Aldean Makes Appearance on SNL, Pays Tribute

Aldean Pays Tribute to Victims and Tom Petty

Jason Aldean made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” this weekend, less than a week after a gunman opened fire during his set at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, killing 58 people and wounding over 500 others.

“This week we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history. Like everyone I’m struggling to understand what happened that night, and how to pick up the pieces and start to heal,” Jason said “So many people are hurting and they’re our children, parents, brothers, sisters, friends. They’re all part of our family.”

He added, “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.”

Jason and his band then performed the appropriate tune “I Won’t Back Down,” which also served as a tribute to Tom Petty, who passed away Monday at the age of 66. Check out the performance to the right.

  • ONE MORE THING! Following his “SNL” appearance, Jason and his wife Brittany returned to Las Vegas where he visited with some of the survivors of last weekend’s tragedy. “Visiting some of the strongest people we have ever met fighting the toughest battle they’ve  fought for their lives”
  • AND…One person who isn’t too thrilled with Jason’s “SNL” appearance is UFC President Dana White. He tells TMZ he asked Jason to perform the National Anthem at the UFC 216 in Las Vegas Saturday night, an event in which some of the Vegas survivors were planning to attend. White says he was turned down and told Jason was too shaken up and may possibly never perform again. Jason instead went on “SNL.”