Jack Black gives update on Tenacious D following controversy over bandmate's Trump shooting remark
(NEXSTAR) – More than three weeks after announcing he was taking a break from Tenacious D, Jack Black has announced that the band plans to return.
Black, who performs with Kyle Gass as part of the rock duo, had previously announced that the band’s “future creative plans are on hold” following Gass’ remarks concerning the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
Gass, on the day after the assassination attempt, was performing with Black at a concert in Australia when Gass was presented with a birthday cake. Urged to make a birthday wish, Gass replied, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
Gass and Black subsequently became the target of backlash on social media, even from users who claimed to be former fans of the duo’s work.
Black responded to the controversy shortly afterward, indicating that he was taking a break from Tenacious D.
“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,” Black wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.
“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.”
Gass was also dropped from his talent agency.
“The line I improvised on Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” Gass wrote in an apology he posted to social media. “I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredible sorry for my severe lack of judgement. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
A list of tour dates posted on the band’s official website was subsequently removed.
Now, just over three weeks later, Black confirmed Tenacious D is not planning to disband for good.
“We need to take a break. Everybody needs a break sometime,” said Black, speaking with a reporter for Variety at the Los Angeles premiere of “Borderlands” on Tuesday. “And we’ll be back.”
Black did not provide a time frame, but said the duo will return to the stage “when it feels right.”
As of Wednesday, the “tour dates” section of the Tenacious D website showed no upcoming concerts.