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The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing on the National Rifle Affiliation’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it would be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 youngsters and two adults were killed in a mass taking pictures within the state.

McLean, who's best-known for his legendary 1971 folk rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday evening in the course of the NRA’s Grand Ole Night time of Freedom live performance. But these plans changed when a gunman, recognized by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary College in Uvalde, Tex., and started firing on youngsters in the worst mass taking pictures at an American school in almost a decade.

“In mild of the recent events in Texas, I've determined it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to carry out for the NRA at their conference in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, said in a press release. “I’m certain all the oldsters planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these occasions as effectively. In any case, we're all Americans.”

McLean is amongst a number of performers who’ve introduced they may now not perform at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Stressed Heart additionally mentioned Thursday that they had been dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary College.

Gatlin mentioned he was also dropping out because of what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in the United States.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in AMERICA,” he said.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