Jack Black Cancels Tenacious D Tour After Trump Joke – Hollywood Life

The ‘School of Rock’ star declared he was “blindsided” by his bandmate’s remarks on stage, after receiving backlash for a joke concerning the former president.

Jack Black announced that he was canceling the remainder of Tenacious D’s tour following a controversial joke made by his bandmate Kyle Gass about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The comedic duo was performing in Sydney, Australia, when Kyle made the remark during their set on Sunday, July 14. Jack, 54, revealed that “creative plans are on hold” as a result of the incident.

During the Sydney concert, which also coincided with Kyle’s 64th birthday, a cake was brought on stage. Jack urged his bandmate to “make a wish,” to which the guitarist responded with the contentious joke, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”

The reaction on social media was swift and severe. For example, Chris Loesch, the husband of conservative commentator Dana Loesch, tweeted, “I used to love Tenacious D and thought Jack Black was funny. None of them or their music/movies will ever be played in our home again. Ever. Sickening. Not funny and done in a foreign country is even worse. If you think it’s OK, unfollow and block me.”

Two days later, Jack took to Instagram to announce the cancellation of the tour and halt to future creative endeavors. “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,” he 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.”

Kyle faced significant backlash over his comment. Conservative Australian Senator Ralph Babet even called for the band to be deported, stating, “To advocate and or wish for the assassination of a President is egregious, disgusting, filthy, evil, and not acceptable in any way, shape, or form.”

While Tenacious D’s humor traditionally steers clear of political topics, their music has occasionally dipped into political commentary, such as in their song “The Government Totally Sucks.” The band had also scheduled a series of concerts in the fall designed to encourage fans to vote, with all proceeds intended to benefit Rock the Vote. The future of these shows is now uncertain.

Earlier in June, Jack Black took part in a fundraising event endorsing President Joe Biden. Clad in American flag overalls, Jack delivered an impassioned speech supporting Biden, saying, “When Democracy is at stake, Jack Black answers the call.”

Jack Black and Kyle Gass’s comedy-rock partnership has won them a dedicated fanbase over the years, but this recent incident has brought unexpected controversy. As fans and critics alike dissect the implications of Kyle’s comment, the future of Tenacious D remains in a state of flux.

Source: Variety, Billboard, Twitter