Tenacious D‘s Kyle Gass has spoken candidly concerning the backlash that adopted his joke referencing the tried assassination of then–U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump in July 2024.
For these unaware – it began when there was an assassination try on Trump‘s life throughout a rally close to Butler, PA on July 13, 2024. That very same night time, Tenacious D was taking part in a present in Sydney, Australia which was additionally Gass’ 64th birthday. When requested to make a want for his birthday, Gass responded: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Tenacious D vocalist and guitarist Jack Black quickly issued a statement saying he was blindsided by the remark, and did not really feel proper persevering with their tour or any artistic endeavors. Although he did notice later that the band would probably return eventually.
In a brand new interview with Rolling Stone, Gass admitted the onstage comment was a “horrible judgment” and stated he felt real panic because the controversy spiraled. Though the road drew laughter within the room, footage rapidly unfold on-line, triggering widespread outrage. Gass later apologized, calling the joke “extremely inappropriate, harmful, and a horrible mistake.”
The fallout was swift: Tenacious D canceled the rest of their tour, Jack Black publicly put all future plans for the duo “on maintain,” Gass‘ agent dropped him, and Australian senator Ralph Babet even known as for the band to be deported. “I believed I used to be protected within the bubble,” Gass stated, acknowledging in hindsight that it was clearly “too quickly.”
“As soon as it was picked up, it simply acquired worse and worse. It was a Defcon 2 for certain within the camp. And I did it. It was my fuck-up.”
Gass stated he absolutely understood why Black needed to distance himself on the top of the controversy, describing their partnership as “like a wedding.” After time and tough conversations, the 2 resolved the scenario privately. “We hashed it out,” Gass stated. “You undergo these ups and downs, and attempt to perceive your associate.”
Tenacious D quietly resurfaced in late 2025 by contributing a canopy of REO Speedwagon‘s “Hold On Loving You” to Good Music To Carry Los Angeles, a large profit compilation supporting wildfire reduction efforts in California.
Whereas no concrete plans for brand spanking new music or touring have been introduced, Gass stays assured concerning the band’s future. “We’re gonna come again,” he stated. “It is gonna be greater than Oasis.”
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