"We need to take a break" — Jack Black assures fans Tenacious D will “be back” after Trump assassination comment controversy

In an interview with Variety on August 6, 2024, Tenacious D member Jack Black commented on the future of the rock duo after his bandmate Kyle Gass made a satirical remark on Donald Trump's reported assassination attempt.

Talking about the cancelled Tenacious D tour, Jack Black told the publication:

“We need to take a break. Everybody needs a break sometime. And we’ll be back.”

Tenacious D became the centre of political controversy after the duo's show in Sydney on July 14, 2024, wherein Jack Black celebrated Kyle's birthday and asked him to make a wish. Kyle responded to the same by stating "Don't miss Trump next time".

Kyle Gass' statement garnered a lot of backlash toward the rock duo and also led to Australian federal senator, Ralph Babet, issuing a letter on social media asking for Jack Black and Kyle to be deported from Australia. It also resulted in the duo cancelling their tour.

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"Yeah, we’re friends. That hasn’t changed"— Jack Black comments on relation with Tenacious D bandmate Kyle Gass

Shortly after receiving backlash on Kyle Gass' comment, Jack Black took to Instagram on July 16, 2024, to post an apology on the rock duo's behalf in which he mentioned he was "blindsided" by the statement made at the concert. Announcing a hold on Tenacious D's Spicy Meatball Tour, Jack Black mentioned:

"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."

Additionally, Kyle Gass also reportedly posted a now-deleted apology wherein he called the incident a "tragedy" owing to his "severe lack of judgement". Kyle apologized to fans of the rock duo for the statement he improvised at the Sydney concert and mentioned regretting any pain he might've caused.

The statement on Donald Trump's alleged assassination made by Kyle Gass not only led to the duo cancelling its tour and putting other projects on hold but also resulted in Kyle getting dropped by his talent agency,Greene Talent. The same was confirmed to USA TODAY by agent Michael Greene.

In his interview with Variety, Jack Black was asked if he has talked to Kyle Gass since their tour was cancelled to which Jack replied:

“Yeah, we’re friends. That hasn’t changed. These things take time sometimes… And we’ll be back when it feels right.”

Additionally, Jack Black showcased the titular guitar pick from the 2006 movie Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny during the interview and stated that he loves the band. Jack said it's probably his favourite job, calling the rock duo his baby and a "work of art".

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Kyle Gass has not made any statement to the press regarding the incident that led to Tenacious D cancelling their Spicy Meatball Tour. The rock duo has currently cancelled shows in New Zealand and Australia with stops including Melbourne, Adelaide, Wellington, Newcastle, and Aukland.

There is no update on the rock duo's five scheduled shows in the U.S. in October 2024, and the situation regarding the same is uncertain at the time of this writing.