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The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing at the National Rifle Affiliation’s annual meeting this weekend in Houston, saying it could be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 kids and two adults were killed in a mass capturing in the state.

McLean, who's best-known for his legendary 1971 folk rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to perform Saturday night during the NRA’s Grand Ole Night time of Freedom live performance. But these plans modified when a gunman, recognized by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary Faculty in Uvalde, Tex., and started firing on children in the worst mass shooting at an American school in nearly a decade.

“In mild of the current occasions in Texas, I have 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 a press release. “I’m certain all the folks planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these occasions as well. In spite of everything, we are all Americans.”

McLean is among a number of performers who’ve introduced they are going to now not perform at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Stressed Coronary heart also said Thursday that they have been dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin said he was also dropping out because of what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in america.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in AMERICA,” he said. “I’m a 2nd Amendment man, however the 2nd modification shouldn't apply to everyone. It’s that easy.”