It sounds like Tenacious D aren’t done just yet.
After one of the messiest, most internet-breaking tour implosions of recent memory, Kyle Gass has spoken out about the infamous Trump joke backlash – and insists the self-proclaimed Greatest Band In The World will rise again.
Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass makes Trump assassination comment at Sydney concert
In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Gass reflected on the controversy that erupted during Tenacious D’s Sydney show in July 2024, when a throwaway birthday joke referencing the attempted assassination of then–U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump detonated online and brought the band’s long-awaited Aussie tour to a screeching halt.
For those playing catch-up: during the Sydney gig – which also happened to be Gass’ 64th birthday – Jack Black wheeled out a cake and asked his bandmate to make a wish. Gass replied, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” The room laughed. But the internet absolutely did not.
Footage spread at warp speed, outrage followed, and the fallout was swift and brutal. Tenacious D cancelled the remainder of their Australian and New Zealand tour, Jack Black publicly put all future creative plans “on hold,” Gass was dropped by his agent, and – in a moment that still feels surreal – Australian senator Ralph Babet even called for the band to be deported.
Looking back, Gass didn’t mince words.
“It was a terrible judgment,” he said, admitting he felt genuine panic as the situation spiralled. “Once it was picked up, it just got worse and worse. It was a Defcon 2 for sure in the camp. And I did it. It was my f**k-up.”
Gass has since apologised publicly, calling the joke “highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake,” and acknowledged that while it landed with laughter in the room, it was clearly “too soon”.
He also addressed Jack Black’s very public decision to distance himself, describing their decades-long partnership as “like a marriage.”
“You go through these ups and downs,” Gass said. “You try to understand your partner.”
Behind the scenes, the pair eventually worked things through privately – and while Tenacious D went quiet for a while, they did quietly resurface in late 2025, contributing a cover of REO Speedwagon’s ‘Keep On Loving You’ to Good Music To Lift Los Angeles, a benefit compilation supporting wildfire relief efforts.
As for what comes next? No tour dates, no album announcements – but Gass sounds confident.
“We’re gonna come back,” he said. “It’s gonna be bigger than Oasis.”
Pretty much exactly the kind of unhinged optimism you’d expect from Tenacious D.
Whether or not Australia gets a redemption tour remains to be seen.
We’ll keep you posted.
Further Reading
Tenacious D Cancel Remainder Of Australian Tour Following Donald Trump Joke Backlash
Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass Has Now Deleted His Donald Trump Joke Apology
Donald Trump Rally Was Half-Empty After Devious Sabotage By K-Pop Stans
