Tenacious D – Cancel Australian & New Zealand Shows Over Assassination Joke Backlash

American comedy rockers Tenacious D have faced a double blow of criticism following their show in Sydney on Sunday night. During the show at ICC Theatre, Kyle Gas was presented with a birthday cake. Asked to make a wish, he announced: “Don’t miss Trump next time,” sparking laughter from the 9000-strong crowd. After a clip of the show spread through social media, with mixed reactions, it was panned as distasteful by several high profile Australians, including Senator Ralph Babet, Ambassador to the US and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and controversial radio host Kyle Sandilands, leading to the band postponing their Newcastle show on Tuesday night. More can be read below.

Later that night, Jack Black announced that the remainder of the Australian and New Zealand tour was to be cancelled, and questioned the band’s immediate future. “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,” he wrote 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.”

Kyle Gas later apologised, saying “I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of Judgement. I profoundly apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”

Following the announcement of the tour’s cancellation, fans took to social media to blame Jack Black for overreacting to what was considered “satire from a comedy band” by many fans. The cancelled shows were set to be in Newcastle (16th), Brisbane (18th), Melbourne (20nd), Adelaide (22th). Wellington (24th) and Auckland (26th).