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The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing on the Nationwide Rifle Affiliation’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it could be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 kids and two adults had been 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 carry out Saturday night through the NRA’s Grand Ole Night time of Freedom live performance. However those plans changed when a gunman, identified by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary Faculty in Uvalde, Tex., and started firing on children within the worst mass taking pictures at an American faculty in practically a decade.

“In light of the recent events in Texas, I've determined it might be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their conference in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, mentioned in an announcement. “I’m sure all the parents planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as effectively. After all, we are all Individuals.”

McLean is among a number of performers who’ve introduced they are going to not perform at this weekend’s convention. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Stressed Coronary heart also stated Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the capturing at Robb Elementary College.

Gatlin stated he was also dropping out on account of what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms” in america.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms in AMERICA,” he stated. “I’m a 2nd Modification guy, but the 2nd amendment shouldn't apply to everyone. It’s that simple.”