Stuns: Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass Faces Fallout Over Trump Joke

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Kyle Gass, the guitarist and vocalist of Tenacious D, found himself at the center of a controversy after making a joke about Donald Trump during a concert in Australia in July 2024. The remark followed Trump’s injury in a shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Gass’s comment sparked immediate criticism, forced the band to cancel upcoming shows, and led to an apology that he later deleted.

Context

The incident unfolded against a backdrop of heightened political tension in the United States. Trump, 79, was shot during a July 2024 rally, a stark reminder of the volatility surrounding the former president’s public appearances. In the same month, Tenacious D was touring in Australia, a location that Gass said felt removed from the U.S. news cycle.

> “I didn’t feel like I was in touch with it. If I was over there, I think I would have gotten more the gravity of an assassination attempt,” Gass told the outlet.

The band’s co-founder, Jack Black, 56, reacted quickly. He announced the cancellation of the remaining tour dates and expressed feeling “blindsided” by Gass’s joke.

The Joke and Immediate Fallout

During a concert, Gass quipped that his 64th birthday wish would be “don’t miss Trump next time.” The remark was made in a moment that many fans and observers found inappropriate given the recent shooting.

> “We’re separate people, always, and we’re on different career paths,” Gass said. “I totally understood what he needed to protect. I didn’t begrudge him any of that.”

The joke was described by Gass as a “highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.” It was also called a “f-up” in his own words.

> “It was hard to take responsibility for it, but it was my f—–up. When you’re in it, it’s hard to even think straight.”

The backlash was swift. Fans and media outlets questioned the timing and sensitivity of the comment. The band’s official social media accounts reflected the turmoil, with Gass’s apology being posted and then removed.

Apology and Tour Cancellation

Following the incident, Gass issued an apology that was later deleted. He clarified to Rolling Stone that the sentiment was genuine.

> “If I would have recanted, I would’ve said, ‘I’m taking this down because now on further reflection …’ But no. It’s out there. And then, it’s like, should I put it back up? It just felt so wrong at that point.”

The decision to cancel the remaining tour dates was a mutual one between Gass and Black.

> “The choice to cancel Tenacious D’s shows was mutual between him and Black. That was pretty easy.”

The cancellation came amid a broader conversation about artists’ responsibilities when referencing current events in live performances.

Reflection and Future Plans

In a subsequent interview with Rolling Stone, Gass reflected on the episode and the dynamics between him and Black. He emphasized that their relationship is akin to a marriage, with ups and downs that require understanding.

> “We hashed it out,” Gass said. “And it was hard. It is like a marriage. You go through these ups and downs, and try to understand your partner.”

Despite the setback, Gass confirmed that Tenacious D will return to the stage.

> “We will serve no D-wine before it’s D-time – but we will be back. We will return.”

He also expressed admiration for Black’s career, noting the breadth of his work.

> “Jack has this magnificent career. I can’t even count the franchises now.”

The band’s future shows are now on hold, but fans anticipate a comeback once the band has addressed the incident.

Key Takeaways

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