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The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing at the Nationwide Rifle Association’s annual meeting this weekend in Houston, saying it could be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 youngsters and two adults were killed in a mass capturing in the state.

McLean, who's best-known for his legendary 1971 people rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday night time through the NRA’s Grand Ole Night of Freedom concert. But those plans changed when a gunman, recognized by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tex., and started firing on children in the worst mass shooting at an American college in almost a decade.

“In light of the latest occasions in Texas, I've determined it will be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their conference 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 nicely. In spite of everything, we're all Americans.”

McLean is among a couple of performers who’ve announced they may not carry out at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Stressed Coronary heart also said Thursday that they have been dropping out in response to the capturing at Robb Elementary College.

Gatlin stated he was also dropping out attributable to what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms” in the United States.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in AMERICA,” he said.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