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The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing on the Nationwide Rifle Association’s annual meeting this weekend in Houston, saying it will be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 kids and two adults were killed in a mass taking pictures within the state.

McLean, who is best-known for his legendary 1971 people rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to perform Saturday evening throughout the NRA’s Grand Ole Night time of Freedom live performance. However those plans changed when a gunman, recognized by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary Faculty in Uvalde, Tex., and started firing on kids in the worst mass taking pictures at an American college in almost a decade.

“In mild of the latest events in Texas, I've decided it might be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, said in an announcement. “I’m sure all the parents planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these occasions as effectively. In spite of everything, we are all People.”

McLean is among a number of performers who’ve announced they may no longer perform at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Stressed Coronary heart additionally mentioned Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the shooting at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin said he was additionally dropping out as a result of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms” in the USA.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned. “I’m a 2nd Amendment guy, however the 2nd modification mustn't apply to everyone. It’s that straightforward.”