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The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing at the National Rifle Association’s annual assembly this weekend in Houston, saying it might be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 kids and two adults had been killed in a mass taking pictures within the state.

McLean, who's best-known for his legendary 1971 folks rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to perform Saturday night throughout the NRA’s Grand Ole Night of Freedom live performance. However those plans modified when a gunman, identified 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 school in nearly a decade.

“In mild of the latest occasions in Texas, I have decided it could be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean, 76, said in an announcement. “I’m certain all the parents planning to attend this occasion are shocked and sickened by these events as well. In spite of everything, we are all People.”

McLean is amongst a number of performers who’ve announced they may no longer perform at this weekend’s convention. Nation and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Restless Coronary heart also mentioned Thursday that they were dropping out in response to the shooting at Robb Elementary School.

Gatlin said he was also dropping out because of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms” in america.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in AMERICA,” he stated.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