Don McLean was the first to drop out
Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart will no longer be attending the National Rifle Association (NRA) Convention in Houston this weekend. Both country singers were set to join Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown, Danielle Peck, Jacob Bryant and Don McLean for the “Grand Ole Night of Freedom” concert, but have backed out after the mass shooting that killed at least 19 children and two adults in Uvalde, TX on Tuesday (May 24th).
“To my fellow sad Americans— I cannot, in good conscience, perform at the NRA convention in Houston this weekend. 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 — in my beloved, weeping TEXAS,” Gatlin shares on social media.
“It is not a perfect world and the ‘if only crowd’s’ policies will never make it one. I am a ‘what if guy’ and I can’t help but ask the question, ‘What if the teachers had been proficient in the use of firearms and had, in fact been armed this week? My answer is that there would not be 21 freshly dug graves for 21 of GOD’s precious children.
“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in AMERICA.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. GOD HELP US PLEASE😢🇺🇸”
Stewart, who rose to fame as frontman of Restless Heart, has also decided against attending.
“Due to the tragedy in Uvalde with the horrific school shooting and children who died, I want to honor the victims, families, the town and our friends in the great state of Texas the best I know how,” he shares. “So I have made the decision to pull out as a performer for the NRA convention this weekend, especially given the event is just down the road. I just believe this is best for me at this time. God Bless everyone involved!”
McLean, who was the first artist to drop out yesterday (Wed, May 25th), also cited the massacre as his reason for no longer appearing.
“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. 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,” McLean says in a statement.
The annual gathering is taking place from May 27-29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, less than 300 miles away from Uvalde. The concert is set for Saturday, May 28th.
The event will showcase over 14 acres of the latest guns and gear from the most popular companies in the industry.
There is massive political and social pressure urging the city and the NRA to cancel the event. The NRA says it will still continue, as of press time.
“Although an investigation is underway and facts are still emerging, we recognize this was the act of a lone, deranged criminal. As we gather in Houston, we will reflect on these events, pray for the victims, recognize our patriotic members, and pledge to redouble our commitment to making our schools secure.”
As of this writing, former President Donald Trump, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Senator Ted Cruz are still expected to attend. Texas Senator John Cornyn, who was scheduled to speak at the event, has also canceled an appearance. However, his reps state an “unexpected change” in his schedule as the cause.
