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The singer and songwriter introduced that he’s dropping out from performing at the National Rifle Affiliation’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it will be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 youngsters and two adults had 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 perform Saturday night through 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 shooting at an American college in almost a decade.

“In light of the recent events in Texas, I have decided it will be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, said in a statement. “I’m positive all the parents planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as nicely. In spite of everything, we are all Americans.”

McLean is among a number of performers who’ve announced they are going to now not carry out at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Stressed Heart additionally stated Thursday that they had been dropping out in response to the shooting at Robb Elementary Faculty.

Gatlin said he was also dropping out due to what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms” in america.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who're struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink a few of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms in AMERICA,” he said. “I’m a 2nd Amendment guy, however the 2nd amendment should not apply to everyone. It’s that simple.”