Jack Black cancels remaining Tenacious D tour following bandmate’s vile joke about Trump assassination attempt

Jack Black has made the decision to cancel the remaining shows of Tenacious D’s Australian tour and suspend all future creative plans following a contentious remark made by his bandmate Kyle Gass during a concert in Sydney.

Jack Black has canceled the rest of his tour with bandmate Kyle Gass. Credit: Presley Ann / Getty

The 54-year-old musician’s decision comes after Gass, 64, made a joke referencing Saturday’s assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania.

The comment was made at Sydney’s ICC Theatre on Sunday night (July 14) during a celebration for Gass’s 64th birthday, where he received a cake and was asked to make a wish.

Gass’s response, “Don’t miss Trump next time” – a reference to the gunman failing to fatally strike the former POTUS – elicited laughter from the crowd of approximately 9,000 attendees.

Kyle Gass and Jack Black performing on stage as Tenacious D. Credit: Jeff Hahne / Getty

However, on social media, the comment quickly sparked criticism and calls for deportation from United Australia Senator Ralph Babet.

Babet even shared a press release to X stating that Tenacious D should be “immediately removed from the country”.

“There is no place in Australia for those who wish for the assassination of others, the Senator added.

Initially, Tenacious D postponed their scheduled concert in Newcastle on Tuesday night. However, Jack Black has taken to Instagram today (July 16) to express his disappointment and announce the tour’s cancellation due to the controversy.

“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,” 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.”

Jack Black’s apology. Credit: Instagram/JackBlack

Gass has issued a public apology on Instagram, acknowledging the gravity of his comment and expressing remorse for his lapse in judgment.

“The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake,” Gass wrote. “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.”

Kyle Gass’ apology. Credit: Instagram

Just one day before the concert, former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a gunman fired shots that wounded Trump’s ear, killed one rally-goer, and critically injured two others.

The shooter was then fatally shot by Secret Service agents.

Donald Trump swamped by security amid shooting. Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty

The cancellation of Tenacious D’s tour represents a significant setback for the band, known for their blend of rock music and comedy.