In the wake of the Las Vegas shooting, Jason Aldean cancels his weekend concerts “out of respect”

ABC/Image Group LA Jason Aldean is calling off his upcoming concerts in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Anaheim, California this weekend, in light of Sunday night’s mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

“As a result of what happened in Las Vegas this week, we have decided to cancel this coming weekend’s shows,” Jason says in a statement. “I feel like out of respect for the victims, their families and our fans, it is the right thing to do.”

At least 59 people lost their lives and more than 500 were injured when alleged shooter Stephen Paddock opened fire on 22,000 fans during Aldean’s closing set at the outdoor festival.

“It has been an emotional time for everyone involved this week,” the two-time Entertainer of the Year adds, “so we plan to take some time to mourn the ones we have lost and be close with our family and friends.”

The Georgia native’s They Don’t Know Tour will resume October 12 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“Our first time back onstage will be a very tough and emotional thing for us,” Jason admits, “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.”

He concludes by thanking his friends and fans for the “outpouring of love…over the last couple days.”

“I hope everyone understands why we can’t play this weekend,” he reiterates, “and I’m sorry if anyone is disappointed.”

Refunds for the cancelled concerts will be available at the point of purchase.

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