Tenacious D Confirms Return After Hiatus Over Trump Joke Controversy
Kyle Gass has officially announced that the comedy rock duo Tenacious D will reunite with bandmate Jack Black, following a period of hiatus that began after a controversial onstage joke about the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. The band's future had been uncertain since the incident during their 2024 Australian tour.
The Controversial Moment That Sparked Outrage
During a performance in Sydney in July 2024, a seemingly innocent birthday celebration turned into an international controversy. As Jack Black prepared to blow out candles on stage, Kyle Gass improvised the line: "Don't miss Trump next time," referencing the shooting that had occurred in Pennsylvania earlier that week. The comment created immediate backlash across global media platforms.
The reaction was swift and severe, with Australian senator Ralph Babet demanding the band's deportation and widespread condemnation from various quarters. Tenacious D responded by cancelling their entire Australian tour and putting all future creative plans on indefinite hold, leading many to question whether the band would ever perform together again.
Reconciliation and Reflection
In a revealing interview with Rolling Stone, Gass detailed the difficult process of reconciliation with Black, describing their partnership as "like a marriage" that requires working through challenges. "We hashed it out. And it was hard," Gass explained, emphasizing their commitment to returning to the stage together despite the controversy.
Gass expressed deep regret about his comments, calling them the result of "terrible judgment" and acknowledging the inappropriate timing. "If there was ever a 'too soon,' it was this," he admitted, reflecting on how he mistakenly believed he was creating a "private moment" within the performance bubble.
The Personal Toll of Public Controversy
The fallout from the joke extended far beyond professional consequences, with Gass describing the experience as "a tsunami of shit rolling over you." The personal impact became particularly painful when his 95-year-old mother received unwanted attention, highlighting how the controversy reached into his private life.
Initially, it appeared the bandmates might be responding differently to the situation. Jack Black issued a statement on social media saying he was "blindsided" by Gass's comments and would "never condone hate speech or encourage political violence." Gass also apologized publicly, though he later deleted the apology, leading to speculation about his true feelings.
Moving Forward Together
Gass clarified that deleting his apology didn't mean he recanted it, explaining that he and Black were simply dealing with the fallout in their own ways at the time. He expressed understanding of Black's need to distance himself from the controversy, noting that "he had to protect himself from his loose-cannon partner over here."
Both musicians have now indicated their commitment to the band's future. Black had previously suggested in August 2024 that the hiatus was temporary, stating simply that "everybody takes a break sometimes." Now, with Gass's confirmation that "we will be back," fans can anticipate the return of one of comedy rock's most iconic duos.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly offhand comments can escalate in today's polarized political climate, particularly when involving high-profile figures like Donald Trump. For Tenacious D, the experience has been both professionally challenging and personally transformative, but ultimately appears to have strengthened their resolve to continue creating music together.
