Jack Black cancels Tenacious D tour after bandmate’s Trump shooting comment

Jack Black and Kyle Gass, who comprise the comedy rock duo Tenacious D, may have taken on Satan himself in 2006’s Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny and tackled a broad range of song subjects ranging from yanking out pubic hair to push-ups with one’s private parts to Jesus Ranches to instructions for gentle lovemaking — but there is one topic that’s off-limits: the recent Trump shooting, particularly Gass’ joking comments about the assassination attempt of the former president and current presidential candidate which took place at the Trump Rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack saw one bystander killed and two seriously injured; Trump also sustained an ear injury where the bullet clipped him.

“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” Black told the Mirror US, referring to Tenacious D’s show at the ICC Sydney Theatre in Australia. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. 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.”

Black was blindsided by Gass’ comments when Black presented his bandmate with a candlelit cake on stage to celebrate the Gass’ 64th birthday. When asked to make a wish, Gass said, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”

Gass has since issued an apology for the comment, stating, “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.”

Following the concert, Australian federal senator Ralph Babet issued a statement condemning Gass’ actions.

“Tenacious D should be immediately removed from the country after wishing for the assassination of Donald Trump at their Sydney concert,” Babet wrote.

“This was not a joke, he was deadly serious when he wished for the death of the President. Anything less than deportation is an endorsement of the shooting and attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump, the 45th and soon-to-be 47th President of the United States.”

Do you think Jack Black was right to react in the way he did to his bandmate’s comments about the Trump shooting? Should Tenacious D be deported from Australia? Let us know in the comments.