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Jason Aldean opens up about the gun-control debate

"I think everybody needs to sit down, stop pushing their own agendas, and figure out what will make it safer."

Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean
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Jason Aldean opens up about the gun-control debate

"I think everybody needs to sit down, stop pushing their own agendas, and figure out what will make it safer."

Six months since a gunman opened fire on his concert in Las Vegas, killing 58 people, country star Jason Aldean is coming back with new music. But, he says, he’s wary of speaking out about guns, because he's an entertainer, not a politician.In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Aldean said “it’s not place” to talk about a political issue like gun control. Though he mused that violent video games might contribute to violence in young people, he told the magazine he hopes people can come together to figure out a solution to gun violence. “I’m not a politician. I’m not trying to push my own agenda. If I say that I believe this, I’m gonna piss off half of the people, and if I say I believe that, I’m gonna piss off the other half,” he said. “I have my opinions, but what the hell do I know? I think everybody needs to sit down, stop pushing their own agendas, and figure out what will make it safer. When people can’t go to a damn movie or a concert and not worry about somebody shooting the place up, there’s a flaw in the system.”That didn’t please some people, who argued online that he cared more about not alienating fans than taking a stand. But others voiced support for the country star, tweeting things like "more people respect you for being this way," and "If you fault this man for not taking your side, that is a big part of the problem."It's worth noting Aldean's actions as well as his words. Following the attack, he visited victims and released a Tom Petty cover of "I Won't Back Down" with proceeds going to the survivors. Gun control is a sensitive subject in the country music industry. Last year’s CMAs initially found itself in controversy after telling reporters to avoid talking about politics, but reversed that decision. Getting political at all is a taboo in the country world, especially after the Dixie Chicks’ careers suffered after speaking against President George W. Bush. Shortly after the Las Vegas attacks, Roseanne Cash wrote an op-ed calling on country artists to push for gun control; Sheryl Crow told the Guardian she also wished artists would take a stand. So far, only a few artists have spoken out, meaning Aldean is not alone in his decision to stay out of it. In November Faith Hill and Tim McGraw said they support some gun control laws. "Look, I'm a bird hunter—I love to wing-shoot. However, there is some common sense that's necessary when it comes to gun control," McGraw said. "Military weapons should not be in the hands of civilians,” Hill added. Sturgill Simpson voiced his opinion during a Facebook Live Q&A. "Nobody needs a machine gun," he said, "and that's coming from a guy who owns quite a few guns.” Maren Morris also spoke out, saying she wants to “encourage people to change legislation on gun rights.”

Six months since a gunman in Las Vegas, killing 58 people, country star Jason Aldean is coming back with new music. But, he says, he’s wary of speaking out about guns, because he's an entertainer, not a politician.

In an interview with , Aldean said “it’s not [his] place” to talk about a political issue like gun control. Though he mused that violent video games might contribute to violence in young people, he told the magazine he hopes people can come together to figure out a solution to gun violence.

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“I’m not a politician. I’m not trying to push my own agenda. If I say that I believe this, I’m gonna piss off half of the people, and if I say I believe that, I’m gonna piss off the other half,” he said. “I have my opinions, but what the hell do I know? I think everybody needs to sit down, stop pushing their own agendas, and figure out what will make it safer. When people can’t go to a damn movie or a concert and not worry about somebody shooting the place up, there’s a flaw in the system.”

That didn’t please some people, who argued online that he cared more about not alienating fans than taking a stand.

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But others voiced support for the country star, tweeting things like "more people respect you for being this way," and "If you fault this man for not taking your side, that is a big part of the problem."

It's worth noting Aldean's actions as well as his words. Following the attack, he and released a Tom Petty cover of with proceeds going to the survivors.

Gun control is a sensitive subject in the country music industry. Last year’s CMAs initially found itself in after telling reporters to avoid talking about politics, but reversed that decision. Getting political at all in the country world, especially after the Dixie Chicks’ careers suffered after speaking against President George W. Bush.

Shortly after the Las Vegas attacks, Roseanne Cash calling on country artists to push for gun control; Sheryl Crow told she also wished artists would take a stand. So far, only a few artists have spoken out, meaning Aldean is not alone in his decision to stay out of it.

In November Faith Hill and Tim McGraw . "Look, I'm a bird hunter—I love to wing-shoot. However, there is some common sense that's necessary when it comes to gun control," McGraw said. "Military weapons should not be in the hands of civilians,” Hill added.

Sturgill Simpson voiced his opinion during a Facebook Live Q&A. "Nobody needs a machine gun," , "and that's coming from a guy who owns quite a few guns.” Maren Morris also , saying she wants to “encourage people to change legislation on gun rights.”