Tenacious D, the comedic rock band led by Jack Black and Kyle Gass, has decided to cancel the remainder of their tour in response to a backlash caused by an inappropriate comment made by Gass during their recent concert in Sydney. The incident occurred when Black presented Gass with a birthday cake onstage, leading to a remark related to the recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump.
Footage of the incident circulated on social media, prompting widespread criticism and calls from Australian lawmaker Ralph Babet for the band to be expelled from the country.
Jack Black expressed his surprise and regret in a statement to CNN, saying, “I was taken aback by the comment made during the show. I do not endorse hate speech or advocate for political violence in any form. After careful consideration, I believe it’s best to cancel the remaining Tenacious D tour dates and pause all future projects. I appreciate the support and understanding of our fans.”
Kyle Gass issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging the gravity of his mistake. The thing I said onstage in Sydney on Sunday night was very wrong, harmful, and exceedingly improper. I oppose any forms of violence directed at individuals. I deeply regret my lapse in judgment and apologize sincerely to those I have offended.”
Following the incident, Gass was dropped by his talent representative, Michael Greene of Greene Talent, who confirmed the split without elaborating further.
The band had been scheduled to perform in Newcastle, New South Wales, on Tuesday, but Frontier Touring announced the postponement of the show via Instagram. Additionally, upcoming concerts in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, New Zealand, and the United States have all been canceled.
Senator Ralph Babet strongly criticized the duo, calling for their immediate expulsion from Australia. “To advocate or wish for the assassination of a President is reprehensible, disgusting, and completely unacceptable,” Babet stated. Please cancel their visas and deport them right away, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Minister Andrew Giles.
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Australian radio host Kyle Sandilands also condemned the band, declaring that he would no longer conduct interviews with Tenacious D.
In response to the incident, US President Joe Biden condemned political violence. Such violence has no place in America; it is disgusting and emphasizes how urgently we need to come together as a society. We cannot tolerate this behavior, nor can we endorse it,” Biden emphasized on Saturday.