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

McLean, who is best-known for his legendary 1971 folk rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday evening through the NRA’s Grand Ole Night of Freedom concert. But 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 within the worst mass capturing at an American faculty in practically a decade.

“In mild of the latest occasions in Texas, I have decided it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their conference in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, stated in an announcement. “I’m certain all the oldsters planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as effectively. In any case, we're all Individuals.”

McLean is among a few performers who’ve announced they are going to not carry out at this weekend’s conference. Nation and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Restless Coronary heart also said Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin mentioned he was additionally dropping out as a result of what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in america.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who are struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in AMERICA,” he stated. “I’m a 2nd Modification man, however the 2nd modification should not apply to everybody. It’s that simple.”