Key Facts
- ✓ Kyle Gass has publicly described his controversial comment regarding the attempted assassination of Donald Trump as 'terrible.'
- ✓ The incident took place during a Tenacious D concert in Australia in July 2024, sparking immediate international backlash.
- ✓ Following the controversy, the duo was forced to cancel all subsequent tour dates, halting their planned performances.
- ✓ Gass referred to the resulting hiatus as a necessary 'break' from his long-standing musical partnership with Jack Black.
- ✓ The public comments from Gass come more than a year and a half after the initial event, marking his first direct address of the situation.
A Long-Awaited Reflection
Over a year and a half after a single comment derailed a global tour, Kyle Gass has finally broken his silence regarding the incident that forced Tenacious D into an indefinite hiatus. The comedian and musician addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, offering his first public commentary on the event that led to a sudden and prolonged break from his musical partner, Jack Black.
The incident occurred in July 2024 during a performance in Australia. What began as a standard concert date quickly spiraled into a media firestorm, resulting in the immediate cancellation of the duo's remaining tour dates and a silence between the two collaborators that lasted for months. Now, Gass is looking back on the moment that changed the trajectory of one of comedy rock's most enduring acts.
The Incident in Australia
The controversy erupted during a Tenacious D show in Australia in mid-2024. While on stage, Kyle Gass made a comment regarding the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The remark, which was captured on video by audience members, quickly circulated online, drawing widespread condemnation and intense media scrutiny.
The fallout was immediate and severe. Following the backlash, the duo made the decision to cancel the remainder of their scheduled tour dates. This abrupt halt marked the beginning of an extended break for the group, leaving fans uncertain about the future of the long-standing partnership.
Key details of the event include:
- The comment was made during a live performance in Australia
- It occurred in July 2024, shortly after the assassination attempt
- The incident sparked immediate international controversy
- It resulted in the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates
"I had to take the break."
— Kyle Gass, Musician
Gass's Public Admission
In his first public comments since the incident, Kyle Gass has characterized his on-stage remark as 'terrible.' This admission comes a year and a half after the event, signaling a period of reflection and processing of the consequences that followed.
Gass also spoke on the nature of his relationship with Jack Black in the wake of the controversy. He acknowledged that the break was a necessary step for the duo, referring to it as a 'break' rather than a permanent dissolution, though the duration of this hiatus remains open-ended.
I had to take the break.
The decision to step back was not made lightly. The intense scrutiny surrounding the comment placed significant pressure on the partnership, necessitating a pause in their collaborative efforts to allow the situation to settle and for both parties to reassess their positions.
Impact on Tenacious D
The cancellation of the tour and the subsequent hiatus represent a major disruption for Tenacious D. The duo, known for their dynamic live performances and loyal fanbase, was in the midst of a successful run when the incident occurred. The abrupt end to the tour left ticket holders disappointed and the group's future in limbo.
The partnership between Gass and Black has spanned decades, surviving numerous creative and personal challenges. However, the political nature of the controversy and its global reach presented a unique set of obstacles. The extended silence between the two following the incident highlighted the severity of the situation and its impact on their professional relationship.
Factors contributing to the prolonged break:
- Intense media scrutiny and public backlash
- The political sensitivity of the subject matter
- Need for personal and professional space
- Logistical challenges of resuming a high-profile tour
Looking Ahead
With Kyle Gass now having spoken publicly about the incident, the path forward for Tenacious D remains a topic of speculation. While Gass has described the break as necessary, he has not indicated a timeline for a potential reunion or the resumption of musical activities.
The music and comedy communities are watching closely to see how this development unfolds. For now, the focus remains on the lessons learned from the incident and the future of a partnership that has defined a genre of comedy rock for over two decades.
Key questions for the future include:
- When will Tenacious D resume touring?
- How will the duo navigate future public appearances?
- What is the current status of Gass and Black's personal relationship?









