Brett Kissel said Wednesday his heart is breaking for fellow country singer Jason Aldean and “everyone affected” by Sunday night’s massacre in Las Vegas.
Aldean was on stage when a gunman opened fire on thousands of fans at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. At least 59 people were killed — including four Canadians — and hundreds were injured.
“It’s difficult as a country singer to see that it happened at one of our festivals. It’s difficult as an artist. It’s difficult as a fan of music,” Kissel, on the phone from Venice, Italy, told the Dave & Rachel Show on Today's Country BX93.
“My heart just breaks for everybody affected. It’s a gigantic tragedy. My heart and my prayers and everything is with the music community.”
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Kissel, who hails from Alberta, mentioned one of the victims, Jessica Klymchuk of Valleyview, Alberta. Also killed in the attack were Alberta residents Tara Roe and Calla Medig as well as Jordan McIldoon of B.C.
“As an artist, our goal is very simple. We go out there and we try to make people forget about their troubles while they’re at the festival or while they’re escaping life,” said Kissel.
“I think that love is going to prevail, it’s going to conquer all. Hate can’t win.
“We can’t let it happen.”
Listen to Kissel's comments below.