Kyle Gass of Tenacious D sparks controversy with Donald Trump comment: "don’t miss Trump next time”

Despite Gass’s remarks, Jack Black proceeded with the concert, but he has since issued a statement.

Jack Black has paused activities with his rock duo Tenacious D after a comment by bandmate Kyle Gass on stage, which appeared to endorse the assassination of Donald Trump.

During a concert in Sydney on Sunday, celebrating his birthday, Gass was presented with a cake on stage. When Jack Black prompted him to make a wish as he blew out the candles, Gass jokingly remarked to laughter from the audience, “Don’t miss Trump next time” alluding to the recent failed assassination attempt by Thomas Matthew Crooks at a Trump rally the day before.

Despite Gass’s remarks, Black proceeded with the concert, but he has since issued a statement:

“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 to the fans for their support and understanding.”

Tenacious D had scheduled four additional performances across Australia before heading to New Zealand.

On Tuesday, Australian Senator Ralph Babet demanded that the band be expelled from the country.

“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. Anything less than a deportation is an endorsement of the shooting and the attempted assassination of Donald J Trump.”

Gass posted on social media, expressing regret:

“The line I improvised Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. I don’t condone violence in any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened [the shooting] was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement.”

For over three decades, Tenacious D have blended humor with classic rock. Jack Black and Kyle Gass, whose creative collaboration dates back to the mid-1980s in the Actors’ Gang theatre troupe, started writing music together.

Their debut performance came in 1994, and despite their comedic approach to rock, they garnered respect from bands like Tool and Foo Fighters, often opening for them.

After a brief venture into television, Tenacious D shifted focus as Jack Black's acting career blossomed. They signed with a major label and launched their debut self-titled album in 2001, which gained platinum status in the US and double platinum in the UK. Their second album, "The Pick of Destiny," was tied to a feature film of the same name. Since then, they've released two more studio albums. "Rize of the Fenix" in 2012 marked their highest chart success, reaching No. 2 in the UK and No. 4 in the US.

Before their tour in Australia, Tenacious D performed in arenas across the UK earlier this year.