GRAMMY Award-winning American comedy rockers Tenacious D have canceled their tour and ‘put all future creative plans’ on hold according to vocalist/guitarist Jack Black. Amid a break from the set the group were performing live at the ICC Sydney Theatre in Sydney, Australia on July 14th, Kyle Gass was presented a birthday cake for his 64th birthday.
Gass was asked to make a wish before blowing out the candles, to which he quipped, “don’t miss Trump next time”, referencing this past weekend’s attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump at a campaign rally. While Black was seen to initially laugh off the comment onstage, and the band would go on to perform another roughly six songs to finish out the set, word of Gass‘s comment soon hit social media. A wave of backlash ensued, which the band have now responded to.
Both Black and Gass issued individual statements earlier today, July 16th:
Kyle Gass:
“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.”
Jack Black:
“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.”
Among the band’s apparently scrapped plans was their fall U.S. tour, the ‘Rock D Vote Tour‘, which encouraged fans to get out and vote in the upcoming U.S. election this year.
