Kyle Gass Condemns Trump’s ‘Terrible’ Shooting Remark
In July 2024, Kyle Gass of Tenacious D found himself at the center of controversy following comments made during a concert in Australia. His remarks regarding an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump led to significant backlash, resulting in the cancellation of subsequent tour dates for the band.
Kyle Gass Reflects on Controversial Remarks
During a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Gass admitted that his joke was a significant misstep. He acknowledged that his humor was “terrible judgment” and expressed surprise at the extent of the backlash. This moment occurred on his birthday, coinciding with a cake celebration on stage, where Gass jokingly responded to a prompt from his bandmate, Jack Black, with the phrase, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
The Aftermath
- The remark triggered criticism from right-wing media outlets.
- Tenacious D canceled their tour in response to the incident.
- Gass issued an apology, labeling his joke as “highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake.”
- Black distanced himself, emphasizing his disapproval of hate speech and political violence.
Gass shared his feelings of remorse, admitting that he has “felt terrible ever since.” He described the fallout as a challenging experience, noting how momentary comments can escalate into major news stories. “It was a Defcon 2 for sure in the camp,” he recounted. The pressure led to an extended break for the band to regroup and reflect on the situation.
Moving Forward
Despite the difficult times, Gass revealed that he and Black have resolved their differences. He used a metaphor of marriage to explain their bond, stating that artists undergo their own share of ups and downs. Gass assured fans that Tenacious D would return, saying, “We will serve no D-wine before it’s D-time — but we will be back.”
Now, as the band prepares for their comeback, Gass understands the importance of responsibility in the spotlight. With a renewed perspective, he looks forward to sharing new music and reconnecting with their audience.
