Image: Kyle Gass, left, and Jack Black of Tenacious D (Amy Harris, AP)
Jack Black has called off the Tenacious D tour following bandmate Kyle Gass’s comments about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
The musical-comedy duo were onstage in Sydney on Sunday when Gass was presented with a cake for his 64th birthday. He was asked to make a wish.
“Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass replied, captured in a video that has been widely circulated on social media.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Black said he was “blindsided” by the comment.
“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” he 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.”
Gass then took to Instagram to apologise, writing, “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. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement.”
The band’s Newcastle concert on Tuesday was cancelled abruptly following the incident.
Tenacious D were also due to perform in Brisbane on Thursday, in Melbourne on Saturday, and Adelaide on Monday, before flying to New Zealand for shows in Auckland and Wellington.
Gass has reportedly split with his agent following the concert in Sydney.
The remarks have generated widespread outcry on social media. X owner Elon Musk described them as “evil”. Australian Ambassador to the US and former prime minister Kevin Rudd said it made him “physically ill” that someone would joke about violence.
“People might think that it is a bit of funny ha-ha at a concert to run off at the mouth about this stuff. It’s not. It’s about physical life,” he said.
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