Kyle Gass on Trump Joke, Tenacious D Reunion With Jack Black

In July 2024, Kyle Gass, co-founder of the comedy rock band Tenacious D, faced a media firestorm following an ill-timed joke about Donald Trump. The incident occurred during a concert marking his 64th birthday in Sydney, Australia, while he was on tour with bandmate Jack Black.

Kyle Gass’s Controversial Joke During Tenacious D’s Concert

On July 14, Gass took the stage at the ICC Sydney Theatre for Tenacious D’s second Australian tour show. Earlier that day, he had celebrated his birthday with friends and even enjoyed a helicopter ride over Sydney. The atmosphere was festive, but tension loomed due to news of a violent incident in Pennsylvania, where a shooter targeted Trump at a campaign rally.

During the concert, Gass made a quip when Black led a “Happy Birthday” sing-along: “Don’t miss Trump next time.” Although the crowd laughed, the backlash was swift and severe. Gass later reflected, “It was a very low moment for me,” as he realized the political implications of his joke.

Immediate Fallout from the Incident

Gass’s comment drew outrage from various right-wing media figures, including prominent personalities like Elon Musk and Charlie Kirk, who criticized his insensitivity. An Australian politician even called for Tenacious D’s deportation. The situation escalated, and as a result, the band canceled all remaining tour dates and planned performances in the U.S.

• July 14, 2024: Gass’s controversial joke is made during a concert in Sydney.
• Subsequent backlash from media and political figures leads to canceled tour dates.
• Gass issues an apology, calling the joke “highly inappropriate.”

The Apology and Band Dynamics

Following the incident, Gass issued a public apology, stating he found his joke to be inappropriate and regrettable. Although he later deleted the post, he clarified that this did not signify a retraction of his sentiments. Meanwhile, Black distanced himself from the remarks, expressing surprise and disapproval. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” he stated.

The fallout presented challenges for both Gass and Black. Gass acknowledged their differing career trajectories, saying, “We’re separate people, always.” They had to navigate the tricky dynamics of their longstanding friendship during this tumultuous period.

Reflections and Future Plans

After the incident, Gass took time away from the spotlight, returning to social media following Trump’s re-election. By December, he was performing with his other group, the Kyle Gass Band, and later released a live album recorded in Palmdale, California. Despite facing intense scrutiny, Gass remains upbeat about the future of Tenacious D. He optimistically states, “We’re gonna come back — it’s gonna be bigger than Oasis!”

With their upcoming plans, Gass emphasizes the need for reflection and humor. He realizes the importance of timing in comedy, acknowledging, “If there was ever a ‘too soon,’ it was this.” Through adversity, he looks forward to returning to the stage, reaffirming his commitment to both his music and his partnership with Black.