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The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing at the National Rifle Affiliation’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it would be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 youngsters and two adults were killed in a mass shooting within the state.

McLean, who's best-known for his legendary 1971 people rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday night time throughout the NRA’s Grand Ole Night of Freedom concert. But those plans modified when a gunman, recognized 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 college in almost a decade.

“In mild of the recent events in Texas, I have determined it will be disrespectful and hurtful for me to carry out for the NRA at their conference in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, stated in a statement. “I’m certain all the parents planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these occasions as nicely. In any case, we are all People.”

McLean is amongst a few performers who’ve introduced they'll no longer carry out at this weekend’s convention. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the country band Restless Heart also said Thursday that they have been dropping out in response to the shooting at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin stated he was also dropping out as a result of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in the US.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he stated.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 Modification man, but the 2nd amendment should not apply to everybody. It’s that simple.”