Tenacious D NZ tour cancelled after Jack Black ‘blindsided’ by Kyle Gass’ Trump shooting comment

Jack Black has canceled the remainder of Tenacious D’s tour after bandmate Kyle Gass made an inappropriate comment about the Trump shooting, sparking an outcry.

The musical comedy duo, currently touring Australia as part of their Spicy Meatball Tour, were due to arrive in New Zealand next week for a show at Wellington’s TSB Arena on July 24, followed by a concert at Auckland’s Spark Arena on July 26.

Gass’ controversial joke at a Sydney concert on Sunday night has left the band’s creative plans on hold for the foreseeable future.

The 64-year-old actor was presented with a birthday cake on stage when everything went wrong. Gass was asked to make a birthday wish, to which he reportedly replied: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”

The joke came hours after Trump’s ear was grazed by a bullet during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

In a statement posted to Instagram Tuesday night, Black said he felt “blindsided” by what was said.

“I will never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. After careful consideration, I no longer believe it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative projects are on hold.

“I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”

An hour later, Gass expressed regret for the comment in an Instagram statement.

“The line I improvised on stage on Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. I do not condone any form of violence, whatsoever, against anyone.

“What happened was a tragedy, and I am extremely sorry for my serious lapse in judgment. I offer my deepest apologies to those I have let down and sincerely regret any pain I may have caused.”

It’s a rare misstep for the duo, who have enjoyed a decades-long career toeing the musical line.

While many Sydney concertgoers can be heard laughing in the concert video, the comment sparked an angry backlash on social media – with X owner Elon Musk calling it “evil”.

Frontier Touring released a statement on Wednesday morning confirming the “regrettable” cancellation of the tour, adding that all ticket holders will be automatically given a full refund for the affected dates in Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Wellington and Auckland.

Black was in New Zealand earlier this year filming Minecraft He delighted fans with a surprise appearance at the Foo Fighters concert in January at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium, wearing a black jersey emblazoned with a phoenix and sporting a pounamu around his neck.