Ray LaMontagne axes university gig over gun law

Singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne is taking a stand against a new Texas gun law by cancelling an upcoming concert in protest.
The Trouble singer was slated to perform at the University of Texas, Austin’s Bass Concert Hall on Thursday (22Sep16), but on Tuesday (20Sep16) he announced he would not be going on as planned.
The last-minute move was in response to a recently passed campus law, which allows licensed gun owners to bring concealed handguns into university venues during performances.
A statement posted on Facebook reads: “I consider myself to be a very open minded human being, and I always try and see things from another’s point of view. I realize this is a controversial issue and there are strong feelings on both sides of it. But no matter how hard I try to understand the rationale for allowing guns on campus or more broadly, the ‘concealed carry’ law in general, I just cannot in any way support that ideology.
“There are a lot of things this country needs more of, but guns aren’t one of them. On behalf of myself and the band, and everyone involved in the tour, I want to express our collective disappointment in the decision to allow guns on campus, and within the campus venue.”
The axed gig marks the second time LaMontagne has cancelled a scheduled appearance in Austin this year (16) – he was slated to perform during the annual South by Southwest festival, but was forced to back out due to illness.