Jack Black provides update on future of Tenacious D: “We need to take a break”
Jack Black, the Hollywood star and half of the comedy rock duo Tenacious D, has given an update on the band’s future following the controversial remarks made by his onstage partner Kyle Gass.
Though a degree of tomfoolery and political satire can always be expected from the pair, a comment made in Australia about former president Donald Trump caused a particularly violent stir. Tenacious D were performing at the ICC Theatre in Sydney in July when the incident occurred.
The concert coincided with Gass’s 64th birthday, and in celebration, Black brought a cake out onto the stage with candles ablaze. When Gass blew out the candles, he made his wish out loud: “Don’t miss Trump next time”.
The quote made light of the recent assassination attempt on Trump, who is currently in the race for the presidential election on November 5th. At the time, he was running against President Joe Biden. However, due to health complications related to his advanced age, Biden has stepped back from the race, leaving the Democrats’ position open for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Naturally, Gass’ comment caused a degree of controversy in Australia that soon spread to his home country of the US. During the concert, most attendees gave out a chuckle, but several Australian politicians subsequently called upon the Prime Minister to deport the pair of musicians.
Australian senator Ralph Babet released a statement saying, “I call on the prime minister Anthony Albanese to join me in denouncing Tenacious D, Jack Black and band member Kyle Gass, and I call on the immigration minister Andrew Giles to revoke their visas and deport them immediately,” adding, “Anything less than a deportation is an endorsement of the shooting and the attempted assassination of Donald J Trump.”
Tenacious D duly cancelled their remaining tour dates and departed Australia. Although Black laughed at the joke at the time, he subsequently made a solemn statement on social media. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” he wrote. “After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold,” he said. “I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”
Now, almost a month on, Black has given an update regarding Tenacious D’s precarious future. “We need to take a break. Everybody needs a break sometime. And we’ll be back,” Black told Variety at the Borderlands premiere on August 6th.
In his initial statement, Black revealed that he was “blindsided by the statement that was said at the show,” distancing himself from his bandmate’s error of judgment. Asked whether he is still on good terms with Gass this week, Black responded, “Yeah, we’re friends. That hasn’t changed. These things take time sometimes… And we’ll be back when it feels right.”
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