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The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing on the National Rifle Affiliation’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it could be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 kids and two adults have been killed in a mass shooting in the state.

McLean, who's best-known for his legendary 1971 folk rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to perform Saturday evening throughout the NRA’s Grand Ole Evening of Freedom live performance. But these plans modified when a gunman, recognized by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary Faculty in Uvalde, Tex., and started firing on children in the worst mass capturing at an American faculty in almost a decade.

“In light of the current occasions 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 an announcement. “I’m certain all the parents planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these occasions as nicely. In any case, we're all People.”

McLean is among a few performers who’ve announced they'll now not carry out at this weekend’s convention. Nation and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Restless Coronary heart also stated Thursday that they have been dropping out in response to the shooting at Robb Elementary School.

Gatlin mentioned he was additionally dropping out due to what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in america.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms in AMERICA,” he mentioned.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 Amendment man, however the 2nd amendment should not apply to everyone. It’s that simple.”