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Don McLean pulls out of NRA-organized concert following Texas school shooting

Singer & songwriter Don McLean performs at the Ryman Auditorium, May 12, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.
Jason Kempin/Getty Images, FILE
ByMatt Friedlander
May 26, 2022, 3:38 PM

Don McLean had been scheduled to perform at a concert in Houston this Saturday for the National Rifle Association, but the "American Pie" singer pulled out in the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

McLean was one of the performers slated to appear during the organization's "Grand Ole Night Of Freedom" concert.

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"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," the "American Pie" singer said in a statement to "Good Morning America." "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. I share the sorrow for this terrible, cruel loss with the rest of the nation. Sincerely, Don McLean."

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The concert takes place on the second day of the 2022 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, a three-day convention that's also scheduled to feature speeches by former President Donald Trump, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, and "over 14 acres of guns and gear and 800 exhibitors."

Other previously announced performers for the "Grand Ole Night Of Freedom" concert include Lee Greenwood, Larry Gatlin, T. Graham Brown, Jacob Bryant and Larry Stewart.

Nineteen children and two adults were killed on Tuesday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

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  • Uvalde Texas School Shooting

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