Country artist Lee Greenwood and other musicians have backed out of a scheduled concert at the National Rifle Association’s convention in Houston, citing the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, reports The NY Post.
Greenwood, in a statement, said after “thoughtful consideration” his band decided to cancel its appearance for Saturday’s event.
“As a father, I join the rest of America in being absolutely heartbroken by the horrific event that transpired this week in Texas,” he said in a statement, according to Variety.
Greenwood, known for his hit “God Bless the USA,” pulled out after “American Pie” singer Don McLean backed out of the concert.
Other musicians on Thursday also said they wouldn’t show up at the event dubbed The Grand Ole Night of Freedom, including country singers Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart, according to USA Today. Both cited the tragedy in Uvalde, where an 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children and two teachers.Gatlin, in his statement, criticized the gun lobby organization for not supporting background checks.
“While I agree with most of the positions held by the NRA I have come to believe that, while background checks would not stop every madman with a gun, it is at the very least a step in the right direction toward trying to prevent the kind of tragedy we saw this week in Uvalde,” Gatlin told USA Today.
“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in America. I’m a 2nd Amendment guy, but the 2nd Amendment should not apply to everyone. It’s that simple.”
Country artist Danielle Peck also won’t perform out of respect for the families. The singer T. Graham Brown also will not perform, according to Variety.
On Wednesday, the NRA offered its “deepest sympathies” over the mass shooting.
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