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

McLean, who is best-known for his legendary 1971 folk rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday night time during the NRA’s Grand Ole Night time of Freedom live performance. However these plans modified when a gunman, recognized by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary College in Uvalde, Tex., and began firing on kids in the worst mass shooting at an American school in practically a decade.

“In mild of the recent events in Texas, I have decided it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to carry out for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, mentioned in a press release. “I’m positive all the folks planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these occasions as nicely. In spite of everything, we are all People.”

McLean is among a number of performers who’ve announced they may not perform at this weekend’s convention. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Restless Heart additionally said Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the shooting at Robb Elementary College.

Gatlin stated he was also dropping out due to what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in the USA.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he said. “I’m a 2nd Amendment man, but the 2nd modification should not apply to everybody. It’s that straightforward.”