Over the weekend, thousands took to the streets across the globe to protest gun violence and support gun control legislation. The effort, called March For Our Lives, was organized by survivors of the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Fla. that killed 17 students and faculty. As debate continues over how to prevent mass shootings like the one in Parkland and at last year's Route 91 Harvest Festival, more mainstream country stars are opting to speak out about the issue.
Little Big Town's Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild marched in Sioux City, Iowa, and shared a photo (see above) and a short message. "Today we march for out kids, our families and our fans," Westbrook wrote.
Tim McGraw also shared a video clip from the march in Washington D.C. and voiced his support for those involved.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgt245PHGFy
Prior to the event, Faith Hill also asked others to show their support by participating in the march. McGraw and Hill have both been open about their support for gun control.
Kelsea Ballerini pledged her support of the via a now-expired Instagram story.
Other notable musicians who showed their support included Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines, Brandi Carlile, Rosanne Cash and Jason Isbell, who shared the following note on Twitter.
Supporting everyone who took to the streets today to #marchforourlives. I wish I could?ve been there, but we?re touring in Australia, a country where they don?t really have this particular problem.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) March 24, 2018
It seems that most country stars and musicians who were not in support of the efforts opted to simply not comment on the march. One of the few exceptions seems to include Charlie Daniels, who shared this controversial comment that appears to negatively reference the teenagers behind March For Our Lives.
Teenagers with filthy mouths and rock star attitudes don?t solve problems , they only exacerbate them.
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) March 25, 2018
Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys also posted multiple articles onto his Twitter feed related to the march, including an article titled "The Stupidity of the March For Our Lives."
Why did sponsors of ?March for our lives? spend so much money to hide their identities? https://t.co/RFZyIJCGzM
— DUANE ALLEN (@DUANEALLEN) March 25, 2018
Broward County sheriff dept had the nerve to get involved with March for Our Lives and it was a big mistake https://t.co/5H3hYL6sGe
— DUANE ALLEN (@DUANEALLEN) March 25, 2018
Last week, Garth Brooks dedicated a song to Emma Gonzales, one of the teens involved in March For Our Lives. Taylor Swift, who is known for staying away from commenting on political issues, also voiced her support for the event and gave a donation to their foundation.
Although many still argue that fans just want country artists to "shut up and sing," it seems that stars both young and old are choosing to say something.
