Jack Black puts all future creative plans on hold for Tenacious D following a Trump comment at their Sunday Sydney show.
Having just touched down in Australia to commence their highly-anticipated down-under return, Tenacious D announce the cancellation of all remaining Australian and NZ tour shows.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The move comes following a comment made by Kyle Gass during their second Australian show. To celebrate Gass’s birthday on Sunday 14 July, Jack Black presented Gass with a birthday cake during the Sydney show, serenading him along with the crowd in a ‘Happy Birthday’ singalong’ before asking what he wished for. Gass responded with “don’t miss Trump next time” in reference to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump over the weekend at a Pennsylvanian rally. At the time the comment was met with laughs from the audience but Black has since posted the following statement to his social media account.
“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.”
“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 of the fans for their support and understanding.”
View this post on Instagram
Gass has also issued a statement in reference to the comment, as both bandmates head into crisis management mode.
“The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement. I profoundly apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
View this post on Instagram
The controversial comment originally led to the Newcastle show on Tuesday 16 July being postponed but the new announcement means that all remaining tour dates for Australia and New Zealand have been cancelled. Shows in Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Wellington and Auckland will no longer precede and all ticketholders will be refunded.
Cancelled shows
Tuesday 16 July
Newcastle Entertainment Centre | Newcastle, NSW
Thursday 18 July
Brisbane Entertainment Centre | Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 20 July
Rod Laver Arena | Melbourne, VIC
Monday 22 July
Adelaide Entertainment Centre | Adelaide, SA
Wednesday 24 July
TSB Arena | Wellington, NZ
Friday 26 July
Spark Arena | Auckland, NZ
View this post on Instagram
Further information will be sent directly to authorised ticket-holders via Frontier Touring and the ticketing site.
