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

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

“In light of the latest events in Texas, I've decided it could be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their conference in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, said in an announcement. “I’m certain all the oldsters planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as properly. After all, we're all Americans.”

McLean is amongst a few performers who’ve announced they may no longer carry out at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Stressed Heart also stated Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin stated he was additionally dropping out attributable to what he cited as the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in america.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who are struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he stated. “I’m a 2nd Amendment man, however the 2nd modification should not apply to everyone. It’s that easy.”