Tenacious D Reflect on Regret After Trump Joke Reaction

Kyle Gass has broken his silence on the controversy that briefly derailed Tenacious D, admitting that an ill-judged joke made onstage in July 2024 triggered an overwhelming backlash—but insisting the band’s story is far from over.

A Joke That Sparked a Firestorm

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gass described the moment as a case of “terrible judgment,” acknowledging that he underestimated the impact of his words. The incident occurred on July 14, 2024, during Tenacious D’s show at Sydney’s ICC Theatre, which coincided with Gass’ 64th birthday. After being prompted by bandmate Jack Black to make a wish before blowing out candles on a birthday cake, Gass referenced the assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump, joking, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”

While the line drew laughter from the crowd and the show continued uninterrupted, footage soon surfaced online. Gass later admitted he thought he was “safe in the bubble” of a live audience, but recognized in hindsight that the comment was the very definition of “too soon.”

Fallout and Fracture

The reaction was swift and severe. Gass issued an apology, calling the joke “highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake.” Tenacious D canceled the remainder of their tour, and Black released a statement announcing that all future creative plans were on hold.

“Once it was picked up, it just got worse and worse,” Gass said. “It was a Defcon 2 for sure in the camp… It’s like a tsunami of shit rolling over you.” The fallout extended beyond social media outrage: political figures weighed in, Gass was dropped by his agent, and safety concerns shut down any immediate chance of returning to the stage.

Repairing the Partnership—and Looking Ahead

Gass said he understood why Black needed to distance himself, adding that the pair eventually talked things through. “It is like a marriage,” he explained. “You go through these ups and downs, and try to understand your partner.”

Since then, Tenacious D have cautiously re-emerged, contributing a cover of REO Speedwagon’s “Keep on Loving You” to a large charity compilation benefiting victims of California wildfires. While Gass declined to outline concrete plans, his confidence remains intact. His tongue-in-cheek claim that their return will be “bigger than Oasis” may be hyperbolic, but it underscores a familiar Tenacious D truth: even after controversy, the duo still believe spectacle, humor, and persistence will ultimately carry them forward.