The joke, which referenced the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, sparked international backlash and uncertainty about the band's future.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Black expressed his shock and disapproval of what was said during their show on Sunday, stating that he would never condone hate speech or endorse political violence of any kind. After careful consideration, he concluded that it was no longer appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans have been put on hold. Despite the disappointment, Black expressed gratitude towards fans for their support and understanding.

During the band's performance in Sydney on Sunday night, Gass was surprised with a birthday cake by what appeared to be a robot, as seen in videos shared on social media. When asked to make a wish, Gass blew out the candles and made the ill-advised comment, "Don't miss Trump next time," referring to the recent rally shooting in Pennsylvania. The crowd reacted with a mix of boos and cheers, while critics outside the venue did not hold back.

The backlash against Tenacious D was swift and widespread, with influential figures like Elon Musk and Australian federal senator Ralph Babet condemning the joke. Musk went as far as calling it "evil," while Babet demanded the band be deported from Australia and have their visas revoked, citing a lack of tolerance for those advocating violence. In response, Frontier Touring, the promoter for the Tenacious D and the Spicy Meatball Tour, announced the postponement of the Tuesday show at the Newcastle Entertainment Center in Australia.

Gass also issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging the highly inappropriate and dangerous nature of his improvised comment. He emphasized that he does not condone violence in any form and deeply regretted his severe lack of judgment, apologizing to those he let down and expressing remorse for any pain caused.

Prior to the tour's cancellation, Tenacious D had several more Australian dates scheduled, as well as shows in New Zealand and the United States. The future of these performances remains uncertain. Representatives for Tenacious D declined to comment beyond Black's statement.

The assassination attempt on former President Trump has generated sympathy for the victims and well wishes for his recovery, even from some of his fiercest critics. While dark humor and provocative jokes about Trump have existed in the past, instances of such content appear to have diminished since the recent shooting incident. Comedians, musicians, and performers have faced repercussions for crossing the line into advocating violence, as seen with comedian Kathy Griffin's career setback in 2017 when she posted a controversial photo.

The controversy surrounding Tenacious D's joke serves as a reminder that words can carry significant consequences and that promoting violence or harm towards anyone should never be tolerated. The cancellation of their tour reflects the band's commitment to taking responsibility for their actions and ensuring that their future creative endeavors promote unity and respect.