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The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing on the Nationwide Rifle Association’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it could be “disrespectful and hurtful” to carry out days after 19 children and two adults were killed in a mass shooting within the state.

McLean, who is best-known for his legendary 1971 folk rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to perform Saturday night time through the NRA’s Grand Ole Night of Freedom live performance. However those plans changed when a gunman, identified by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tex., and started firing on youngsters within the worst mass shooting at an American college in practically a decade.

“In mild of the current events in Texas, I have determined it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their conference in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, mentioned in a press release. “I’m sure all the oldsters planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as nicely. In any case, we're all Individuals.”

McLean is among just a few performers who’ve introduced they may no longer carry out at this weekend’s convention. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Stressed Heart also said Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the capturing at Robb Elementary College.

Gatlin stated he was additionally dropping out due to what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms” in america.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned. “I’m a 2nd Amendment man, but the 2nd modification shouldn't apply to everyone. It’s that straightforward.”