Tenacious D Concert Postponed Following Controversial Trump Comment
Tenacious D is feeling the wrath of Australia’s right-wing after Kyle Gass made an off-color joke at the expense of Donald Trump.
The comedy-rock duo of Gass and Hollywood star Jack Black are visiting Australia for the Spicy Meatball Tour, produced by Frontier Touring.
On Sunday (July 14), in footage widely shared on social media, the “Tribute” singers were on stage at the ICC Sydney, when Black and a “robot” presented Gass with birthday cake.
In the fan-filmed clips, Black can be heard saying, “Make a wish,” to which Gass responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time” as laughter filled the room.
Gass’ ill-advised comments were made just hours after an assassination attempt on Trump at his Butler, Pa. rally, where the GOP presidential nominee was struck in the ear and an audience member was killed.
Several Australian shock-jocks and right-wing politicians didn’t see the funny side of Gass’ comments, and, on Tuesday afternoon, reps for the concert promoter announced that the sold-out concert that night at Newcastle Entertainment Centre would be postponed.
Earlier, Senator Ralph Babet, a member of the right-wing United Australia Party, took to social media on Monday to demand that Tenacious D be deported for the quip. In a statement , Babet called on Australia’s immigration minister Andrew Giles to “revoke their visas.”
Babet wrote, “Anything less than a deportation is an endorsement of the shooting and the attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump.”
Controversial broadcaster blasted the pair during his Kyle and Jackie O show, and issued a life-long ban. “That’s some serious twisted s—,” he remarked. “I never want to speak to them again.”
Tenacious D’s forthcoming Australian tour dates include Brisbane Entertainment Centre (July 18), a sold-out show at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena (July 20) and a performance at Adelaide Entertainment Centre (July 22), with NZ dates to follow at Wellington’s TSB Arena (July 24) and Auckland’s Spark Arena.
“Frontier Touring regret to advise that Tenacious D’s concert tonight at Newcastle Entertainment Centre has been postponed,” reads a statement. “Ticket holders are asked to hold onto their tickets until further information is available.” A spokesperson tells Billboard there is no further comment.
Lars Brandle
Billboard
