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

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

“In mild of the current occasions in Texas, I have determined it might be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, mentioned in a statement. “I’m positive all the oldsters planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as effectively. In spite of everything, we are all Individuals.”

McLean is amongst just a few performers who’ve introduced they may now not carry out at this weekend’s convention. Nation and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Restless Heart also said Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the capturing at Robb Elementary College.

Gatlin said he was additionally dropping out as a consequence of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in america.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned. “I’m a 2nd Modification guy, however the 2nd modification should not apply to everyone. It’s that straightforward.”