Ray LaMontagne Cancels Texas Show Over University Guns Law

Singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne has canceled a Thursday show at the University of Texas in protest of a new state law that allows concealed handgun license holders to carry their weapons into public college buildings.

Photo: © Jeff Moore 2014

Sandler Center For The Perf. Arts, Virginia Beach, Va.

The law allows those weapons into the university’s Bass Concert Hall, where LaMontagne was scheduled to perform.

In a statement canceling the show, LaMontagne said he considers himself “very open minded” but he can’t support allowing guns on college campuses.

LaMontange said: “There are a lot of things this country needs more of, but guns aren’t one of them.”

Photo: John Mone/AP

A protestor carries a sign calling for a “Gun Free UT,” as they join others during a protest on the University of Texas campus in Austin.

A university statement said school officials regret the cancellation but respect LaMontagne’s decision. The school noted the university’s guns policy was based on state law allowing concealed handguns inside the building.