Piano Guys say inaugural performance isn't Trump endorsement

ENTERTAINMENT

Piano Guys say inaugural performance isn't Trump endorsement

The Associated Press Published Tuesday, January 17, 2017 7:52AM EST

Band members of The Piano Guys, from left to right, Steven Sharp Nelson, cellist; Jon Schmidt, pianist; Paul Anderson, videographer and Al van der Beek, music producer, promote their upcoming concert during a press conference in Mexico City, Tuesday, July 30, 2013. (AP Photo/Isaac Garrido)

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NEW YORK -- The Piano Guys are saying their decision to perform at an event marking the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump is not a political endorsement.

The Utah-based group, which first found fame on YouTube, is among the few acts to agree to play for the Republican's inaugural celebration.

Numerous musicians have said they turned down offers or changed their minds after initially accepting. Jennifer Holliday was among those who backed away, citing intense criticism from the LGBT community. Others expected to play include the country stars Lee Greenwood and Toby Keith.

Trump will be sworn in Friday.

In a statement issued Monday, the Piano Guys said they weren't honouring an individual politician but hoping to spread "love, joy and hope." They added that they hoped "understanding" and "goodwill" would prevail.