‘American Pie’ singer Don McLean cancels NRA meeting performance

“American Pie” singer Don McLean is nixing a performance at the annual National Rifle Association (NRA) meeting in the wake of the school shooting in Texas that killed at least 19 children.

“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 said in a Wednesday statement, according to multiple reports.

“I’m sure all the folks planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as well. After all, we are all Americans,” the 76-year-old Grammy Award winner said.

“I share the sorrow for this terrible, cruel loss with the rest of the nation,” McLean said.

McLean’s representatives didn’t immediately return ITK’s request for comment on Thursday.

News of McLean declining to take the stage at the NRA’s leadership summit, which begins Friday, was first reported by the Portland Press Herald.

Nineteen children and two teachers were killed in Tuesday’s shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

The NRA indicated in a statement a day after the deadly shooting that the event would still take place. Former President Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) are among the speakers scheduled to appear at the gathering.  

Lee Greenwood, famous for his 1984 hit “God Bless the U.S.A.,” is canceling a scheduled performance at the meeting as well.

“As a father, I join the rest of America in being absolutely heartbroken by the horrific event that transpired this week in Texas,” Greenwood said in a statement on Thursday.

“I was scheduled to perform at NRA’s private event on Saturday with my band. After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to cancel the appearance out of respect for those mourning the loss of those innocent children and teachers in Uvalde,” he continued.

Variety reported on Thursday that Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart are also pulling out of the meeting.

T. Graham Brown, Danielle Peck and Jacob Bryant are poised to perform at the event.

—Updated at 9:28 p.m.