Jack Black was recently seen surrounded by “Secret Service-style” bodyguards while greeting fans in Sydney. This heightened security came just hours before Tenacious D, Black’s band, canceled the remainder of their Australia tour. Black, dressed in a tie-dye T-shirt and colorful shorts, signed autographs and took photos with fans outside his hotel, closely monitored by guards in suits with radio earpieces.
The increased security measures followed a controversial joke made by Black’s bandmate, Kyle Gass, during a show at Sydney’s ICC Theatre. Gass, after receiving a birthday cake on stage, joked about the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, saying, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” This remark referenced the incident where gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at Trump, narrowly missing his head but piercing his ear.
In response to the backlash, Black released a statement condemning Gass’s comment and announced the cancellation of the remaining tour dates. Just three hours before their next show, Frontier Touring confirmed the cancellation, ensuring ticket holders that they would receive full refunds.
The decision to cancel the tour underscores the serious repercussions of Gass’s joke, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding political figures and the potential consequences of making light of violent events.
