In response to recent onstage comments made by his Tenacious D bandmate, Kyle Gass, regarding the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump , Jack Black has released a statement saying he's canceling the remainder of the band's tour.
That would presumably include the handful of " Rock D Vote " shows scheduled for this fall, ahead of the presidential election — including a sold-out stop at Bloomington's IU Auditorium .
IU Auditorium and promoter MOKB Presents did not respond immediately to an IndyStar request for additional information about the status of the event.
From USA TODAY: Jack Black 'blindsided' by Kyle Gass' Trump shooting comment, ends Tenacious D tour
What did Kyle Gass say about Donald Trump?
In a video from a recent show in Sydney, Australia, Black is seen singing happy birthday to Gass onstage. When Gass was told to make a wish, he responded: "Don't miss Trump next time." The comment was met with applause from the crowd, and Black said, "Thank you."
The comment was in reference to a shooting the day before at the former president's rally in Pennsylvania, where one person was killed and two others were wounded in an assassination attempt. Trump was grazed by a bullet. Thomas Matthew Crooks , the 20-year-old gunman, was also killed.
Read more: Indiana man was in front row at Trump rally when gunman fired
Tenacious D tour put on hold
However, in a statement provided to USA TODAY , Black said he was "blindsided" by the comment.
"I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form," Black said. "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 band were expected to continue touring through Australia and New Zealand this summer and return to the United States this fall. They were also scheduled to do a handful of " Rock D Vote " shows, which would benefit the nonpartisan "Rock the Vote" organization ahead of November's presidential election. According to their website, all five of those shows had sold out.
Kyle Gass releases statement: 'I profoundly apologize'
Gass posted a statement to his Instagram page Tuesday apologizing for his comment.
"The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. I don't condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I'm incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement. I profoundly apologize to those I've let down and truly regret any pain I've caused."
Does Jack Black support Joe Biden?
Yes. Black recently appeared at a fundraiser benefitting the president's re-election campaign, delivering a passionate speech while wearing American flag-print overalls.
From USA TODAY: Slain fireman's widow rejects Biden's call but doesn't blame him
"When democracy is at stake," he said, "Jack Black answers the call."
Who are Tenacious D?
Tenacious D is a comedy rock band formed in 1994 that includes Black and Gass. They co-starred in a comedy film about the band, "Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny," in 2006.
Outside of the band, Black is known for his appearances in films like "The School of Rock," "Nacho Libre" and "The Holiday," as well as his voice acting in the "Kung Fu Panda" franchise.
Tenacious D 'Rock D Vote' at IU Auditorium Oct. 22: What you should know
The band was scheduled to appear at a sold-out show on the university's Bloomington campus this fall.
This article will be updated when more information is available regarding the status of that event.
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Contact IndyStar pop culture reporter Holly Hays at holly.hays@indystar.com. Follow her on X/Twitter: @hollyvhays.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Jack Black ends Tenacious D tour: What it means for sold-out Oct. 22 IU Auditorium show
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