Billy Currington Drops Out Of Tim McGraw’s Sandy Hook Show After Backlash From Gun Rights Advocates

Earlier on this week, Tim McGraw announced he would make a stop in Hartford, Connecticut, on his Shotgun Rider tour to perform at a benefit show for Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit organization that formed in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings back in 2012. However, the announcement has caused more issues for McGraw, as conservatives have shown their anger and disappointment for the country singer supporting a function branded as anti-gun. Tim McGraw has done his best to state the benefit isn’t anti-gun, but it seems fans are condemning him as a hypocrite anyway.

Now, the backlash has grown to a point that one of Tim McGraw’s opening acts doesn’t want anything to do with the situation. Reports now show that Billy Currington has dropped out of Tim McGraw’s Sandy Hook show.

According to the Washington Post, Billy Currington confirmed on Thursday , April 16, that he would not be playing at the show in Hartford, Connecticut, scheduled for July 17. An official statement was released on Currington’s decision as well as his personal views.

“I’ve never been one to take on controversial issues — I’m a singer. I do feel strongly about honoring and supporting the Sandy Hook community and will be making a donation to a local organization.

I appreciate people’s freedom and passion for whatever cause they want to support, however, I am choosing to step aside from this fundraiser and will focus instead on the rest of the tour dates as I look forward to being on the road with Tim and Chase and having a blast with all of the fans.”

Apparently, through a tweet on Billy Currington’s Twitter (which is reportedly now deleted), Currington was not made aware that the show in Hartford, Connecticut, would be a benefit show for Sandy Hook Promise.

Though conservatives and gun advocates brand the show as anti-gun, it is reported by Rolling Stone that Sandy Hook Promise does not support an anti-gun stance whatsoever. Their mission is to protect children from gun violence so no other parent experiences the loss of a child, such as providing information for mental wellness programs and firearm safety/security. There is no mention of Sandy Hook Promise supporting gun control, gun banning, or ammo banning in the liberal sense. All in all, Sandy Hook Promise is just enforcing gun safety and gun responsibility.

Nevertheless, the show must go on with or without Billy Currington. Tim McGraw will still perform at Hartford’s XFINITY Theater on July 17, with all proceeds going towards Sandy Hook Promise. It should also be noted that at this moment, Chase Bryant — the other opening act for McGraw — will still perform.