Tenacious D went on a break after Kyle Gass made a controversial joke about the attempted assassination on Donald Trump last month. Jack Black recently confirmed that the band would return ‘when it feels right,’ and Justin Hawkins commented on the decision in a new YouTube video.
The singer pointed out the increased media scrutiny artists face today. “But if you say something that’s super outrageous and you get canceled, I suppose the idea is just ride it out,” he went on. “I think that’s what Jack Black is hinting at really. It’s like, those cancellations, they don’t last forever. You know, you’ll be back at some point, doing what you love, and all it takes is an apology, and then just a little bit of time to let the apology sink in. Then, you can crack on again, I suppose.”
The shooter at the July election campaign missed Trump during his attempt to kill. Gass referred to that while celebrating his birthday on stage in Sydney, Australia, and said, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
“People used to say the most preposterous things, but as musicians, it’s like part of that sort of eccentricity and uncompromising, unflinching truth-telling,” Hawkins explained. “And it’s part of the fun of it, isn’t it? I mean, you don’t want to see stuff that’s media-trained because everyone’s just so polite.”
“You walk down the corridors of power. You know, one of the big broadcasting institutions as a musician, and you’re looking at other musicians thanking each other for appearing on things. It’s, like, f*ck off. First of all, it’s inauthentic. Second of all, it has about as much edge as a balloon. And thirdly… Well, if the other two aren’t enough for you, then I feel sorry for you guys.”
After the backlash, Tenacious D canceled their remaining tour dates in Australia, and Gass’ agent, Michael Greene of Greene Talent, cut ties with him.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” Black shared in a statement following the incident. “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.”
The Tenacious D vocalist made it clear at the ‘Borderlands’ premiere that he was still in touch with Gass, though.
