ack Black has announced the cancellation of Tenacious D’s tour after a controversial comment from his bandmate, Kyle Gass. The comedy rock duo, together for over 20 years, will not be hitting the road right now, Black revealed in an Instagram post on Tuesday, following Gass’ remark at their show in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday.
During their performance over the weekend, a cake was brought out to celebrate Gass’ 64th birthday, and Black serenaded him with “Happy Birthday.” After the Kung Fu Panda star urged his bandmate to make a wish, Gass said, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” seemingly referencing the assassination attempt on the former president a day earlier during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired at Trump using an AR-15, resulting in an injury to the former president’s ear, while one attendee was killed and two others were wounded.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” Jack stated in his social media post. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.”
He continued, “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.”
Gass issued an apology, writing on social media, “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 judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
The GRAMMY-winning band has been known for its political activism, including performing in support of former President Barack Obama and encouraging fans to participate in elections. In June, the duo had announced show dates in which all proceeds would be donated to the Rock the Vote organization.
Jack Black has announced the cancelation of Tenacious D”s tour after a controversial comment from his bandmate, Kyle Gass.
The comedy rock duo of more than 20 years will not be hitting the road right now, Black announced in an Instagram post on Tuesday, following Gass” remark at their show in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday.
During their performance over the weekend, a cake was brought out to celebrate Gass” 64th birthday and Black serenaded him with “Happy Birthday.” After the Kung Fu Panda star urged his 64-year-old bandmate to make a wish, Gass said, “Don”t miss Trump next time.” It was seemingly a reference to the assassination attempt committed against the former president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee a day earlier during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired at Trump using an AR-15. The former president was left with an injury to his ear, while one attendee was killed and two others were wounded.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” Jack said in his social media statement. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.”
Continued the 54-year-old actor, “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.”
Gass issued an apology, writing on social media, “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 [sic]. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I”ve caused.”
The GRAMMY-winning band has been known to be politically active over the years, including having performed in support of former President Barack Obama and encouraging fans to participate in elections. In June, the duo had announced show dates in which all proceeds would be donated to the Rock the Vote organization.