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Country singer Jason Aldean has decided to cancel three upcoming concerts following the shooting at Las Vegas’ Route 91 Harvest Festival on Sunday night.
As a result of what happened in Las Vegas this week, we have decided to cancel this coming weekend's shows… pic.twitter.com/lP7TFCukII
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) October 3, 2017
“I feel like out of respect for the victims, their families and our fans, it is the right thing to do,” Aldean said in a statement posted to Twitter. “It has been an emotional time for everyone involved this week, so we plan to take some time to mourn the ones we have lost and be close with our family and friends.”
Aldean had just taken the stage to start his closing set at the outdoor festival when a gunman opened fire from the nearby Mandalay Bay hotel and casino’s 32nd floor. The attack left 59 people dead and more than 527 injured.
“Our first time back onstage will be a very tough and emotional thing for us, but we will all get through it together and honor the people we lost by doing the only thing we know how to do — play our songs for them,” Aldean said. “I hope everyone understands why we can’t play this weekend and I’m sorry if anyone is disappointed.”
Judging by the replies to his statement, Aldean has his fans’ full support and understanding.
Following the shooting — the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history — Aldean shared an emotional note with his fans, writing, “This world is becoming the kind of place I am afraid to raise my children in.” He pleaded for people to put aside their differences and work together toward more unity and love.
“I want to say thank you for the outpouring of love from my friends and fans we have received over the last couple days,” he wrote. “You guys have no idea how much you have helped get us through this tough time.”
The canceled dates on Aldean’s They Don’t Know tour include October 6 at The Forum in Los Angeles, October 7 at Mattress Firm Amphitheater in San Diego, and October 8 at Honda Center in Anaheim. He’ll be back on stage on Thursday, October 12, at BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
(Photo via Theo Wargo/Getty)
