Lee Greenwood, Larry Gatlin drop out of NRA convention performance

A day after “American Pie” singer Don McLean pulled out of the annual National Rifle Association convention, Larry Gatlin, Larry Stewart of Restless Heart and Lee Greenwood announced they are following McLean’s lead and won’t be performing in Houston.

Gatlin issued a statement that was obtained by Fox News Digital.

“To my fellow sad Americans, I cannot, in good conscience, perform at the NRA convention in Houston this weekend,” his statement began. 

“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.”

‘AMERICAN PIE’ SINGER DON MCLEAN PULLS OUT OF NRA CONVENTION

Larry Gatlin has withdrawn from the annual NRA conference in Houston.
(Getty Images)

The country music and gospel singer was born in Seminole, Texas.  

“It is not a perfect world and the ‘if only crowd’s’ policies will never make it one,” Gatlin said. “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.”

Gatlin concluded his statement by sharing his condolences for the families of the victims and urged the National Rifle Association to “rethink” its positions.

“My prayers and thoughts go to all who are suffering, and I pray that the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in America.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 Second Amendment guy, but the Second Amendment should not apply to everyone. It’s that simple. GOD HELP US PLEASE.”

Larry Gatlin said he “cannot in good conscience” perform this weekend after the tragic elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Tuesday.
(Getty Images)

Larry Stewart told Fox News Digital of his decision to pull out of the convention.

“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,” Stewart said. 

“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’m a strong believer in the Second Amendment, and I know the NRA is a great organization who teaches strict gun safety with a membership of law-abiding citizens who love our country. I just believe this is best for me at this time. God bless everyone involved!”

Larry Stewart, Dave Innis and Paul Gregg of the country band Restless Heart visit SiriusXM Studios Aug. 1, 2018, in Nashville. Stewart said he won’t be performing at the NRA convention this weekend. 
(Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Lee Greenwood shared with Fox News Digital his decision to pull out of the NRA convention. 

“As a father, I join the rest of America in being absolutely heartbroken by the horrific event that transpired this…