Rock duo Tenacious D has suspended their tour and future projects after a contentious remark made by band member Kyle Gass during a recent performance in Sydney.
The incident occurred when Gass, celebrating his birthday on stage, made a jest about the recent unsuccessful attempt on Donald Trump’s life.
Gass had a cake presented to him onstage while Black told him to make a wish as he blew out the candles, “Don’t miss Trump next time” he remarked, an obvious reference to the failed assassination attempt by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks at a Trump rally the previous day.
Frontman Jack Black, caught off guard by his bandmate’s comment, has since released a statement distancing himself from the remarks.
Black emphasized his opposition to hate speech and political violence, expressing the need to pause the band’s activities for reflection.
The duo, known for blending comedy with rock music, had been scheduled to complete their Australian tour before heading to New Zealand. However, these plans have now been shelved indefinitely.
The incident has sparked political backlash in Australia, with Senator Ralph Babet calling for the band’s deportation.
Babet urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to denounce Tenacious D and requested that Immigration Minister Andrew Giles revoke their visas.
Tenacious D’s history spans over three decades, with Black and Gass’s partnership dating back to their time in the Actors’ Gang theatre group in the mid-1980s.
The band has enjoyed considerable success, including platinum-selling albums and high-charting releases in both the US and UK.
Their unique blend of humor and rock has earned them a dedicated fan base and respect within the music industry, leading to collaborations with renowned rock bands.
The duo has also ventured into television and film, though with varying degrees of success.
Prior to this controversy, Tenacious D had been performing to positive reviews, including a well-received arena tour in the UK earlier this year. The future of the band remains uncertain as they navigate the fallout from this recent incident.
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