sparked giggles and cheers from the crowd, it swiftly kicked up a shitstorm after the footage was posted online.
In response to the internet’s wrath, Black has turned on his bandmate in the media, cancelled all of Tenacious D’s remaining tour dates in Australia and New Zealand, and now there are rumours it could even be the end of the band.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” Black posted on Instagram. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold”.
K-G has also since apologised publicly for the joke, posting: “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.”
He continued: “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.”
The incident has divided fans and political commentators alike. Some, like Australian journalist Simon Collins, have been quick to point out the hypocrisy of so-called “free speech warriors” who defend the rights of far-right scum-lords like Andrew Tate to suddenly be clutching their pearls at a joke about Trump, while elsewhere, some Tenacious D fans have dubbed Black an “absolute coward” for throwing his friend and bandmate “under the bus”.
“You’re upset at Jack Black because of what Kyle Gass said. I’m upset at Jack Black for turning his back on a 30 year long partnership for the sake of keeping his celebrity status,” one user posted on X.
“Not Jack Black throwing Kyle Gass under the bus for making a joke about Trump. What an absolute coward,” another added.
As for Aussie punters who had tickets to any of The Greatest Band In The World’s cancelled shows, tour promoter Frontier Touring has advised that “all purchased tickets will receive a full refund”.
Elsewhere, TMZ is reporting that Gass has now been dumped by his agent because of the incident.
We’ll keep you updated on the future of Tenacious D.
Tenacious D – ‘Spicy Meatball’ Australian Tour Dates
- Thursday, 18th July – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, QLD – CANCELLED
- Saturday, 20th July – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC – CANCELLED
- Monday, 22nd July – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA – CANCELLED
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