NRA convention concert cancelled after musicians drop out in wake of Uvalde mass shooting

Country singer Jacob Bryant confirmed the show’s cancelation in a tweet.

May 27, 2022
NRA convention concert cancelled after musicians drop out in wake of Uvalde mass shooting Gun rights activists and supporters protest outside the National Rifle Association Annual Meeting at the George R. Brown Convention Center, on May 27, 2022, in Houston, Texas.   Patrick T. Fallon/AFP / Getty Images

After nearly musician who was slated to perform at the National Rifle Association’s convention dropped out, the NRA has decided to cancel the concert. Country singer Jacob Bryant, who was the only musician to not publicly state he wasn’t going to perform, confirmed in a tweet that the show was officially canceled on Thursday, May 26.

ADVERTISEMENT

Besides Bryant, the concert was expected to feature performances from Don McLean, Lee Greenwood, Danielle Peck, Larry Gatlin, Larry Stewart, and T. Graham Brown. On Thursday, McLean shared a statement, saying, “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.”

Gatlin expressed similar sentiments: “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. I’m a 2nd Amendment guy, but the 2nd Amendment should not apply to everyone. It’s that simple.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Greenwood was also amongst those to issue a statement confirming his decision to not perform, writing, “As a father, I join the rest of America in being absolutely heartbroken by the horrific event that transpired this week in Texas. 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.”

NRA convention concert cancelled after musicians drop out in wake of Uvalde mass shooting