Kyle Gass of Tenacious D recently reflected on the intense backlash he faced after making a controversial joke about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in July 2024. The incident occurred during a Tenacious D concert in Australia, and it has caused significant strain between Gass and his bandmate Jack Black. This controversy and its fallout have had a profound impact on both the band’s activities and their personal relationship.
Details of the Onstage Incident
During a July 2024 concert in Australia, Jack Black, aged 56, presented Kyle Gass with a birthday cake and invited him to make a wish. Gass, 65, responded by quipping, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” referencing the recent shooting targeting Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. This comment immediately sparked outrage, given the severity of the gunman’s assault on the then 79-year-old former president.
Immediate Reactions and Consequences
Following the incident, Gass quickly issued an apology for his ill-judged remark, while Black publicly condemned the comment. Due to the backlash, Tenacious D canceled their upcoming tour dates and went on an extended hiatus. Gass described the situation to Rolling Stone as a “Defcon 2” crisis within the band’s circle, admitting the gravity of his mistake.
“It was terrible. It was terrible judgment, obviously,”
Gass told Rolling Stone.
“I’ve felt terrible ever since, because it’s such a responsibility to not screw up like that.”
“I wouldn’t wish it on anybody,”
Gass said, describing the hostile response.
“It’s one of those things, once it was picked up, it just got worse and worse. It was a Defcon 2 for sure in the camp. And I did it. It was hard to take responsibility for it, but it was my f–k-up.”
The Emotional Toll and Apology Process
Gass revealed that he recognized the seriousness of the backlash the very next day and felt compelled to apologize sincerely. He took time to carefully write the apology himself before sharing it with the band’s management.
“Like, OK, people are really disturbed and hurt by this, I have to apologize,”
he said.
“It was hard to think straight, but I had some time to craft it. I did it myself. I ran it by the manager, and it seemed like I got what I wanted to say. And then that became a story.”
The Impact on Band Dynamics and Relationship with Jack Black
Gass disclosed that Jack Black issued his own statement addressing the controversy without prior warning to Gass. When asked if Black had “hung him out to dry,” Gass responded with acceptance and understanding, suggesting that Black’s response was necessary for protecting himself amid the turmoil.
“No, not really. I might have deserved it. Or, he had to protect himself from his loose-cannon partner over here.”
Gass explained.
He acknowledged that safety concerns and the overwhelming public backlash forced them to halt the tour and take a break from performing.
“I totally understood once safety concerns got in,”
Gass said.
“I might have tried to finish the tour, and I think sometimes these things can blow over, but at the time, it’s hard when the tsunami of s–t is coming at you.”
Reflecting on their relationship, Gass compared their partnership to a marriage, highlighting the challenges they faced as well as their efforts to understand each other during this difficult time.
“It is like a marriage,” Gass remarked.
“You go through these ups and downs, and try to understand your partner.”
Kyle Gass Praises Jack Black’s Influence on Tenacious D’s Success
Despite the recent tensions, Gass expressed admiration for Black’s stellar career and acknowledged his crucial role as the driving force behind Tenacious D’s success. He shared how watching Black’s rise from relative obscurity to a major Hollywood figure has been impressive.
“I’m a fan of Jack. It’s been great to see him ascend from when we were just a couple of schmoes in Hollywood,”
Gass said.
“He’s the engine behind the D, too. You can’t really separate that. I don’t begrudge him at all, and I’m just happy to be there,”
Gass added.
“My glass is seven-eighths full, and it’s allowed me to live my best life. I was a delivery driver and a security [guard].”
Gass admitted that early on, it was challenging navigating the band’s emergence alongside Black’s fame, but he now appreciates how Black’s popularity has benefited the group as a whole.
“It was hard at first, though. When the D started to take off, it was really a dream come true. And then people were like, ‘Oh that must be really hard for you because Jack’s so famous!’ Well, not really. It’s cool. And then it’s good for the goose, good for the gander. Part of the reason why the D’s been so great is because of Jack and his popularity.”
Future Plans for Tenacious D After the Controversy
Looking ahead, Gass reassured fans that despite the scandal and hiatus, Tenacious D intends to make a comeback. He used humor to underscore their commitment to returning to the stage.
“We will serve no D-wine before it’s D-time — but we will be back. We will return.”
