Jack Black Cancels Tenacious D Tour After Bandmate’s Comment About Trump Shooting

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - SEPTEMBER 28: (L-R) Kyle Gass and Jack Black perform on stage during the Tenacious D concert during the Rock in Rio 2019 at Cidade do Rock on September 28, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)

Jack Black, one-half of the Grammy Award-winning comedy rock duo Tenacious D, has announced the cancellation of his band’s remaining global tour dates after his bandmate, fellow actor Kyle Gass, made comments about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a concert over the weekend.

On Tuesday, Mr. Black, 54, said in a statement on Instagram that he was “blindsided” by Mr. Gass’s comment.

The “School of Rock” star and Mr. Gass, 64, performed at the ICC Sydney Theatre in Sydney, Australia, on July 14, which was Mr. Gass’s birthday.

While onstage, Mr. Black sang “Happy Birthday” to Mr. Gass as a cake was brought out to him. Mr. Black then asked his bandmate to make a wish, to which Mr. Gass replied: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”

The musician’s remark followed the assassination attempt at former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the day before. The former president was wounded in the shooting after a bullet grazed his right ear. One spectator, firefighter Corey Comperatore, was killed, while two others were seriously injured.

Former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage after an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Mr. 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.”

Mr. Gass subsequently apologized. “The line I improvised Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” he wrote on Instagram.

“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,” Mr. Gass added. “I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”

Australian Senator Ralph Babet on July 16 called for the band members’ deportation from Australia over Mr. Gass’s comment.

“Tenacious D should be immediately removed from the country after wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert,” Senator Babet said. “I condemn in the strongest possible way the call to political violence by Tenacious D in Sydney on Sunday.”

Tour Cancelled

Formed in 1994, the band kicked off its “Spicy Meatball Tour” in May. The group, which had shows scheduled in Australia and New Zealand throughout the rest of the month, was slated to perform at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, New South Wales, on July 16.

Frontier Touring, a concert promoter in Australia and New Zealand, initially took to Instagram on Tuesday to write that the show was postponed. However, the company issued an update hours later, saying that all remaining Tenacious D tour dates had been canceled.

“Ticket holders who purchased tickets via authorised ticketing outlets will receive a full refund,” Frontier Touring wrote. “A communication to all ticket holders will be sent today with more information.”

In addition to the Newcastle show, impacted concerts included Australian performances in Brisbane on July 18, Melbourne on July 20, and Adelaide on July 22.

Tenacious D was also scheduled to perform at the TSB Arena in Wellington, New Zealand, on July 24, followed by the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, on July 26.