Tenacious D’s career took an unexpected turn in 2024 following a highly publicized incident during an Australian tour, which resulted in a public statement from Jack Black. The duo, known for their comedic rock style and often politically charged lyrics, found themselves at the center of a media storm that forced them to postpone their tour and future projects indefinitely.
The band is best known for the musical comedy film The Pick of Destiny (2006), released just a few years after the huge success of Jack Black’s role in School of Rock. This comedic persona propelled his Hollywood movie career, including the upcoming Jack Black Christmas movie Dear Santa. This year, Black voiced Claptrap in Borderlands, further highlighting his broad appeal. Unfortunately, the video game adaptation did not need the help of public controversy for Borderlands to be a box office bomb, but it certainly would have been at the forefront of Black’s mind less than a month before its release.
Tenacious D Went On Hiatus After An Incident During A Show
A Joke From Kyle Gass Caused Public Outrage
During an Australian show, Jack Black presented a birthday cake to Kyle Gass and, when asked to make a wish, Gass jokingly responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” In the wake of this incident, Black issued a statement expressing shock and disappointment over Gass’s remark.
He emphasized his strong condemnation of hate speech and political violence and subsequently announced the indefinite postponement of the Tenacious D tour and all future creative projects.
The reaction to the joke in Australia was extreme, with Australian federal senator Ralph Babet calling for the band to be deported.
The incident was especially controversial because it happened on July 14, 2024, only one day after the Trump rally shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. The reaction to the joke in Australia was extreme, with Australian federal senator Ralph Babet calling for the band to be deported. Black said about the incident, “I was blindsided by what was said at the show,” (Variety). He considered it inappropriate to continue the tour in light of the controversy. It was especially sensitive timing for Jack Black’s public image, considering his role in the video game adaptation Borderlands.
What Jack Black Has Said About Tenacious D’s Potential Return
Black Has Given No Definite Time But Says The Pair Will Be Back
Kyle Gass made an apologetic statement for the on-stage joke, saying, “What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgment… I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.” (LouderSound) The band canceled all their scheduled shows at the time, with Gass’ comment not mentioning when Tenacious D would return. Jack Black’s reaction to the joke at the time versus his public statement is significant in the controversy; along with Gass’ agent, Black seemed to turn on his long-time friend to save face, causing a rift between the pair.
Jack Black has since insisted he and Gass are on good terms (Huffington Post). He told Variety, “These things take time,” but Tenacious D will be back. He has not stated a specific time, only “when it feels right”. Tenacious D had been working on a new album, their first since 2018’s Post-Apocalypto – this was originally set to come out in late 2024, but the release date is now unclear. Notably, Post-Apocalypto was a series of animated shorts inspired by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, with the pilot episode set post-apocalypse. The musical comedy duo are no strangers to political, dark comedy.
