Tenacious D's Newcastle Return: Band 'Hashes It Out' After Controversial Tour Cancellation
Could the iconic comedy rock duo Tenacious D make a triumphant return to Newcastle after their abrupt tour cancellation in 2024? The possibility is now on the table, as band members Jack Black and Kyle Gass have reportedly reconciled following a period of intense public scrutiny and safety concerns.
The Controversy That Derailed the Newcastle Show
In July 2024, Tenacious D's highly anticipated Spicy Meatball Australian tour was cancelled just hours before their sold-out performance at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. The decision came in the wake of a joke made by Kyle Gass on stage in Sydney, referencing the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump in Butler, Texas. This remark sparked significant backlash, which Gass later described in a Rolling Stone interview as a "tsunami of shit."
Gass acknowledged in the article that his attempt at humour demonstrated "terrible judgement," and he expressed understanding for Black's decision to cancel the tour. At the time, Black issued a statement indicating that all future creative plans for the band were on hold, citing the need for a break.
Newcastle's Connection to the Drama
Interestingly, on the very day of the cancelled concert, the Newcastle Herald reported that Jack Black was already in town. He had visited the local business Thomas' Timepieces the previous afternoon, purchasing a $600 watch. Owner David Thomas described Black as "a very nice gentlemen," highlighting the star's low-key presence in the city amidst the growing controversy.
The cancellation was ultimately driven by serious safety concerns for the band and their loved ones, as threats emerged following the incident. This left Newcastle fans disappointed, with the show called off mere hours before Tenacious D were scheduled to take the stage.
Reconciliation and Future Plans
Now, there is renewed hope for a comeback. In his recent Rolling Stone interview, Kyle Gass revealed that the duo has "hashed it out" and confirmed, "We will be back. We will return." He emphasised the strength of their long-standing friendship, noting, "Jack and I are all good. At the end of the day, we're friends."
Gass reflected on their decades-long partnership, describing it as a "long marriage" with its ups and downs, and pointed out that they have taken breaks before due to other projects. This sentiment was echoed by Jack Black in August 2024, who told reporters at the premiere of his film Borderlands, "We had to take a break ... Everybody takes a break sometimes."
Will Newcastle Host the Comeback?
With the band now reconciled, speculation is mounting about where their return tour might begin. Given the unfinished business in Newcastle, many are wondering if the city could be the ideal location for Tenacious D's comeback performance. The duo's connection to the area, combined with the dramatic events of 2024, makes it a compelling candidate for the opening night of their anticipated reunion tour.
As fans eagerly await official announcements, the possibility of Tenacious D returning to Newcastle adds an exciting chapter to this ongoing story of controversy, reconciliation, and rock 'n' roll resilience.
