Don McLean.Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty
Don McLeanwill no longer be performing during a concert special at this year’sNational Rifle Association (NRA) convention, PEOPLE can confirm.
The “American Pie” musician, 76, said in a statement that he will not be partaking in the event, which is scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas, this weekend. The reason for his exit, he said, was Tuesday’s mass shooting within the state where19 children and two teachers were killed.
“In light of the recent events in Texas, I have decided it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean tells PEOPLE.
ALLISON DINNER/AFP via Getty
McLean was originally scheduled to perform as part of the NRA’s Grand Ole Night of Freedom concert on Saturday evening.
The concert is a part of the three-day NRA event, which will also feature speeches from former PresidentDonald Trump, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and SenatorTed Cruz.
Representatives for Brown did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment to see if he will still be performing. A rep for Bryant confirmed he will still be involved.
“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in AMERICA,” he continued, in part.
Former Restless Heart lead singer Larry Stewart has also excused himself from the lineup,writing on Facebook, “Due to the tragedy in Uvalde with the horrific school shooting and children who died, I want to honor the victims, families, the town and our friends in the great state of Texas the best I know how. So I have made the decision to pull out as a performer for the NRA convention this weekend, especially given the event is just down the road. I just believe this is best for me at this time. God Bless everyone involved!”
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On Tuesday, an 18-year-old male gunman barricaded himself inside an elementary school classroom atRobb Elementary Schoolin Uvalde, Texas, shooting and killing 19 studentsand two teachers.
Vigils for the victims were held on Wednesday evening, with the community in the small, tight-knit city — located about 85 miles west of San Antonio — gathering at the Uvalde County Fairplex to remember the lives tragically taken too soon.
Both Abbott and Cruz were in attendance, as wasBeto O’Rourke, who is currently running for Abbott’s political position.
Many leaders within the Uvalde community spoke during the remembrance event, including Pastor Tony Gruben of the Baptist Temple Church, who told mourners, “Our hearts are broken. We are devastated,” according toNBC News.
Towards the end of the event, a single violinist performed a moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” on stage, theTexas Tribunereported.
source: people.com
