After bandmate Kyle Gass tried to make a joke about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, Jack Black has announced that he has cancelled the remaining dates of Tenacious D's global tour.
Black said in an Instagram statement he was "blindsided" by what Gass said.
The comedian and actor wrote: "I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form."He declared that the remaining members of the band's "creative plans are on hold" and that it was not "appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour"."Grateful to the fans for their support and understanding." Black continued.
The performance in Newcastle, New South Wales on Tuesday (July 16) had already been rescheduled because of what Gass had said, which was shortly after the assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the GOP presidential nominee was hit in the ear by a bullet and an audience member was killed.
Why have the band cancelled their tour?
On Sunday, as the comedic rock ensemble was performing in Sydney, Australia, Gass was given a cake for his 64th birthday and asked to make a wish.
He replied with: "Don't miss Trump next time!"
@lakster.lak During Jack Black’s concert, his band makes a wish “Don’t miss Trump next time”#trending #jackblack #donaldtrump #trump2024 #maga
♬ original sound - lakster lak
Gass expressed regret on Instagram for the remark, calling it a "severe lack of judgement".
He said: "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 apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused."
When did the band last perform in the UK?
Tenacious D last performed in the UK in 2019 with two dates at Wembley Stadium. They did not have any UK dates planned when they cancelled the current tour.
Who is Kyle Gass?
Gass is most recognised for being a member of the Grammy-winning comedic band Tenacious D and for co-founding the group. In addition, he plays in the Kyle Gass Band and Trainwreck.
According to thevogue.com, in 1989 Black and Gass – who were 16 and 24 respectively – first met in Edinburgh at the fringe festival and went on start the band. Black assisted Gass with his acting in return for Gass teaching him how to play the guitar. Black and Kyle first performed Bobby McFerrin covers. The name Tenacious D was inspired by a phrase used by sportscaster Marv Albert in reference to the NBA's New York Knicks' determined defence.
Will the band tour again?
Black hasn’t made a comment about touring again in the future so we don’t know.
How have people reacted to the remark?
The lone member of parliament for the United Australia Party, Senator Ralph Babet, requested that the band be deported.He declared in a statement that the two ought to "be immediately removed from the country after wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert".
When questioned about the remarks while attending the Republican National Convention, Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd said he was "physically ill" that anyone would make light of such a crime.
The former prime minister of Australia said: "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. These people just [need to] grow up and find a decent job.”
