Hollywood star Jack Black has announced the cancellation of his comedy rock band Tenacious D’s Australian and New Zealand tour and put “all future creative plans” on hold after his bandmate’s comment about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump sparked outrage.
At the duo’s concert in Sydney on Sunday, Black’s bandmate Kyle Gass was asked to make a birthday wish, to which he replied: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
That came on the same day as the attempt to kill the former US president at a rally on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEST), which left another person dead and Trump with a bloodied ear.
Hours after cancelling tonight’s planned Newcastle show, Black said he was “blindsided” by his longtime collaborator’s comment, which sparked calls for their deportation.
“I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” the School of Rock, Kung Fu Panda and High Fidelity star wrote, on Instagram.
“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.”
Tour abruptly postponed
All remaining dates of the tour have since been cancelled, although Frontier Touring did not provide any reasons for the decision.
“(We) regret to advise that the remaining dates of Tenacious D’s tour of Australia and New Zealand have been cancelled,” Frontier Touring said.
“All purchased tickets will receive a full refund.”
The touring company said patrons should allow 30 business days for the refund to appear in their account, which will be automatically refunded in full.
New Zealand patrons will have their ticket refund processed within 14-21 business days.
Joke sparks controversy
Footage of Gass’ comment has been shared on social media, attracting fierce criticism from Trump supporters, including X owner Elon Musk.
Neither Gass nor the band’s official social media accounts have commented.
Among those who have condemned Gass’s remarks is United Australia Party senator Ralph Babet.
The long-time Trump supporter, who won Victoria’s final Senate seat at the 2022 election with 4 per cent of the vote, called the comment “egregious, disgusting, filthy, evil, and not acceptable in any way”.
“I call on the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, to join me in denouncing Tenacious D, Jack Black and band member Kyle Gass, and I call on the Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to revoke their visas and deport them immediately,” Babet said.
Black has previously criticised Trump and supported current US President Joe Biden, including at a fundraiser last month.
He and Gass were due to perform in five concerts in October to support Rock the Vote, a non-partisan not-for-profit organisation that aims to increase young people’s political power and participation.
