Tenacious D Issues Apologies After Joke About Trump Assassination Attempt

Actors/recording artists Kyle Gass (L) and Jack Black of Tenacious D perform at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in Nevada on Dec. 30, 2022. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The Tenacious D tour has been cancelled after a band member made a controversial comment about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

During the comedy rock concert in Sydney, U.S. musician and band member Kyle Gass said, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” after actor Jack Black asked him to make a wish.

Actor and comedian Mr. Black decided to cancel the duo’s tour.

“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,” he said in a post to Instagram.

“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”

Some audience members could be heard laughing in response to Mr. Gass’s comment.

The musical-comedian team Tenacious D had planned concerts across the country in Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and New Zealand’s Auckland and Wellington.

In response, United Australia Party Senator for Victoria Ralph Babet was one of the first to condemn the comments calling for Tenacious D to be immediately “removed from the country.”

“To advocate and or wish for the assassination of a President is egregious, disgusting, filthy, evil, and not acceptable in any way, shape or form,” he said on July 16.

“Anything less than deportation is an endorsement of the shooting and attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump, the 45th and soon to be 47th President of the United States.”

X owner Elon Musk also responded to a video of the comment with the word “Evil.”

Australian Ambassador Weighs In

Meanwhile, Australian Ambassador to the U.S. Kevin Rudd, a former prime minister, said the comments made him “physically ill.”

“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 told media at the Republican National Convention.

“These people just [need to] grow up and find a decent job.”

Frontier Touring posted a statement saying it regrets to advise that the remaining dates of Tenacious D’s tour of Australia and New Zealand had been cancelled.

“Ticket holders who purchased tickets via authorised ticketing outlets will receive a full refund. A communication to all ticket holders will be sent today with more information,” the concert promoter said on Facebook.

On July 13, U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot in the ear at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Former President Trump was discussing illegal immigration before the shots were fired, which left the now-candidate with a pierced ear and blood streaming down his face.

A spectator at the rally was killed and two others injured.

The FBI named Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the gunman. The shooter graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and lived with his parents.

Gass Regrets Comment

Tenacious D musician and singer Mr. Gass issued an apology on July 16.

“The line I improvised Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” he said 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. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”

Several actors and musicians responded to Mr. Gass by expressing support.

Film actor Kevin Weisman said, “Love you pal. You have and always will have a heart of gold.”

Dan Finnerty, creator of The Dan Band, added, “Anyone who knows you, knows you didn’t actually mean it, Kyle. You made a mistake, took accountability for it and apologized—which is more than we’re used to seeing from people these days.”