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The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing at the National Rifle Affiliation’s annual meeting this weekend in Houston, saying it will be “disrespectful and hurtful” to carry out days after 19 kids and two adults have been 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 through the NRA’s Grand Ole Night time of Freedom concert. However those plans modified 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 capturing at an American school in practically a decade.

“In mild of the latest occasions in Texas, I've determined it could 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 sure all the parents planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these occasions as nicely. In spite of everything, we are all Individuals.”

McLean is among a few performers who’ve announced they may no longer carry out at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Restless Coronary heart additionally said Thursday that they have been dropping out in response to the shooting at Robb Elementary College.

Gatlin mentioned he was also dropping out due to what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in the United States.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who're suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned. “I’m a 2nd Modification guy, but the 2nd amendment should not apply to everybody. It’s that simple.”