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The singer and songwriter announced that he’s dropping out from performing on the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting this weekend in Houston, saying it will be “disrespectful and hurtful” to perform days after 19 kids and two adults were killed in a mass shooting in the state.

McLean, who is best-known for his legendary 1971 folks rock anthem “American Pie,” was scheduled to carry out Saturday night throughout the NRA’s Grand Ole Night time of Freedom live performance. But those plans changed when a gunman, recognized by police as Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tex., and began firing on children in the worst mass taking pictures at an American school in nearly a decade.

“In light of the current events in Texas, I've 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 certain all the folks planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these occasions as well. In any case, we are all People.”

McLean is among a few performers who’ve introduced they may no longer perform at this weekend’s conference. Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of the nation band Restless Heart also mentioned Thursday that they had been dropping out in response to the taking pictures at Robb Elementary School.

Gatlin mentioned he was additionally dropping out on account of what he cited because the NRA’s “outdated and ill-thought-out positions concerning firearms” in the US.

“My prayers and ideas go to all who are struggling, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions relating to firearms in AMERICA,” he stated. “I’m a 2nd Modification guy, but the 2nd modification should not apply to everyone. It’s that straightforward.”