At a recent Tenacious D concert in Sydney, Australia, according to various sources, Kyle Gass, co-founder of the comedy rock duo, made some controversial statements regarding the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. As he was given a birthday cake during the concert, he was challenged to make a wish. In response to that, Gass replied, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” which ended up getting some cheers and some laughter from the crowd.
This comment came just hours after the shooting at one of Trump’s campaign rallies in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president sustained a slight injury to his right ear. One attendee was killed; two others are in critical condition as a result of the attack.
Jack Black reacts and calls off tour
Jack Black, Gass’ longtime bandmate and cofounder of Tenacious D—was “blindsided,” according to sources. In a statement posted to his Instagram account, Black expressed his disapproval, stating, “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.”.
As a consequence of the controversy, Black announced that the band would be cancelling the remaining shows of their worldwide tour “Spicy Meatball Tour.” The claim was that after much reflection, he does not hold it fitting to continue touring with Tenacious D, and all future creative plans are on hold.
Backlash and calls for deportation
The video of Gass’ comment had barely gone out before it went viral across social media, resulting in shocked reactions and a potent backlash. Some conservative and pro-Trump accounts ripped the comment as inappropriate and inciting violence.
In Australia, it was United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet who called for the deportation of Tenacious D and demanded that the federal government “revoke their visas and deport them immediately.” It was unthinkable to let this band travel around Australia, said Babet.
Gass’s apology and its aftermath
Following the public uproar, Kyle Gass took to his Instagram and recognised how poorly judged his remarks had been. He termed the comment “highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake,” adding that he was deeply regretful of “severe lack of judgment.”.
The controversial statement also created a rift between Gass and his talent agency, Greene Talent, confirms the owner, Michael Greene. The Broader Context and Calls for Unity The incident has kindled debate over the current political atmosphere in the United States and growing concerns with increased polarization. President Joe Biden called on Americans from the Oval Office to “tone down the political rhetoric” and stressed more unity among citizens. Biden added that it is important to recognize each other as “fellow citizens, friends, and neighbors, rather than adversaries,” stating there should be a collective effort for finding the sense of oneness and understanding.
