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The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing on the National 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 capturing in the state.

McLean, who's best-known for his legendary 1971 folks rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday night during the NRA’s Grand Ole Evening of Freedom live performance. However these plans modified when a gunman, identified by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary College in Uvalde, Tex., and started firing on children 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 might be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, said in an announcement. “I’m positive all the parents planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these occasions as effectively. After all, we are all Individuals.”

McLean is among 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 nation band Restless Coronary heart also mentioned Thursday that they have been dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin mentioned he was also dropping out due to what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms” in the USA.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned.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