After an onstage joke about an attempted assassination of Donald Trump rocked their 2024 tour, Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass is breaking his silence on the fallout, reconciliation with Jack Black, and the financial cost of canceled shows. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Gass called the incident a “highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake” while reflecting on the intensity of public scrutiny, the tension with his bandmate, and the broader impact on their multi-million-dollar career.
The joke, made during a concert in Australia shortly after Trump was injured in a July 2024 campaign shooting, prompted immediate outrage. Jack Black, feeling “blindsided,” quickly canceled the remainder of their tour, sending shockwaves through the fanbase and costing the duo millions in ticket and merchandise revenue. Now, Gass says he and Black have “hashed it out,” comparing their reconciliation to a marriage, and reaffirmed that Tenacious D plans to return to the stage in the near future.
Kyle Gass and Jack Black strike a classic Tenacious D pose with guitars in hand, highlighting the duo’s enduring musical partnership.
The Controversial Joke That Shook Tenacious D
During a July 2024 performance, Gass, 65, joked that his birthday wish was “don’t miss Trump next time,” referencing the shooting at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Black, 56, immediately condemned the comment publicly, announcing the cancellation of remaining shows. Gass later apologized but initially deleted his statement online, stirring further attention.
Reflecting on the incident, Gass explained that being in Australia had left him “removed from the U.S. news cycle,” and he did not fully grasp the gravity of joking about an assassination attempt. “I was naïve, of course — people are gonna pick that up,” he said. “It was a private moment. I thought I was safe in the bubble. And it was so fast… five one-syllable words that brought down the empire.”
Jack Black’s Reaction and Their Reconciliation
Black’s immediate response was driven by a need to protect both the band’s reputation and the wellbeing of fans. Gass noted, “Jack was doing what he felt he had to do… I totally understood what he needed to protect. I didn’t begrudge him any of that.”
After a temporary hiatus, the two “hashed it out.” Gass described their process: “It is like a marriage. You go through these ups and downs, and try to understand your partner.” He emphasized that canceling the tour was a mutual decision, a necessary step to regain control and prepare for a safe and successful return to performing.
Kyle Gass and Jack Black on stage during the show where Gass’s Trump joke sparked tour cancellations, drawing widespread attention and controversy.
Financial Fallout: How Much the Joke Cost Tenacious D
The controversy had tangible financial consequences. Tenacious D’s canceled shows, spanning arenas in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, are estimated to have cost the band $3 million to $5 million in lost revenue, including ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorship activations. With Gass and Black both commanding lucrative per-show fees and endorsement deals, the interruption represented a significant short-term financial hit, although their combined net worths—estimated at $35 million for Black and $15 million for Gass—mean the impact is recoverable.
Additionally, the media storm affected potential sponsorship opportunities for both musicians. Corporate partners often shy away from controversy, particularly involving politically sensitive topics, meaning short-term deals may have been delayed or canceled. However, Tenacious D’s enduring fanbase and established streaming revenue ensure a solid foundation for financial recovery once the band resumes touring.
What Gass Learned and the Band’s Future Plans
Gass has publicly taken responsibility for his joke, emphasizing that the deleted apology was not an attempt to retract the sentiment but a reaction to online backlash. “It just felt so wrong at that point,” he told Rolling Stone.
Looking ahead, Tenacious D intends to return to touring. Gass humorously added, “We will serve no D-wine before it’s D-time — but we will be back. We will return.” Fans can expect a careful approach to performances, ensuring that any future shows balance the band’s irreverent humor with public sensitivity, while also recovering lost revenue from the 2024 cancellations.
Kyle Gass and Jack Black embrace their signature humor in a tongue-in-cheek photo shoot, posing nude with guitars to showcase Tenacious D’s playful image.
Key Questions About the Controversy and Band Finances
How much money did Tenacious D lose from canceled shows?
Industry estimates suggest the cancellations cost $3 million to $5 million in combined ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships. Gass and Black’s net worths provide a buffer, but the interruption highlighted the financial stakes of controversial statements during live tours.
How did this incident affect Kyle Gass and Jack Black’s relationship?
Gass described the tension as similar to a “marriage,” noting that both had to navigate differing priorities and emotions. Their reconciliation involved candid conversations about responsibility, public perception, and the future of Tenacious D.
Will Tenacious D return to performing live?
Yes. Despite the controversy and financial setback, the duo has confirmed plans to resume touring, approaching future performances with care while leveraging their loyal fanbase to recover revenue and maintain relevance in the rock and comedy scene.
Why This Matters for Fans and the Music Industry
This incident highlights how a single ill-considered joke can ripple across fan perception, media coverage, and even financial stability. For Tenacious D, it was a lesson in responsibility, partnership, and the high stakes of live performance in an era where every word is scrutinized. The band’s ability to reconcile and strategically plan their return ensures that while the controversy may have temporarily stalled momentum, both their creative and financial futures remain strong.
