Tenacious D cancels all remaining Aussie tour dates after 'bad' Trump joke backlash
In footage taken in Sydney on Sunday, band mate Kyle Gass was heard making light of the recent assassination attempt of former US president Donald Trump.
Jack Black-led comedy-rock band Tenacious D has sensationally cancelled the remainder of their Australian tour after copping swift backlash over an on-stage joke about the attempted assassination of former US president Donald Trump.
The pair, fronted by the Hollywood megastar, had planned on touring in multiple cities around the country and in New Zealand but announced the shock news overnight, which followed remarks by band member Kyle Gass in Sydney that were recorded live and widely shared on social media.
Black is seen in the vision presenting member Kyle Gass with a birthday cake during their performance at the ICC Sydney Theatre on Sunday, in footage shared with Yahoo News.
Jack Black 'blindsided' by band mate's on-stage remark
"Make a wish," he urges, with Gass then seen blowing out the candles and says in a hushed tone, "Don’t miss Trump next time" — causing the crowd to erupt. While some are heard laughing and clapping, others are less impressed.
"You could hear a couple of ‘oohhs’ — like too soon sort of vibes — but the vast majority was laughter,” one audience member told Yahoo News. Several fans praised Gass’ comment, while others online have criticised the band, calling it a "bad joke".
RELATED: Crowd divided over 'bad joke' at Sydney gig hours after Trump shooting
The comments provoked an outpouring of anger in Australia and around the world, forcing even former Australian prime ministers to weigh in. Black announced via social media overnight that after "much reflection", the remainder of the tour would not go ahead.
"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 in a statement 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."
Following Black's statement, Gass apologised on Instagram. "The line I improvised Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake," he wrote on Tuesday. "I don't condone violence in any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I'm incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement."
Former PM Kevin Rudd, who is the current Australian ambassador to the US, denounced the remarks. “It makes me feel sick someone would joke about violence. Physically ill,” he told media. "People might think it’s a bit of ‘funny haha’ at a concert to run off at the mouth off about this stuff— it’s not."
In an email to ticket holders and media, promoters Frontier Touring said affected customers will be offered full refunds. "Frontier Touring regret to advise that the remaining dates of Tenacious D’s tour of Australia and New Zealand have been cancelled," the statement said.
"All purchased tickets will receive a full refund. Patrons should allow approximately 30 business days for the refund to appear in their account. Please do not contact Ticketek regarding your refund."
Tenacious D's Jack Black previously jokes about 'evil' Trump
It’s not the first time a member of the group calling itself “the greatest rock band in the world" — known for its outlandish humour — has vocalised their dislike of Trump.
During an interview with Conan O’Brien in 2017, Jack Black was asked if he believed Tenacious D’s “I’m the best and everything I do is amazing shtick" had influenced the former US president.
"Yes. In fact I feel Donald Trump saw a Tenacious D concert, because that’s our whole thing, just like we are the greatest band in the world, no one can touch us, we are the best," Black responded.
"And he just saw us and said, 'I’m going to use that technique. I’m the greatest president. I got all the greatest people…' and then he used it and became president.
"And now, when we go out and perform Tenacious D, I always have like, a little twinge of guilt, because it’s like this evil f***ing warlock stole our magic, but just took out all the irony. And it worked and now he’s destroying the universe."
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