Jack Black says Tenacious D will “be back” after Kyle Gass’s Trump shooting comment
The future of Tenacious D was placed in doubt after the controversy of Kyle Gass’ onstage comments about Donald Trump last month, but bandmate Jack Black has promised that the incident won’t be the death knell for the band.
When performing in Sydney, Australia, Jack Black sang Happy Birthday to Gass, and asked him to make a wish. Gass remarked, “Don’t miss Trump next time”, in reference to the assassination attempt on the former US President at a rally in Pennsylvania the previous day.
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Following Gass’s remarks, Black put out a statement in which he said: “I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”
The duo subsequently cancelled the rest of their planned tour dates and put all other activities on hold.
Tenacious D. Credit: Jeff Hahne/Getty
Gass also issued an apology, writing: “The line I improvised Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. I don’t condone violence in any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened [the shooting] was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement.” He was also dropped by his agent, with both TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter independently claiming that Michael Greene of Greene & Associates Talent Agency no longer represents him.
Now, Black has allayed worries that the incident spells the end of Tenacious D. Speaking to Variety yesterday (August 6), he explains: “We need to take a break. Everybody needs a break sometime. And we’ll be back.”
Black confirms that he’s still friends with Gass, and that they’ve spoken since the controversy. “Yeah, we’re friends. That hasn’t changed,” he said. “These things take time sometimes… And we’ll be back when it feels right.”
During the interview, Black points out that he was wearing the magical guitar pick from the band’s 2006 film, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny. “I love Tenacious D. It’s probably my favourite job, if you can call it that. It’s a work of art, it’s my baby.”
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
