Jason Aldean gave his first performance since the tragedy that shook the entire country.
The megastar made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live to perform Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” and reassure the nation that he’ll stand his own ground following the mass shooting at Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas.
Related: Jason Aldean Returns to Las Vegas to Visit Shooting Victims
“This week we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history,” Jason said to the camera in the SNL cold open. “Like everyone I’m struggling to understand what happened that night, and how to pick up the pieces and start to heal.”
Before his performance to simultaneously pay tribute to the late Petty, who died last week of cardiac arrest, Jason gave hope to viewers, adding those who were impacted are our “children, parents, brothers, sisters, friends.”
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“They’re all part of our family,” Jason continues. “I want to say to them, we hurt for you and we hurt with you. You can be sure we’re going to walk through these tough times together, every step of the way. Because when America is at its best, our bond and our spirit, it’s unbreakable.”
A total of 58 victims were killed Sunday (Oct. 1) when a gunman opened fire on the country music festival during Jason’s set.
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After his SNL performance, the “They Don’t Know” singer traveled back to Las Vegas to visit some of the 527 injured in what is now worst mast shooting in modern U.S. history.