Comedy-rock duo Tenacious D will return to music and creative activity after a long hiatus triggered by controversy over a politically charged joke made by co-founder Kyle Gass in 2024. Gass and bandmate Jack Black have now publicly reconciled, and both members say the iconic partnership will be back in action.
The controversy began in July 2024 during a concert in Sydney, Australia, where Gass made an onstage quip referencing the attempted assassination of then-President Donald Trump. Standing with a birthday cake, Gass said, “Don’t miss Trump next time,” a remark that was widely condemned as insensitive and unsafe given the context.
In the immediate fallout, Tenacious D canceled their remaining tour dates and announced that all future creative plans were on hold. Black publicly distanced himself from the comment, saying he was “blindsided” and making clear he did not condone political violence of any kind.
Gass initially issued an apology, calling the line “highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” but later removed the message from social media, leading to confusion and further scrutiny.
For more than a year, Tenacious D remained effectively on hiatus, their future uncertain as both members navigated public scrutiny and the tension between them. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Gass opened up about the period following the controversy and how he and Black eventually resolved their differences.
Gass described the reconciliation as difficult but necessary. “We hashed it out,” he said, comparing their relationship to a long-term partnership or marriage, with its ups and downs. “It was hard… but at the end of the day, we’re friends,” Gass explained, stressing that trust and mutual history helped them bridge their disagreements.
He also acknowledged that his joke had real consequences, revealing that the backlash had been overwhelming at times and even included threats toward his elderly mother. “I’ve felt terrible ever since, because it’s such a responsibility to not screw up like that,” Gass said.
While details about specific projects or tour plans have not been released, both artists have made it clear that Tenacious D is not finished. Gass told Rolling Stone that despite the hard period, the duo are planning a comeback: “We will serve no D-wine before it’s D-time — but we will be back. We will return.”
He even hinted with characteristic humor that their return could be significant, suggesting the band’s revival might be “bigger than Oasis,” a reference to one of rock’s most iconic comebacks.
Black has also previously indicated optimism about the band’s future, expressing gratitude to fans for their support even as the controversy put their plans on hold.
Formed in 1994, Tenacious D have built a loyal following with their blend of hard rock musicianship and absurdist comedy, scoring hits and cultural moments with songs, films and tours over more than three decades. The period of dislocation following the Trump joke was one of the most serious challenges in their career, testing both their professional partnership and personal friendship.
Now that they have reconciled and committed to moving forward together, fans and industry observers alike are watching closely for what’s next — a reminder that even long-standing creative partnerships can weather public controversy and personal strain.
