Jack Black Confirms Tenacious D’s Australian Tour Cancelled After Trump Controversy
Black also revealed “all future creative plans are on hold” in regards to the band.
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Jack Black has confirmed Tenacious D’s Australian tour is cancelled and the band is on hiatus after bandmate Kyle Gass’ comment regarding Donald Trump’s failed assassination attempt received widespread backlash.
As we reported yesterday, Gass made light of the deadly shooting that occurred in Pennsylvania at the band’s Sydney performance on Sunday night (July 14). Celebrating his 64th birthday, Gass was gifted a cake by Black and asked to make a wish before blowing out the candles, jokingly saying “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
The comment got plenty of laughs at the gig but caused outrage across the country. Right-wing Australian Senator Ralph Babet, Leader of the United Australia Party, released a statement demanding Tenacious D have their visas revoked and be deported, while shock jock Kyle Sandilands said the band are banned for life from appearing on the Kyle and Jackie O Show, calling Gass’ comment “some serious, twisted shit.”
At first staying quiet on the furore created by the remark for most of yesterday, Tenacious D suddenly postponed their show in Newcastle last night (July 16) before Black released a statement on Instagram confirming the remaining tour dates have been cancelled and the future of Tenacious D is uncertain.
“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 said.
“After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all further creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”
READ MORE: Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass in Hot Water After Trump Joke
Gass also took to social media to apologise for what he said, releasing this statement:
“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.”
The cancellation of Tenacious D’s ‘Spicy Meatball’ Australian Tour means fans in Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide miss out on seeing the band for the first time in more than a decade.
Frontier Touring has also confirmed the tour is officially cancelled and advised ticket holders they will receive a full refund, with more information to be sent via email later today.
Black and Gass, who have both been critical of Trump in the past, were also set to perform five shows for nonprofit organisation Rock the Vote in America’s Midwest this October, with these concerts now in doubt.
