(NewsNation) — Jack Black’s comedy rock band Tenacious D canceled the rest of its tour after guitarist Kyle Gass said onstage “Don’t miss Trump next time,” seemingly referencing Saturday’s assassination attempt on the former president.
Gass’ comment happened during a Sunday show in Sydney, Australia, one day after a gunman opened fire at Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the presumptive GOP nominee was shot in the ear. One spectator was shot and killed and at least two others were injured.
The show fell on Gass’ 64th birthday and included an onstage moment when Black brought Gass a cake and told him to make a wish.
“Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass said, eliciting a roar of cheers and applause from the crowd, audience videos show.
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,” Black said Tuesday in a statement on Instagram. “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. 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.”
Gass posted a similar statement on his Instagram.
“The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” he wrote. “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 judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and Truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
Black was among the celebrities who spoke at a rally for President Joe Biden in June. The Band’s “Spicy Meatball” tour was scheduled for upcoming dates in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.