Tenacious D’s career took an unexpected turn in 2024 following a highly publicized incident during an Australian tour that resulted in a public statement from Black Jack. The duo, known for their comedic rock style and often politically charged lyrics, found themselves at the center of a media storm that forced them to postpone their tour and future projects indefinitely.
The band is best known for the musical comedy film Choosing the destination (2006), released a few years after the huge success of Jack Black’s role in School of Rock. That comic character boosted his film career in Hollywoodincluding the upcoming Jack Black Christmas movie Dear Santa Claus. This year, Black voiced Claptrap in Bordersfurther highlighting its broad appeal. Unfortunately, the video game adaptation didn’t need the help of public controversy to Borders it would be a box office bomb, but it would certainly be on Black’s mind less than a month before its release.
Tenacious D went on hiatus after an incident during a concert
A Kyle Gass joke caused public outrage
During an Australian show, Jack Black presented Kyle Gass with a birthday cake, and when asked to make a wish, Gass jokingly responded: “Don’t miss Trump next time.” Following this incident, Black issued a statement expressing shock and disappointment about Gass’ observation. He emphasized his strong condemnation of hate speech and political violence and subsequently announced the indefinite postponement of the Tenacious D tour and all future creative projects.
The reaction to the joke in Australia was extreme, with Australian federal senator Ralph Babet calling for the band’s deportation.
The incident was especially controversial because it happened on July 14, 2024, just one day after the shooting at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The reaction to the joke in Australia was extreme, with Australian federal senator Ralph Babet calling for the band’s deportation. Black said of the incident, “I was taken by surprise by what was said on the show,” (Variety). He considered it inappropriate to continue the tour due to the controversy. It was an especially delicate moment for Jack Black’s public image, considering his role in the video game adaptation. Borders.
What Jack Black Said About Tenacious D’s Potential Return
Black didn’t give a set time, but says the duo will be back
Kyle Gass issued an apologetic statement for the joke on stage, saying: “What happened was a tragedy and I am truly sorry for my severe lack of judgment… I deeply apologize to those I have let down and I am truly sorry for any pain I have caused.” (Louder sound) The band canceled all shows scheduled at the time, with Gass’ comment without mentioning when Tenacious D would return. Jack Black’s reaction to the joke at the time versus his public statement is significant in the controversy; Along with Gass’ agent, Black appeared to turn against his longtime friend to save face, causing a feud between the two.
Black Jack has since insisted that he and Gass are on good terms (Huffington Post). He said Variety, “These things take time”, but Tenacious D will be back. He did not state a specific time, just “when it feels right”. Tenacious D was working on a new albumthe first since 2018 Post-Apocalypse – was originally scheduled to be released in late 2024, but the release date is now unclear. Notably, Post-Apocalypse was a series of animated shorts inspired by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, with the pilot episode set in the post-apocalypse. The musical comedy duo is no stranger to dark political comedy.
Source: Variety, Louder sound, Huffington Post