Hollywood star Jack Black has announced the cancellation of his comedy rock band Tenacious D’s Australian 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.”
Neither Gass nor the band’s official social media accounts have commented.
Footage of Gass’ comment has been shared on social media, attracting fierce criticism from Trump supporters, including X owner Elon Musk.
In a statement released this afternoon, Frontier Touring said Tenacious D’s concert tonight would not go ahead, although the promoter did not provide any reasons for the decision.
“Frontier Touring regret to advise that Tenacious D’s concert tonight at Newcastle Entertainment Centre has been postponed,” it said.
“Ticket holders are asked to hold onto their tickets until further information is available.”
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.
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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.
