Tenacious D cancel NZ shows after Kyle Gass' Trump quip

Tenacious D have have put "all future creative plans" on hold and cancelled their tour, a week out from shows in Auckland and Wellington.

The band was scheduled to play at TSB Arena in Wellington on July 24 and Auckland's Spark Arena on July 26.

The announcement, made by Jack Black on his Instagram, came after Kyle Gass' controversial comments about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump while on stage in Sydney.

In a video which was posted on social media, Black can be heard singing happy birthday to Gass and asked him to make a wish.

This is when Gass responded: "Don't miss Trump next time."

The comments sparked backlash online, prompting Black to post to social media: "I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday."

"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 also posted an apology to his Instagram.

"The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake.

"I don't condone political violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone.

"What happened was a tragedy, and I'm incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement.

"I profoundly apologise to those I've let down and truly regret any pain I've caused."

Frontier Touring said it regretted "to advise that the remaining dates of Tenacious D's tour of Australia and New Zealand has been cancelled.

"All purchased tickets will receive a refund."

For New Zealand ticket holders, the company said "no action is required".

"Your refund will be processed to the original method of payment used at time of purchase. It should appear on your account within 14-21 days. If the tickets were transferred to you, the refund will go to the fan who originally purchased the tickets from Ticketmaster."