Jason Aldean, Country Singer On Stage In Las Vegas Shooting, Cancels Chula Vista Concert

CHULA VISTA, CA – Country music singer Jason Aldean Tuesday canceled his scheduled Saturday night concert at the Mattress Firm Amphitheatre in Chula Vista in wake of the mass shooting that occurred while he was performing at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival in Las Vegas.

"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. "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."

More than 22,000 concertgoers were at the outdoor show when the gunman, identified as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock of Mesquite, Nevada, began shooting from the 32nd floor of nearby Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. At least 59 people were killed and more than 500 were injured, making it the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Aldean also canceled shows scheduled for Friday at The Forum in Inglewood and Sunday at the Honda Center in Anaheim. His tour is set to resume Oct. 12 in Tulsa.

Aldean said his band's first time back onstage will be "a very tough and emotional thing for us," but they plan to get through it together and honor those killed by playing their songs for them.

"I hope everyone understands why we can't play this weekend and I'm sorry if anyone is disappointed," he said. "I want to say thank you for the outpouring of love from my friends and fans we have received over the last couple days. You guys have no idea how much you have helped get us through this tough time."

Refunds are available at point of purchase, according to the statement.

By City News Service. Kristina Houck/Patch contributed to this report.

Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/Associated Press