Comedy rock duo Tenacious D have had a lengthy and successful musical career after their HBO mini-series became popular in the late ’90s. The band, which features comedic actor Jack Black, would go on to support several larger rock acts including Weezer, Pearl Jam, Tool and Beck, and Foo Fighters’ mainman Dave Grohl played drums on the band’s debut album. The duo even released a major motion picture, “Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny” in 2006.
The pair was in the midst of a tour in Australia and New Zealand, when guitarist Kyle Gass publicly joked about the assassination attempt of former U.S. president Donald Trump. Gass was presented a cake to celebrate his 64th birthday, and when Black told him to make a wish, he responded “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
The band has now canceled the rest of the Australian/New Zealand run, according to Black, who made the announcement via his social media.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” Black wrote. “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 to the fans for their support and understanding.”
The band canceled a handful of dates, but as of now still has a short run of shows in the U.S. scheduled for October.
