Tenacious D Tour Derailed by Off-Color Joke About Attempted Trump Assassination
To say tensions in America have been high since the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump that took place this past Saturday near Butler, Pennsylvania would be a bit of an understatement. In times like this, a little bit of levity could help lower the temperature a bit — but one joke during a recent Tenacious D concert not only drew backlash from Trump supporters, but has since caused the band to go on an indefinite hiatus.
On the very same night that the attack took place, the D were playing Sydney, Australia. That evening just so happened to be vocalist/guitarist Kyle Gass‘ 64th birthday, so when he was asked to make a wish for the occasion, he responded with: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Now, I personally think that’s a pretty funny joke, especially given all the vitriol the right has spewed at the left for years and years. Yet sadly turnabout isn’t fair play in this instance, so people got up in arms. As a result, at least one Australian politician is urging Tenacious D to be deported from the country.
In the wake of the controversy, Jack Black issued a statement claiming he was “blindsided” by Gass’ off-color comment. As such, he said the tour is over and the band is effectively on the shelf until further notice. No live performances, no creative efforts, no new music… nothing.
“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. 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.”
That sort of reaction makes sense, as Black is a major actor in Hollywood these days and probably has to maintain some sort of reputation, regardless of whether he thought the joke was funny or not.
To his credit, Gass also put out a statement apologizing for his comment, stating that he doesn’t “condone violence of any kind.”
“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.”
